Pediatric dentists are specialized dentists who have completed extra schooling in treating the oral health of children, adolescents, and young adults, who are still growing their adult teeth. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your child’s first visit to the pediatric dentist as soon as your child’s first tooth appears – even if it’s just a baby tooth! If you have questions about when to take your child to the pediatric dentist, here are five tips to help you find the best pediatric dentist near you. Before you make an appointment, it’s important to do your research on local child orthodontists
How old is too old for braces?
You might be wondering when your child is old enough to need braces. The answer, surprisingly, depends on their teeth, not their age. If your child has certain signs of early tooth decay or malocclusion (an improper bite), he or she may need braces before age 10—even though most kids don’t actually get them until much later. See if your pediatric dentist can tell you if your little one is one of those whose teeth need orthodontic care earlier than most.
How to find the best pediatric dentist near me
Many dentists today treat kids. That said, not all are trained in special techniques and equipment designed for children. Here are some tips on how to do just that
What else do I need when finding a good orthodontist near me?
Braces, Invisalign and dental sealants are three of many services that orthodontists specialize in. Of course, all children aren’t candidates for braces and sometimes it’s better to wait than to rush into treatment. A good orthodontist will be able to determine if your child needs braces and inform you if there are other options available to help achieve your goal of straight teeth. The dentist will also be able to recommend an orthodontic sealant, which is clear resin applied on chewing surfaces of permanent molars (6 years or older) that prevents tooth decay between visits. However, it’s important to keep in mind that sealants don’t prevent cavities from forming on any surface; they merely protect areas most at risk.
How do you make sure your child wears his/her retainers regularly?
While I won’t pretend that it’s easy to get kids to follow through with wearing retainers, there are things you can do to increase your chances of success. First, make sure your child is aware of how serious retainers are and how they work. Secondly, be selective about where you go. Be wary of any orthodontists who suggest you stop your child’s braces after just six months or so; most orthodontists will tell you that most children need at least two years of treatment before they can see real results. Finally, don’t hesitate to ask other parents in your area about their experiences with pediatric dentists near me.
Why does my child need an orthodontic checkup after having braces removed?
Asking questions at your child’s first orthodontic visit helps you gather information to make future decisions. Questions should include: What are my treatment options? Is there another option that I haven’t heard of or considered? How long will treatment take? What is your success rate with patients like mine? What are your concerns about my child’s dental health and how can we best prevent them from becoming problems in his/her mouth? How do you keep current on new technology and research? Why should I refer other people to you or your practice?
What other questions should I ask before bringing him/her in for their first checkup with a new orthodontist?
Before you make an appointment with your child’s pediatric dentist, there are two questions you should ask before committing to orthodontic treatment. These questions will give you peace of mind and allow you to assess how well your orthodontist is likely to communicate with your child. You can even use these questions as a litmus test to help you find an orthodontist near me who has experience treating young patients. The first question is simple: How many children have you treated? The more years an orthodontist has spent working directly with children, especially younger ones, typically correlates with better communication and higher patient satisfaction rates.
