By Justin Kohl It’s normal for many people to fear the dentist, so it only makes sense that the orthodontist can be even more nerve-racking, especially when considering orthodontics for children. We’re here to, hopefully, assuage some of your fears before coming in and make your child feel as comfortable as possible when they come through our doors. Here’s what to expect at your child’s first orthodontist visit.
Before the Appointment
A major cause of anxiety and fear of dental professionals stems from a fear of the unknown. If you want to help yourself and your child both feel more assured, then you should consider what questions you have about the orthodontist or any potential needs your child may have. Knowing what you want to ask develops a plan and helps you and your child feel more prepared ahead of time.
The first thing to expect at your child’s first orthodontist visit is an examination to determine what kind of treatment your child needs—braces, retainers, expanders, etc.—but your child shouldn’t have to worry about being thrown into some lengthy or complex procedure on the first appointment. The orthodontist will be sure to tell you what treatment is necessary, explain the process, and detail steps that will be taken to ensure your child does not experience pain or discomfort during such procedures.
Preparing Your Child
While you might have prepared yourself and your questions, your child may not even know where to begin. Even though you may not know what kind of treatment your child will require, you can walk them through the basics of how the appointment will, in theory, go. Highlighting the individual steps of introductions to saying goodbye can help put your child’s mind at ease since they feel like they can anticipate events while at the orthodontist. Furthermore, it’s a good idea to highlight the benefits an orthodontist can provide them, focusing instead on the end result rather than treatments like braces or retainers. If you want to go the extra mile, give your child something to look forward to after the appointment as a reward.
Understand Your Options
While most kids will need to go through braces and other forms of dental correction, advancements have given them more options than traditional wire and metal braces. For example, clear aligners are a more comfortable and subtle approach that helps to reduce feelings of self-consciousness and discomfort as well as being removable for easier cleaning. When you’re at the appointment, we recommend asking your child’s orthodontist what all their options are.