We know that visiting the orthodontist for the first time can feel a little nerve-wracking for kids and parents alike. But never fear! Our goal is to make sure your child’s initial appointment at our pediatric practice is welcoming, gentle, and even fun. Here’s an inside look at everything you and your little one can anticipate during that exciting first encounter in our office as we address their one-of-a-kind smile.
Before You Arrive
Leading up to the appointment, encourage your son or daughter to share any hopes or concerns they have so we can help put their mind at ease right off the bat. Explain that the orthodontist is there to learn all about their smile before thinking of ways to help make it healthier, straighter, or more complete over time. Emphasize that there will be nothing painful or scary during this get-to-know-you meeting.
You’ll also want to talk positively about why they are visiting the orthodontist in the first place – perhaps to fix a tooth that seems out of alignment or to consult an expert who can ensure their grown-up grin will make them beam with confidence. Focus on the benefit rather than framing the appointment as “fixing a problem.”
Checking In
When you enter our office, look for our bright mural showcasing photos of real kid patients smiling proudly post-treatment. The images demonstrate firsthand the transformation we help patients achieve. Our front desk staff will warmly check you in for the appointment and offer you both a small welcome gift for being new visitors – perhaps a branded toothbrush, floss, stickers, or bracelet.
As you take a seat in our reception area, your child can thumb through a book or play with toys as we get their digital patient chart set up. Around the corner, our kid-friendly consultation room is filled with more diversions like books, games, and even an iPad available to help them stay occupied during any short wait periods.
The Consultation
When we call your child back for their orthodontic evaluation, you’ll both follow our friendly staff to a cheery consult room decorated just for kids. We’ll take a moment to introduce ourselves, exchange handshakes, and even share an age-appropriate orthodontics joke to lighten the mood!
Then the examination begins as we ask questions about your son or daughter’s oral health history, dental habits, and any tooth troubles that cropped up. We’ll take X-rays as needed of the full mouth, head, and jaw to get an internal view of how the teeth, roots, and bones align and develop. These images help inform the best route for correction whether with braces, retainers, spacers, or other appliances.
Next we conduct a visual inspection of the teeth, gums, and bite alignment. As we take notes about the mouth’s unique anatomy and maturity, we’ll involve your child by showing them their own teeth using a handheld mirror. We’ll use child-friendly language to explain what we see regarding tooth positioning in non-scary terms. If needed, we’ll use dental instruments to measure gaps between teeth and ensure the bite meets properly.
Post-Consultation Discussion
Once the evaluation wraps up, we’ll summarize the next steps for your son or daughter’s custom treatment plan. Together we’ll set expectations around timing, methods, and coordination with their general dentistry check-ups. We’ll answer all questions you have about orthodontic processes or what to expect as you embark upon this exciting journey toward an improved smile in the months ahead.
And of course, no initial appointment is complete without a little parting gift! After all is said and done, your child can select a book, stuffed animal, or new toothbrush to take home as a souvenir from their first orthodontist trip. It’s our small way of saying congratulations on taking this important step forward – we’re so glad to start this journey together!
We hope this inside look provides some insight into what an initial pediatric orthodontics visit entails. More than anything, we want your child’s time spent in our office to be enjoyable, whether at the first appointment or fifteenth. Our team emphasizes open communication and comfort every step of the way. If you have any other questions before you arrive, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We look forward to meeting you!
