How to Prepare Kids for Their First Orthodontic Visit

A child's first orthodontic appointment is a big step, and it's so crucial that it can shape their feelings about dental care for many years to come. As a parent, you play an important role in making sure the experience is as positive and comfortable as possible. You could even make it quite exciting, so let's show you everything you need to know so that you are armed (to the teeth) for preparing kids for their first orthodontic visit, from what to expect, how to talk to your child, and how to ensure that you set the stage for a successful orthodontic journey.

Why the First Orthodontic Visit Is Important

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic consultation by the age of seven, even if no obvious dental issues are present. At this age, most children have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, and an orthodontist can identify potential alignment or growth problems before they become more complex, making this the ideal time to detect subtle issues with jaw growth and emerging teeth. There are many benefits of early evaluation:

• With early detection, orthodontists can identify issues such as crowding, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and jaw misalignments before they become more severe.
• Some problems are easier to correct if they're caught early, such as guiding jaw growth or correcting harmful oral habits, like thumb sucking, which are much simpler during childhood.
• Even if no treatment is needed immediately, the orthodontist can monitor your child's development and, if necessary, determine the best time to start treatment.
• Early intervention can sometimes prevent the need for more invasive procedures later, such as tooth extractions or jaw surgery. 

It's important to know that the first orthodontic visit is typically just a consultation, which means no procedures, no pain, and no need to worry about anything happening unexpectedly. The main goal of a kid’s first orthodontic appointment is to get to know your child, assess their dental development, and answer your questions.

Explaining the Visit to Your Child

Sometimes, as parents, we think that withholding information from our children is the best course of action, but we have to remember that children are naturally curious. Any new experience, inclding visiting an orthodontist, can cause a lot of anxiety if they don't know what to expect, so what can you do to help? 

Simple Language

Using simple and positive language is a great way to start, avoiding words that might sound scary, such as “drill,” “shot,” or even “procedure.” For example, saying, “The orthodontist is a special dentist who makes sure your teeth grow straight and healthy. They'll look at your teeth and maybe just take some pictures.”

Go Through the Steps Together 

• Prior to the first visit, explain that you'll go to a friendly office where people will greet you and ask you to sit in a big, comfy chair. 
• During the visit, the orthodontist will count your teeth, look at your smile, and may use a tiny camera or take X-rays. The orthodontist will talk about your teeth and how they are growing. 
• After the visit, you can tell your child they'll get to ask any questions, and we'll talk about what comes next. 

What's important to remember is to focus on comfort and safety, and let your child know that the visit is just to look and talk, and nothing will hurt. They may be concerned about the X-ray part, but you can explain that it's like taking a special picture of their teeth, and it doesn't hurt at all. 

You can also highlight the benefits of going and explain how straight teeth help with things like chewing, talking, and making their smile even nicer than it already is. It's also worth pointing out that it's not just something they have to go through, because if your child knows someone else with braces or aligners, you can use this as an opportunity to mention that lots of children go through this and it's a normal part of growing up.

Making the Visit Fun

A positive first experience can set the tone, not just for this visit, but for your child's entire dental journey. Here are a few things to consider to make your child's first orthodontic appointment enjoyable:

• Let your child choose a comforting item, whether it's a favorite stuffed animal, book, or game, because having something familiar can help them feel secure in a new environment. Plus, it can help anchor their attention in the moment so they won't fixate on noises they're hearing in the office, and their anxieties won't escalate.
• Turn the day into a special occasion, not just around the appointment. After the appointment, you could go for ice cream, visit the playground, or watch a favorite movie together, and make sure your child chooses the activity as a reward for their bravery.
• Before the journey, you could make the car ride or walk a bit more fun by playing their favorite music or a game to set a positive tone. If your child is nervous, let them know that there will be lots of other kids there. 
• You may also want to consider creating a first-visit tradition and taking a photo before or after the appointment to mark the occasion. Over time, this can become a great way to track your child's orthodontic journey.

Role of Parents in Preparing Kids

Children are incredibly perceptive. It's not just about what adults say that they pick up on, but also our emotions and cues. So, remember that you can set the tone and make your child’s first orthodontic experience more positive. Consider the following:

• Even if you're a little nervous, try to project some calm positivity and, if necessary, use reassuring phrases such as “we're just going to learn about your teeth” or “this is going to be very easy.” 
• Book the appointment during a time when your child is in the best frame of mind, such as late morning or early afternoon, when they are usually well-rested and have had a chance to eat. For young children, avoid scheduling activities right after school or nap time if possible, as your child may be tired or irritable.
• If you or someone in the family has had braces, be sure to talk about it positively and share how it has helped you or made you feel more confident. As an added bonus, if you've got any photos, show them to your child, because they will be able to see that you've gone through the same thing.
• For young kids, playing dentist or orthodontist at home is a great way to make the visit feel more familiar before you attend. Let your child pretend to be the doctor, where they can examine your teeth, and then switch roles. 
• Finally, be encouraging and let your child ask anything they're curious about. If you don't know the answer, tell them that you will both ask the orthodontist together.

What to Expect During the Visit

Knowing what will happen at your kid's first orthodontic appointment is a great way to ease anxiety for your child (and yourself). A typical first visit includes the following:

• A warm welcome and check-in where the front desk staff will greet you and your child, help you with any paperwork, and answer any initial questions. You'll be asked about your child's dental and medical history, including any habits such as thumb sucking or teeth grinding. The orthodontist will examine your child's teeth, gums, and bite, and may ask your child to open wide, bite down, or move their jaw side to side. This is a completely painless process that takes just a few minutes.
• If necessary, photos or X-rays may be taken to get a closer look at your child's teeth and jaw. If your child is nervous, explain that X-rays are quick and painless, as they are just a type of fancy picture.
• The orthodontist will discuss their assessment, including any potential issues, and answer any questions you or your child may have. They will also discuss whether treatment is needed now or if it's best to wait and monitor your child's growth.
• If treatment is recommended, you can discuss options like aligners or braces, timing, and what you can expect, including costs, insurance coverage, and financing options.

Once the consultation is complete, you will leave with a clear understanding of your child's orthodontic needs and the next steps, whether that involves scheduling treatment or returning for a follow-up in a year.

Questions to Ask the Orthodontist

It's okay to be curious, and of course, being forewarned is forearmed. Ask as many questions as possible so that you can make informed decisions and show your child it's okay to be curious. Here are some questions you may wish to ask:

• What specific issues do you see, if any?
• Is treatment necessary now, or should we wait?
• What are the possible treatment options, as well as the pros and cons of each option?
• How long will treatment take, and what does it involve?
• What will we need to do at home to make sure our children take care of their teeth and any appliances?
• How often will we need to come back for checkups or adjustments? 
• How can we support the best possible outcome for our child?

And don't forget, you can encourage your children to ask as many questions as possible, because they feel involved and invested in their own care.

Why Choose Orthodontic Associates?

With 13 convenient locations throughout the Baltimore area, Orthodontic Associates makes it easy for families to find a location near them for their child's first orthodontic visit. Every location is staffed with experienced, board-certified orthodontists who prioritize caring for children and make the experience as comfortable as possible. 

Preparing children for their first orthodontic visit involves building trust, reducing anxiety, and making dental care a positive part of their lives. We are here to help with convenient Baltimore area locations, flexible financing, and most importantly, a caring team dedicated to your children's smiles. 

Contact Orthodontic Associates today to book your child's first orthodontic appointment and start their journey towards a healthy, confident experience (and smile)!