If you’ve recently decided to seek out orthodontic treatment for your child, you’ve probably got a lot of things on your mind—after all, this is a pretty big commitment! You’re going to want to stay well-informed about everything that happens before, during, and following this process—and your pediatric orthodontist is ready to assist you! Here are five questions you should keep in mind prior to your child’s first orthodontic appointment so that when you show up, you can receive all of the answers you need and feel totally confident about embarking down this path with your little one.
“What Treatment Options Are Available?”
During your child’s first appointment, their orthodontist will review all of the available solutions that they offer and determine which is best for your little one, following a comprehensive examination of their smile. There are several treatment options capable of addressing a wide scope of issues; traditional metal braces are a tried-and-true solution, as are ceramic alternatives, but in recent years, clear aligners have also become increasingly popular.
“How Long Will Treatment Last?”
There is no specific answer here, as the orthodontic treatment timeline varies from patient to patient. A few factors that influence the duration of treatment include the type of orthodontics being utilized, the age of the patient, and the patient’s compliance with treatment. Generally, treatment is completed within one or two years, but some young children benefit from multiple treatment phases.
“Are There Specific Foods My Child Needs to Avoid?”
Orthodontic treatment is notorious for being accompanied by a long list of dietary restrictions, and if you want your child’s treatment to be successful, you should ensure that they avoid problematic foods. It’s worth noting that metal braces have more strict restrictions since they can’t be removed as clear aligners can; however, you should still encourage your child to show caution—popcorn, hard or chewy types of candy, and other similar items can potentially damage orthodontic appliances.
“Is Orthodontic Treatment Painful?”
While there might be some temporary discomfort or irritation when braces or some other type of orthodontic appliance is first placed, this feeling shouldn’t last. You can help your child adjust to wearing orthodontics by providing them with means of alleviating this discomfort; saltwater rinses, over-the-counter pain relievers, and applying orthodontic wax to protruding wires or brackets are helpful habits.
“How Much Will Treatment Cost?”
The cost of orthodontic care also depends heavily on the type of treatment being utilized, as well as the overall duration of the treatment timeline. That said, since there’s so much variance when it comes to the cost of orthodontic care, many practices work with several insurance providers and also offer payment options to help alleviate the financial burden that orthodontics sometimes poses.
Knowledge is power—and by knowing exactly what you should ask your child’s orthodontist during their first visit, you can ensure that you’re well-informed and set up to expertly assist your child throughout their orthodontic journey.
About the Practice
The team at G&G Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics is thrilled to provide an exceptional level of care for families in the Naperville, IL area. Under the leadership of the awesome husband-wife duo of Dr. Cory and Dr. Nicole, the practice offers a wide range of pediatric dental and orthodontic services that are certain to help your loved one achieve a radiantly bright and healthy smile. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to arrange a visit for your little one, feel free to contact the practice online or by phone for assistance. Telephone: (630) 778-9500.
