FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHEN SHOULD MY CHILD HAVE THEIR FIRST VISIT WITH THE ORTHODONTIST?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first check-up with an orthodontist no later than age 7. By that age, a child will have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, and the orthodontist will be able to recognize orthodontic problems, even in their earliest stages.
If your child is younger than 7, and you notice something that appears “off,” it Is not necessary to wait until your child turns 7 or get a recommendation from your dentist to get a first check-up. If your child is 8 or older, it is not too late for a check-up with an orthodontist.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first check-up with an orthodontist no later than age 7. By that age, a child will have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, and the orthodontist will be able to recognize orthodontic problems, even in their earliest stages.
If your child is younger than 7, and you notice something that appears “off,” it Is not necessary to wait until your child turns 7 or get a recommendation from your dentist to get a first check-up. If your child is 8 or older, it is not too late for a check-up with an orthodontist.
HOW DID MY CHILD DEVELOP ORTHODONTIC PROBLEMS?
Orthodontic issues can be inherited or acquired through habits like thumb-sucking, mouth breathing, dental problems, abnormal swallowing, poor hygiene, or early/late loss of baby teeth.
Orthodontic issues can be inherited or acquired through habits like thumb-sucking, mouth breathing, dental problems, abnormal swallowing, poor hygiene, or early/late loss of baby teeth.
WON'T MY CHILD'S TEETH STRAIGHTEN OUT AS THEY GROW?
Unfortunately, the space for permanent teeth will not increase as your child grows. For most, after the permanent molars come in, there is even less space available for the front teeth, which can lead to orthodontic problems such as protruding or crooked teeth.
Unfortunately, the space for permanent teeth will not increase as your child grows. For most, after the permanent molars come in, there is even less space available for the front teeth, which can lead to orthodontic problems such as protruding or crooked teeth.
SHOULD I WAIT FOR OUR DENTIST TO REFER MY CHILD TO AN ORTHODONTIST?
No. Parents may be the first to realize something is "off" about their child's teeth or jaws. If you have a concern, schedule a consultation with your local orthodontist.
No. Parents may be the first to realize something is "off" about their child's teeth or jaws. If you have a concern, schedule a consultation with your local orthodontist.
WHEN IS THE RIGHT AGE FOR ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT?
There is not one "right" age for orthodontic treatment, but the ideal timing is determined by the type of problem and the child's stage of development.
There is not one "right" age for orthodontic treatment, but the ideal timing is determined by the type of problem and the child's stage of development.
WHAT WILL I LEARN FROM THE FIRST VISIT?
Five essential questions are generally covered during the first exam:
Five essential questions are generally covered during the first exam:
- Is there an orthodontic problem, and if so, what is it?
- What are the options to correct the problem?
- Is there a possibility teeth will need to be removed?
- How long is the recommended treatment expected to take?
- How much will the recommended treatment cost?
WHAT HAPPENS IF AN ORTHODONTIC PROBLEM IS FOUND DURING THE CONSULTATION?
Dr. Tang will talk to you about when it would be most advantageous for you to begin treatment, and they type of treatment that is recommended. For some children, early intervention will be the best course of action, while other children may benefit from waiting until most or all of their permanent teeth are in. Everything depends on the individual and what is best for them.
If Dr. Tang recommends a "wait and see" approach, your child's growth and development will be assessed periodically to determine when the best time to start treatment would be.
Dr. Tang will talk to you about when it would be most advantageous for you to begin treatment, and they type of treatment that is recommended. For some children, early intervention will be the best course of action, while other children may benefit from waiting until most or all of their permanent teeth are in. Everything depends on the individual and what is best for them.
If Dr. Tang recommends a "wait and see" approach, your child's growth and development will be assessed periodically to determine when the best time to start treatment would be.
HOW DO I TURN MY EXPANDER?
To activate the orthodontic palatal expander, insert the key into the hole of the screw, push towards the back of the mouth until you see the next hole appear, then remove the key. Please note that we have no affiliation with the people who made this video (BracesQuestions), and their website seems to be no longer operable.
To activate the orthodontic palatal expander, insert the key into the hole of the screw, push towards the back of the mouth until you see the next hole appear, then remove the key. Please note that we have no affiliation with the people who made this video (BracesQuestions), and their website seems to be no longer operable.