Visiting the orthodontist for the first time can give you butterflies!
That’s true for kids and the parents who love them.
We get it. After all, not everyone grew up with orthodontic treatment. You might not know what to expect with braces, and may think of the dentist as the “closest thing.” Orthodontists and dentists work to help you enjoy the best oral health, but there are some important differences.
And what about the kids? Well, they could be a little bit skittish, too. Going to the family orthodontist might feel a little like “going to the doctor,” and that gives many kids nerves. Dr. Beauchamp makes it easy and fun, but it’ll still take a little while for kids to really know they’re okay and safe.
Here’s where you come in: the more you learn about the first appointment, the better!
If you already know that your favorite little one might worry about a Port Orange orthodontic visit, you can help set young minds at ease by knowing exactly what you’re getting into. Talk to kids about the orthodontist a week or so before the appointment to help them get used to it. As the day gets closer, you can review with them.
So, today we’re here so you can see exactly what to expect!
Here’s a step-by-step walk-through of exactly how a first orthodontic appointment will go:
1. Set Your Appointment
First things first, this is the part kids will never have to worry about, but we know it makes a big difference to adults! We make it easy to get even a first-ever orthodontist appointment. You can book your consultation online in just a few seconds. You can also choose to fill out your first-time intake paperwork before your visit.
At Beauchamp Orthodontics, we’ll always give you the personalized attention you deserve. At the same time, we know how important it is to keep your busy schedule clear. We offer same-day braces to get you started in treatment as soon as your initial evaluation confirms that you can benefit from care.
2. Orthodontic Evaluation
Every first orthodontist visit in Port Orange startswith a complete orthodontic exam. After all, we need to be sure if an orthodontic problem exists and what treatment it will respond to. If any issue is found, nearly every orthodontic concern gets better with metal braces.
An orthodontic check-up only takes a few minutes, and all you have to do is sit tight while Dr. Beauchamp takes a close look at the teeth and gums. Lights, mirrors, and other tools might be used to ensure that everything gets seen clearly. After that, it’s time to move to one of the most exciting parts!
3. Mouth And Teeth Imaging
Before starting with orthodontic treatment, it’s crucial to make sure you’ve got good images of the teeth. Why? First, it helps Dr. Beauchamp double-check and make absolutely sure you get the best care possible. Second, it’s a great way to compare where you are now to where you end up after a few months of the right care.
These days, most in-mouth imaging is done using sophisticated digital cameras. These produce excellent images and can even draw attention to things that are hard to see with the unassisted eye. In some cases, these images are supplemented with a 3D impression of the teeth made by biting down on a physical material.
What Happens If A Kid Needs Braces? Two-Phase Treatment Is The Answer
You’ve probably heard that kids’ braces evaluation should be done around age seven.
“That seems awfully young,” some parents tell us. “They don’t even have their adult teeth yet!”
It’s true! And that’s the secret: seven might seem early, but for kids who need orthodontic treatment, it helps assure they get the best results. The secret behind it is what we call two-phase treatment.
In two-phase treatment, an orthodontic expander is used to gently stretch the soft palate. That way, we can be extra sure that when those permanent teeth come in, there’ll be plenty of space for them!
(When there’s not enough space, it leads to painful “impacted” teeth. Ouch!)
From kids to adults, we’re here for you no matter where you are in your treatment journey. As a board-certified Central Florida orthodontist, Dr. Beauchamp is second to none when it comes to quality of care. (And, psst: we even make going to the orthodontist fun for your kids!)
The sooner you get started with orthodontic care, the faster you can get results. So schedule your braces consultation today! We look forward to meeting you.
