The minute you notice anything out of the ordinary with your child’s teeth or their bite, you need to go out and find yourself a great children’s orthodontist. As a parent, you know firsthand how important it is to track down someone who wont only give your kid a beautiful smile, but also makes the whole process as painless as possible for both you and your little one.
Its a fact that taking care of kids teeth is a whole lot different from taking care of grown ups teeth – and that means finding someone who actually knows what they are doing with those growing smiles of theirs makes a huge difference. We see a lot of parents getting stressed out about finding good care in their area – especially when they are trying to find someone in their own neighborhood. The good news is that if you go about it the right way, you can find an awesome children’s orthodontist who will actually care about your child’s teeth.
First up, I always advise parents to look for a practice that specializes in working with kids only. Kids have very specific needs – whether its their jaws growing at the right rate or how comfy they feel during visits – and an orthodontist who only sees kids is going to be a whole lot better equipped to deal with that. You’ll also want someone who is good at early intervention, growth guidance and treatment planning that’s tailored to the child’s age – and that’s not to mention creating a space that’s actually nice for kids to be in.
Location is pretty high up on the list of things to think about – especially since getting your teeth sorted can take a long time and needs lots of repeat visits. If you can find a children’s orthodontist close by, then its way easier to get your child in for regular check ins and appointments without having to deal with the hassle of getting to and from the orthodontist’s office. Plus, when you’re close by, its way easier to stick to the treatment plan and get the best results possible.
We always say to parents to go and meet with a few potential orthodontists before making a final decision. Have a look at how the team interacts with your kid. Do they use language that makes sense to a kid when they are explaining what’s going on? Does your kid seem happy and interested? That will really give you a feel for whether this practice is right for your family. Invisalign Teen gives younger patients a flexible and comfortable way to straighten their teeth. The aligners are nearly invisible, easy to wear, and perfect for active teens. Invisalign Teen also includes wear indicators that help track progress throughout treatment.
Things have changed a lot in the world of orthodontics over the past few years – there are new technologies and treatment options popping up all the time. A good kids orthodontist is going to have all sorts of options to choose from, and will be able to tell you which one is right for your child. Some kids do great with the traditional metal braces, while others will do better with newer options like clear aligners that are designed specifically for kids. Early orthodontic treatment identifies bite or spacing issues before they become more complex. By starting early, we can guide jaw growth and create space for permanent teeth. Early treatment promotes a healthy, balanced smile that lasts.
Here at Marrecau Orthodontics, we always try to put together treatment plans that are way more than just treating the problem at hand – we take into account the long term health and growth needs of your child’s smile too. We find that this forward-thinking approach leads to way better results, and its possible that you might not need as much treatment down the line.
Every family has got to think about the cost and what their insurance will cover. A lot of orthodontic practices have payment plans that are super flexible and will work with lots of different insurance companies to make treatment more affordable. Most orthodontists actually totally get that orthodontic care is a big commitment, and want to help families find ways to make it work within their budget – so don’t be afraid to ask about it when you are in the office.
Lastly, as a parent, trust your instincts. The right kids orthodontist is going to make you and your child feel safe and at peace the whole time. When you find the perfect mix of knowledge, convenience and genuine care for your child, you’ll know you’ve found the right orthodontist for your family.