First Orthodontic Visit of Your Child - When to Schedule & What to Expect

Early orthodontic treatment is your best bet when it comes to the alignment of your child’s teeth. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, children should undergo a dental check-up before turning 7 years old. Early detection of the problem enables an uncomplicated and inexpensive treatment.

Why at the age of 7? It is a perfect age as the children have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. It will be easy for the dentist or the orthodontist to spot the malocclusions. Also, it would be best if you did not ignore any signs and symptoms of an underlying dental problem.

If your child faces any of the following 10 symptoms, you shouldn’t delay your child’s first dental check-up with a trusted orthodontist.

1. Early or late loss of baby teeth
2. Problem in chewing or biting
3. Habits such as thumb sucking
4. Missing Teeth Syndrome
5. Misaligned, protruding, crowded, or misplacedteeth
6. Overbite, underbite or crossbite
7. Clenching or grinding teeth leading to TMJ disorders
8. Slight speech problems
9. Crooked teeth
10. Facial asymmetry

You can refer to the below-mentioned checklist of the primary 8 procedures to be performed during the first orthodontic examination of your child.

1. Medical History of your Child

After the initial introduction, the orthodontist will ask you for your child’s medical history. This may include any persisting oral problem, previous X-rays, andconsultations. This kind of case history is mandatory to form a treatment path suitable for your child. They might also enquire from you about any hereditary dental issues in your family.

2. Oral Examination & X-ray

The oral examination will be conducted on a dental chair. They will examine the teeth of your child with the help of a torch and various other equipment. They will ask to bite and smile to detect any bite issue. They will also use 3D photographs and x-ray of the jaw and teeth to examine properly.

3. The Findings of the Examination

After a thorough examination, the orthodontist will reach a conclusion. They will let you know if your child has any present oral issue or any possibility of malocclusions in the future. They might tell you at the same time. Or else you might need to do another orthodontic visit to know the final reports of your child.

4. Treatment Options in Detail

Technological advancement has greatly benefited the field of dentistry. There are so many options nowadays apart from the good old braces. There are simpler devices like retainers, Invisalign, expanders, etc., which can treat manydental issues. If your child’s case can be treated with multiple treatments, your orthodontist will provide you with options.

5. Duration of the Treatment

The advanced treatment methods generally come with lesser duration. But your child must be fit for those treatments. It is a possibility that your child’s case can be handled by traditional braces only. If the orthodontist suggests multiple options, ask for the ease of treatment along with duration. Afterward, you can decide the treatment according to your priority.

6. Cost of the Treatment

Here also you should act according to your priority. You can also enquire if there is any finance or EMI facility available for expensive treatments. But don’t compromise the quality of the treatment for the cost. It should be noted that early orthodontic treatment is usually lighter on your pocket compared to the treatment starting at a later stage.

7. Detailed Treatment Plan & Aftercare

Now that you’ve finalized the treatment, your orthodontist will educate you and your child about the treatment method in detail. They will tell you the number of visits required to the clinic, the amount of pain or discomfort involved in the treatment, and most importantly, the homecare and aftercare. They might also give you some literature to study in detail.

8. Next Appointment Schedule

Once your child is done with the first orthodontic examination, you will be provided with an appointment for the beginning of the treatment. Your child’s first step towards a healthy and bright smile!

Key Takeaway!

The first orthodontic visit is painless and hassle-free.Thus, don’t ignore oral problems like crooked teeth, bite issues, and other symptoms mentioned above. It’s essential for your child’s dental health, overall wellbeing, and self-confidence.