Orthodontics is an effective dental treatment for adults and children. It helps orthodontists identify potential dental issues and treat them before they get severe. If you plan to take your child to Pendleton Orthodontics for the first time, a lot of questions will be lingering in your mind, such as:
- How will they handle the treatment?
- What do you need before the visit?
- Will it prevent your child’s future dental problems completely?
- What can you expect during the initial consultation and treatment?
Here is what you need to know about this field of medicine.
What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that diagnoses, prevents, maintains, and corrects misaligned teeth and jaws. In other words, they are braces that correct uneven bite patterns, modifying facial growth. When these conditions are left untreated, the patient is a risk of having speech impairments, tooth loss, digestive issues, gum disease, and tooth decay.
How your child can benefit from orthodontics
1. Improved confidence
When your child struggles with speech or has any dental problem mentioned above, their self-esteem can easily be compromised. Their insecurities about how their teeth look can make them hate their smiles. Luckily, braces are quick solutions to correcting insecurities. As they grow up, they learn to appreciate their smiles more.
2. Improved speech
Most people link kids’ speech impairment to their tongues and teeth. While these two might be the cause, they could be because of misaligned jaws. Orthodontics can improve their speech, fortunately.
3. Prevents tooth decay
Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean than the latter. Orthodontics can help your child have an easy time brushing and flossing their teeth, preventing poor oral hygiene.
4. Prevents teeth grinding
Has your child complained of headaches or neck pain? Teeth grinding could be the cause. Most probably, there is an unaligned jaw causing this. Your child might develop chronic head and neck pain if left uncorrected through braces.
What to expect before and during orthodontics treatment
Typically, you will accompany your child to their first orthodontic visit, which is the lead-up to their exam. They might initially develop dental anxiety, but try to keep them calm. You can do so by enlightening them about the benefits.
Most dental facilities will introduce you to the orthodontics team to help familiarize you with what will occur. Most likely, they will examine your child by taking x-rays of their mouth and teeth. Afterward, they will tailor a treatment plan that suits your child. Feel free to ask the questions above for clarification.
The team might require you to complete paperwork showing your child’s medical history. That will help them determine if they have had dental problems before. Next, they will use technologically advanced scanning equipment to inspect their mouth. Finally, they will tailor the best treatment plan depending on the results.
Book an appointment with a board-certified orthodontist
Your child’s smile should be one of the reasons for melting your heart. If they have any of these problems, make sure you take them to an orthodontist for treatment to boost their confidence. Schedule an appointment online with your board-certified orthodontist to preserve your child’s smile.
