If you’re looking for an orthodontist for your child, there are a lot of factors to consider. You want your child to be comfortable and at ease at the orthodontist’s office, and you want to trust the doctor who treats your child’s condition, and you probably want to know what might happen during that first visit. Our orthodontist near Chapel Hill provides some information and a list of things to keep in mind when choosing an orthodontist for your little one.
First Appointment
The first time you take your child to the orthodontist, it’s important that they have a good experience. If they have an experience that makes them uncomfortable or nervous, they may develop orthodontic or dental-related anxiety and have issues completing treatments.
A good pediatric orthodontist will begin the patient relationship with a good bedside manner during the first appointment to ensure that you’re comfortable, as well as approach dental and orthodontic explanations with kid-friendly words and have plenty of patience for all of your questions.
Common Childhood Orthodontic Issues
There are a few orthodontic problems that are common as children’s teeth grow. These include:
- Overbite. The top jaw hangs over the lower jaw, creating misalignment.
- Underbite. The lower jaw juts forward, forcing the upper teeth to sit inside the lower teeth.
- Extra teeth. Sometimes, children grow extra teeth that crowd the mouth.
- Crossbite. The upper and lower jaws do not align, causing misalignment.
These conditions can cause pain, facial deformity, and future orthodontic problems. It is much easier to treat these types of problems before they become worse.
Common Treatments
Beginning treatment is something that our orthodontist will discuss with you. Depending on your child’s case, some common treatments for pediatric orthodontic problems include:
- Pulling teeth to reduce a crowded bite
- Spacers, to widen the palate and fix misaligned bites
- Jaw surgery for severe malocclusion or jaw problems
- Braces for malocclusion
We will help you find the most appropriate treatment for your child.
Contact Our Orthodontist near Chapel Hill Today To Schedule A Consultation!
The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about retainers and other topics related to orthodontic treatment, feel free to contact Wilson Orthodontics, with a convenient orthodontic office near Chapel Hill by calling 919.371.0384.