If your child complains of gum or teeth pain — It could be an alignment issue. An orthodontist can help you resolve this common dental problem quickly.   

Visiting one is the most effective way to resolve your child’s discomfort. They can tell you everything about the best treatment for your kids’ developing teeth.

Choosing the Right Orthodontist

Do your research by asking family and friends for referrals. Also, go online to read reviews.

Make the discussion easy for your child to relate to by making it more relatable. For instance, if you live in Southern California, and your local dentist in Riverside has children who also go to the same school as your child, weave that into your conversation.

Also, consider your child’s feelings when you take them to the dentist. Your child’s perceptions of their dentists can significantly impact their experience. Since children have strong preferences and perceptions of their dentists, you must find a dentist that they like and trust.

When Should Your Child First Visit an Orthodontist? 

Once you’ve chosen the right dentist based on your research, make an appointment. Children should have their first orthodontic exam around age seven, and they lose many of their primary teeth at this age, and permanent teeth are starting to come in. If you see an orthodontist early, you can identify and fix any alignment issues.

Early orthodontic treatment can also minimize the need for extensive corrective measures in the future. 

How Often Does Your Child Need to See the Dentist? 

If there aren’t any immediate concerns with your child’s dental development, they will likely only need to see their dentist every six months like other patients. However, if they require some form of treatment (such as braces), they may need more frequent visits—typically every four weeks or so—to ensure the braces are adjusted correctly and on track toward achieving the desired results. 

What Happens During an Orthodontic Appointment? 

Your child will receive a comprehensive examination during each visit. This check-up includes checking for any problems with the bite (occlusion) and assessing changes in tooth alignment and jaw growth. The dentist may also take X-rays to identify impacted teeth or crowding issues. Depending on the type of treatment necessary, the dentist may take impressions to fabricate appliances such as retainers or space maintainers.

What Type of Orthodontic Braces Does Your Child Need? 

These are some of the most common: 

Metal braces: The brackets are made from stainless steel or a combination of metals and are attached to each tooth by an archwire. Since they were first introduced, they’ve gotten smaller. This not only makes them more comfortable but also less noticeable.

Ceramic Braces: These look like metal braces but instead use ceramic brackets that blend in with the color of your teeth, making them less visible than metal braces. The downside is that ceramic brackets are larger than metal ones and can be more easily damaged if not cared for properly. 

Invisalign: These are newer orthodontic braces that use clear plastic aligners instead of traditional metal or ceramic brackets. These aligners fit snugly over your teeth like a retainer or mouthguard and gradually move them into their correct positions over time. The main advantage of Invisalign is that they are virtually invisible.  In fact, no one will know you’re wearing them unless you tell them.     

Schedule Regular Appointments for Your Child         

Regular visits are essential for orthodontic care for your kids. You should see a dentist regularly if you want them to maintain healthy smiles for the rest of their lives. Your kids can get results faster and easier by visiting the dentist regularly.