When you start searching for an orthodontist near me, you’re probably “bracing” yourself for a difficult experience. Even after you choose the best practitioner for the job, preparing for your child’s orthodontic work can be challenging. Your experience will go more smoothly if you follow your practitioner’s directions and advice. While that advice might differ from one doctor to another, there are certain suggestions that many share. Here are five things your orthodontist will want you to know as you begin this process.
1. Don’t Do It Yourself
With the costs associated with getting braces, you may wonder if there’s a cheaper option to straighten your child’s teeth. The benefits of orthodontics performed by a trained doctor are far higher than the cost — especially when you consider that many people have hurt themselves or damaged their mouths using self-treatment options.
Save yourself and your child time, energy, and pain: go to the orthodontist.
2. Don’t Ignore Early Signs
At around seven or eight years old, your child’s mouth will be well-formed enough for an orthodontist to determine if he or she will need treatment down the road. If you schedule a check-up before all of the adult teeth have come in, you may be able to catch problems and plan early treatment, which will help reduce time in braces later.
3. Don’t Dismiss Straight Teeth
You may think that if your child’s teeth look straight, there’s no need to think about braces or correction. Orthodontists do a lot more than give your kid a cute smile, though. The goal is functionality, which means that even straight teeth may need correction if they don’t fit together well. Get them checked to be on the safe side.
4. Don’t Assume Braces Are The Answer
Braces and orthodontists usually go hand in hand, but the range of treatment options extends further. Many times, an orthodontist might recommend a different option to allow the child’s teeth to fit in his or her mouth correctly. Your doctor won’t force you to buy your child braces if they aren’t the best solution.
5. Don’t Skip Out
Orthodontics is a time commitment as much as anything else. If you skip appointments during the process, then you’ll be the one to blame if it takes longer than you’d like. Encourage your child to follow the orthodontist’s instructions, too; don’t let them skip out on proper brushing or wearing their retainer once the braces come off.
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