Your Child’s First Orthodontist Visit in Portland
If your child needs orthodontic care, including braces or Invisalign®, they’re not alone. Most kids and teens require treatment to correct orthodontic issues, from crooked and crowded teeth to alignment problems. At Sprout Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we make orthodontic treatment a comfortable and stress-free experience for your child. Our expert team is here to make every step of the process as smooth as possible for you and your child.
When to Schedule Your Child’s First Orthodontist Visit
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that kids have their first visit to an orthodontist at the age of seven. That way, your orthodontist can identify potential issues and intervene before they become a more significant concern. At this age, children usually have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, allowing orthodontists to assess how the teeth are coming in and how the jaw is developing.
While the first visit to a pediatric orthodontist is recommended at age seven, your child’s orthodontic treatment won’t begin until adolescence. Most permanent teeth have come in by adolescence, making it easier to align them properly.
Full-Service Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics at One Location
Choosing Sprout Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics as your child’s dental home means their dental and orthodontic care happens under one roof. You’ll work with the same team from your child’s first visit to when they’re ready to head off to college.
Dealing with the same team of professionals allows you to form long-term relationships and ensure the continuity of your child’s care. Continuity of care means our staff will know your child’s unique dental history and needs, which can lead to better, more personalized care over time.
Other great benefits of having your child’s dental and orthodontic needs taken care of in the same facility include the following:
Ease of Transportation
You can schedule orthodontic and dental exams for the same day and minimize the number of trips to our office. This benefit is hugely convenient for busy parents, especially if you have more than one child.
Coordination Between Dentist and Orthodontist
Our pediatric dentists and orthodontists are part of one big team. That means we work together to provide your child optimal care and ensure their oral health stays on track. Our two teams communicate directly, allowing them to share important information about your child’s dental development and treatment progress. This coordination ensures that all aspects of your child’s care are aligned and that any necessary treatment adjustments can be made promptly.
What to Expect at Your Child’s First Visit to an Orthodontist
It’s common for your child to be a little nervous about their first visit to a pediatric orthodontist. However, we aim to put any fears to rest during your child’s first orthodontist appointment.
Here’s how we make that happen:
Office Tour
If this is your first visit to our pediatric dental office, we’ll begin with a tour of the facility. This initial tour helps familiarize your child with the environment, making it less intimidating. During the tour, your child will see where they will be treated, including the waiting area, treatment rooms and possibly even where other kids are receiving care. This openness can help reduce anxiety.
Meeting the Staff
You’ll also meet the professionals responsible for your child’s care and make your child feel comfortable. Our friendly staff will introduce themselves and explain their roles in the orthodontic process, helping to build trust and rapport.
Complementary Orthodontic Consultation
After the tour and introductions, you’ll meet with our orthodontist, Dr. Paul Fox, for a consultation. These early consults will help us determine the extent of your child’s orthodontic needs and determine a course of action. To aid this process, you can expect the following:
- A thorough examination of your child’s teeth and jaw.
- Photographs and X-rays of your child’s teeth and mouth to better understand their dental structure.
After these steps, the orthodontist will offer a diagnosis and present an individualized treatment plan for your kid. You’ll also discuss different teeth straightening options available to you and your child (clear aligners like Invisalign vs. braces), costs, insurance coverage and estimated length of time for orthodontic treatment.
In addition, the orthodontist can address your questions or concerns to help you better understand the process, alleviate fears and build confidence in the treatment plan. Once you’ve decided on a course of action, the next appointment will involve setting your child up with braces or clear aligners.
Our priority is that you walk away from this first orthodontist appointment, utterly comfortable with the decision made. We want you and your child to have all the knowledge you need about the process and feel ready to move forward.
Schedule Your First Orthodontist Visit Today
At Sprout Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we welcome young patients throughout Portland, Oregon, to receive top-notch orthodontic services. It all starts with that very first orthodontist visit. Even if you’re unsure if your child requires orthodontic treatment, schedule your first appointment today to learn more, or call us at 503-477-9911.