Many well-meaning parents think that their child’s dental or bite misalignments are “merely” aesthetic concerns. But these problems can contribute to jaw aches and stiffness or make it harder to keep their teeth clean, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Fortunately, your child’s orthodontist offers a variety of services to help correct the position of their teeth and jawbone, helping them build a happy, healthy smile. Their initial visit is the perfect opportunity to ask any questions you may have about their current condition or suggested solutions. Continue reading to learn 3 things to inquire about during your child’s visit!
Question #1: What Treatments Do You Recommend?
Every child’s smile is as unique as they are, so your pediatric orthodontist can’t provide a treatment recommendation until after they’ve examined your little one’s teeth to gain a better understanding of what’s required.
For example, some youths start showing signs of structural dental misalignments as early as 7 years old that can affect how their mouth grows and develops, which can often be corrected with Phase 1 orthodontics. Meanwhile, some children can wait until their teen years to get braces or clear aligners to straighten their grins. Your family’s provider can share more detailed information based on your kid’s individual circumstances.
Question #2: What Changes are Needed to Maintain My Child’s Orthodontics?
Different orthodontic services require certain changes to prevent damage. For example, if your child needs traditional braces, they’ll have to avoid overly hard, crunchy, or sticky foods. You might also need to purchase special cleaning supplies or accessories, like interproximal brushes to clean around the brackets and wires, or dental wax to cover sharp corners of brackets or wires.
Your pediatric orthodontist can provide all the care instructions you need to help your kid stay on track with their treatment plan and complete it on time.
Question #3: Do You Accept Dental Insurance?
The cost of orthodontics can add up quickly, and it’s only natural to wonder whether your dental insurance policy will contribute. Many plans do include at least partial coverage for orthodontics, especially if they’re deemed medically necessary to protect or preserve your child’s dental health.
But every policy and provider is different, and there are no guarantees, so it’s worth inquiring during your first visit to your child’s pediatric orthodontist. They can let you know whether they accept insurance and, if so, which policies might be considered in- our out-of-network. If they don’t take insurance, you can also inquire about flexible financing or other ways to help make your kid’s treatment more affordable.
Thankfully, most pediatric orthodontists understand that parents have plenty of questions and are happy to take the time to provide as much information as your family needs to feel confident and comfortable moving forward!
About the Practice
Patients at Newpark Mall Family Dentistry and Orthodontics benefit from two experts who are passionate about helping kids and teens build and maintain beautifully straight smiles to improve their dental health and boost their self-esteem. Dr. Quach, an accomplished general dentist, collaborates with Dr. Adriana, a board-certified pediatric dentist, to offer a complete menu of services, including orthodontics, to meet all your child’s oral healthcare needs. Their caring approach is paired with advanced technology to deliver more accurate, comfortable results intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (510) 796-8888.