Orthodontic Care 101 – Boston Children’s Answers

By now, your family may know what to expect at a dentist’s office. It’s a familiar routine that includes an exam, a cleaning, and (just maybe) treatment for a cavity.

An orthodontic appointment is very similar to a trip to the dentist, according to Dr. Megan McDougall, a pediatric orthodontist in Boston. If your child’s first appointment with the orthodontist is on the calendar, he should not feel anxious. Assure them there will be no surprises because there shouldn’t be, she says.

Here are some other things your family should consider when seeking orthodontic care:

An orthodontist helps enhance your child’s smile

An orthodontist will work with your family to address any dental and facial features that may affect your child’s well-being and smile. They look at characteristics of your child’s teeth, jaws, gums, or face (or any combination thereof) to determine if they are interfering with your child’s oral health and social functioning.

Find a practice where orthodontists are skilled in orthodontic care specialties that are specific to your child’s needs. For example, at Boston Children’s, “Your child will see team members who best address their individual needs and desires,” says Dr. McDougall.

Missing teeth? Do you have an overbite? An orthodontist has a solution

An orthodontic practice must treat a variety of conditions, including:

• misaligned, crooked, crowded, extra and missing teeth
• an overbite or an underbite
• wrong or wrong position of the jaw

Some practices will also treat oral conditions related to craniofacial abnormalities, including cleft lip and palate.

Find an orthodontist who makes your child feel welcome

A patient with special health care needs, at any age, can feel overwhelmed in a dentist’s or orthodontist’s office. If your child has a complex medical history, he may be intimidated by the sounds and bright lights of a medical office.

You should look for orthodontists who can understand your child’s physical and emotional needs and will work with them to make sure they are comfortable throughout treatment, says Dr. McDougall. Boston Children’s Orthodontics Program, for example, has experience treating children with a variety of complex conditions—including autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy—as well as children without medical conditions.

Give your child the right equipment

If your child needs orthodontic treatment, they may need one or more of the following “appliances”:

• metal or ceramic braces to align the teeth
• clear teeth aligners like Invisalign
• an expander, which widens the upper jaw to better connect with the lower jaw
• a habit-breaking appliance to stop thumb-sucking or one to correct the tongue resting on the teeth when swallowing, instead of against the roof of the mouth

“We’re not stuck in the past with how we diagnose and treat conditions,” says Dr. McDougall. Most patients probably won’t have to bite into the impression material to make a model of their mouth, something their parents likely did when they were children. And metal braces aren’t the only treatment option, she says. “A scanner can make a 3D model of the patient’s mouth. And if it’s best for a patient, we can offer clear aligners as a treatment option. The technology is advanced.”

An orthodontist should explain all the steps of care

Your orthodontist should detail your child’s diagnosis and review the proposed treatment plan before each treatment. Depending on the state, the plan may have options. Whichever plan you believe best suits your child’s needs, the orthodontist should explain how to care for the braces or appliance, what foods they can and can’t eat, and other tips that will help make their treatment successful. go as easy as possible.

Treatment time varies according to the condition

The duration of the treatment depends on the condition and its extent, says Dr. McDougall. It can last up to several months or, as seen with some braces treatments, up to several years. Expect to see the orthodontist every four to six weeks for checkups and adjustments.

See an orthodontist when your child is 7 years old

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children be evaluated by an orthodontist by age 7. “They don’t necessarily need to start treatment at that age, although they may if immediate intervention is needed,” says Dr. McDougall. Rather, an orthodontist can detect a problem when a child is that age and begin treatment before the condition becomes more serious. “Some conditions can be more difficult to treat when a child is older,” she says.

Ortho care can get boring and your child may prefer it

Orthodontic treatment won’t be scary or mysterious if an orthodontist works closely with your child and family, explaining every step of the process along the way and always asking for your input. “It’s going to be mostly boring because patients have to sit there with their mouths open while we install the device or braces,” says Dr. McDougall.

Learn more about the Orthodontics Program.