Important Reasons to Attend an Orthodontic Consultation for Your Child
If your child is at least seven years old, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends scheduling a visit to see an orthodontist. By this point, most children have a mix of primary and permanent teeth. That makes it easier to diagnose and correct orthodontic problems your child might be experiencing. Not every parent feels it necessary to go to an orthodontic consultation, however. Still, there are some compelling reasons to attend an orthodontic consultation for your child.
Get to Know the Orthodontist
As a parent, it’s up to you to choose the professionals who will be involved in your child’s healthcare. Attending an orthodontic consultation is one of the best ways to get to know an orthodontist so you can decide if they’re a good fit for both you and your child. Both of you will be able to tell quickly if the orthodontist’s bedside manner and general approach are something you’re likely to be comfortable with. Given how much trust goes into a successful orthodontic relationship, this reason alone should be enough to indicate how important the initial consultation can be.
Learn About Treatment Options
While there is often quite a lot of overlap between orthodontists, they don’t all offer the same treatment options. Learning about the treatment options they offer and what they recommend for your child is another critical reason why attending an orthodontic consultation for your child matters. Together with your child, you can discuss your goals and determine what treatments make the most sense for your circumstances.
Understand What to Expect
Not everyone spends all of their time thinking about orthodontics and the procedures involved. That’s our job, after all. As such, not everyone knows the ins and outs of what to expect for different procedures and treatments. An orthodontic consultation is a perfect opportunity for you and your child to ask the orthodontist all of the questions you have. You should walk away with a much better understanding of what to expect in regards to treatments, adjustments, and future maintenance.
Even if you don’t think orthodontic treatment is strictly necessary for your child, it’s still a good idea to attend an orthodontic consultation. The orthodontist may identify potential problems that you may not have been aware of. Some may be simple to treat if they’re addressed early enough, but you’ll never know if you don’t go. At a minimum, attending a consultation can give you an idea of what you and your child can expect in the future.
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