The first visit is for an orthodontic oral examination to determine if there is an orthodontic problem and if treatment is indicated. We will discuss the extent of the orthodontic problem, the best time to start treatment and roughly the cost involved. As a courtesy to your referring dentist, there is no fee for this initial appointment.
The first time your child sees the orthodontist, you will get to meet the orthodontist and some of the staff members. After your arrival, you and your child will be escorted to an area where the orthodontist will do the exam. Your child will be seated in a comfortable dental chair, and the orthodontist may turn on overhead lights to get a good look at and in your child’s mouth.
The orthodontist will use a small hand-held mirror to gently pull your child’s cheek away the teeth for better viewing, and to look at the backs of upper teeth. Your child will be asked to bite down so the orthodontist can observe how the top and bottom teeth come together, and evaluate the positions of the upper and lower jaws. A staff member may take notes about what the orthodontist finds.
This visit is the time for the orthodontist to listen to concerns that the parent and the child may have, and to answer questions such as whether treatment is needed, when treatment should begin, and the type of treatment that is recommended. If no problem is found, the orthodontist may suggest periodic visits so that your child’s growth and development can be monitored, and ensure that permanent teeth are coming in at the right time and in the right sequence.