Misaligned teeth and jaws used to be a challenging task to deal with in the past. However, with the latest advances in dentistry, and breakthroughs that no one could have ever imagined a few decades ago, most oral issues are easily treated. What used to be a long and tedious process is now computer-designed and significantly shortened in treatment time, allowing children and teenagers to acquire a bright and straight smile without the use of metal braces and non-aesthetically pleasing headgear. Also, pain has given its place to nervous-free orthodontic treatments and effective pain management.
That said, can you trust just about everybody with your child’s braces? What should every mom know before deciding which orthodontist will treat her child’s mouth? Here are the 4 major points you need to focus on, to make the wisest of decisions:
- Don’t Opt for the First Assessment you are Made
Knowledge is power, and the more you know about treatment options, the better placed your decision will be. For that reason, it is proposed not to stick to the initial assessment. They are, sometimes, wrong. To stay on the safe side, better ask for a second opinion. This should give you more knowledge and a more judgmental mind considering the first diagnosis and its accuracy. You will also understand whether your child is indeed in need of an orthodontic treatment and if the time is right to start one.
- Get Advice from Orthodontic Specialists
Did you know that millions of people in the UK and across the world go undiagnosed with serious jaw and tooth alignment problems because they never consulted an experienced orthodontic specialist? The result is to have severe jaw joint issues and tooth wear later on in their lives that require more expensive treatments than the ones that should/could have been delivered at an earlier age. To avoid that, you can find the right doctors and get their advice. Maybe your child has biting issues (malocclusion) or other problems that could escalate into a more critical condition in the future. Wouldn’t you want to know beforehand so you can intervene and prevent it? That’s why you need to speak to orthodontists with many years of experience and advanced training in jaw & tooth alignment to develop the most suited treatment plan for your child.
- Ask the Right Questions
– Is the doctor a specialist?
– When is the best time to start a treatment?
– How soon should my child be evaluated to rule out possible problems?
– Do I pay for the first visit?
– Am I paying extra for the retainers?
– What are the differences between treatment options (Lingual, Invisalign, etc.)?
– Are emergency appointments charged extra or included in the quoted fee?
– Are there any payment options?
– Do the orthodontist and staff at the clinic make my child feel special?
These are some of the important things you need to know about, to familiarise yourself with the nature of your child’s jaw and tooth alignment issues and be more able to understand the approach suggested.
- Book a Consultation
To make a confident decision, you have to visit the clinic in person. During that visit, you will not only be able to get clarifications to the burning questions you have in mind, but also take a good look around to see if the practice is comfortable, clean and infuses serenity and professionalism. You will also be able to tell whether the orthodontist is fully engaged in conversation with your child and you, or if you are rushed, among so many others. If you are happy with everything, you can then say you have found the perfect specialist for your child. Just trust your mommy instinct on this one; it is never wrong!
Finding the right doctor to allow your child to acquire a lovely straight smile in a timely manner while setting the foundation for an excellent oral health is paramount. At Straight Teeth Smile in Nottingham, you will get the exceptional care you want for your child and feel our innate passion and deep love for what we do right away.
Contact us NOW to book your first FREE consultation, where we will discuss all about the significance of oral hygiene and health and develop a fully optimised plan for your child’s confident and healthy smile!