5 Things to Know When Booking an Appointment with a Child Orthodontist

If you have a child experiencing dental issues, it might be time to talk with an orthodontist. An orthodontist is a dentist whose focus is on diagnosing and treating dental irregularities such as underbites, crowding, crossbites, jaw problems, and other dental issues. 

Child orthodontist have the necessary training to provide various treatments, from braces to retainers and other treatments. Before booking an appointment for your child, here are a few things to know:

1. Orthodontists Are Dentists, but Not Every Dentist Is an Orthodontist

There are two types of dental professionals in the world—the first being orthodontists who have completed their studies in university and received a degree in orthodontics. 

Orthodontists go through additional courses to train in treatment with braces, retainers, headgear, and other dental procedures. The dentist who provides dental implants in modesto happens to be knowledgeable in orthodontics as well, so you may check them out. The second type of dentist is general dentists who have studied at a college to receive their degree in dental surgery or dental medicine before beginning their practice. 

General dentists provide patients with cleanings and check-ups, but they cannot diagnose more severe issues like crowded teeth, underbites, or overcrowding.

2. The Younger, the Child, the Better it is to Receive Treatment

The younger your child is, the easier it will be to correct their misaligned teeth without causing any damage to their jaw. If you are looking for clinically proven ways to straighten your child’s teeth in adulthood, it is best for them to receive treatment as early as possible to avoid potential complications.

3. Child Orthodontists Can Also Make Your Child’s Teeth Look Great!

Orthodontics is not only there for children with severe dental issues; it can also give them a more attractive smile. Orthodontists can provide children with significant gaps between their teeth, underbites, crooked teeth, or small teeth the smile they’ve always wanted. 

You may have a few different dental options regarding treatment time depending on how old your child is when they receive braces or other appliances. The great thing about orthodontists is that they can transform your child’s teeth and smile using various techniques.

4. There Are Several Options for Correcting Dental Issues

No two individuals are the same, so there are many different options available to patients when it comes time to correct their teeth. 

Orthodontists use different tools depending on what will work best for their patient’s individual needs. Some of the devices used by orthodontists may include:

• Braces (metal or clear)
• Retainers (both removable and fixed)
• Headgear
• Space maintainers

5. It’s Never Too Early to Call an Orthodontist

Be sure to contact your orthodontist as soon as you notice any dental irregularities in your child. Delay in getting dental care can lead to severe problems requiring multiple types of treatment to fix. 

By calling an orthodontist as soon as possible, you will ensure that they can correct the issue before it becomes worse or more challenging to treat.

Final Thoughts

Orthodontists provide patients with treatments and procedures that deal with the teeth and jaw. If you’re confused about whether your child is ready to see an orthodontist, be sure to contact the best local orthodontist as soon as possible. The dental expert will assess your child’s dental health and recommend the best course of action.