When you’re a parent, life becomes a whole series of firsts. You wait anxiously for your child’s first smile, first steps, and their first day of school. It’s exciting to watch our babies grow and accomplish new things, but let’s be honest – sometimes it can be a little overwhelming, too! This is especially true of the times when you’re not sure what to expect, like planning your child’s first orthodontic visit.
Here at Dunn Orthodontics, we believe a child’s initial visit with us is also the most important one, and we want to take the worry out of it for you. In an effort to help you feel more confident and less anxious about this particular unknown, we’ve put together this guide to your child’s first orthodontic visit with us. It’s true that you only get one chance to make a good impression, and we want to use this one to wow you!
The first steps towards orthodontic excellence
The first orthodontic visit at Dunn Orthodontics is a chance for us to meet and get to know you and your child, and for you to familiarize yourself with one of our three conveniently located offices in Litchfield Park, Phoenix, and Arcadia. You’ll also learn more about the treatments and services we’re proud to offer our patients. If your child has been visiting his or her dentist regularly, things may seem similar initially. But before too long, you’ll be able to spot the distinct differences between dentistry and orthodontics.
Upon entering the office of your choice, you’ll receive a warm welcome from our patient coordinators. After you provide us with some basic information, we’ll show you around the office. Our lounge areas are spacious and bright and feature fun amenities like coffee bars and games as well as TV’s and magazines. We’ve put a lot of care and attention into creating a relaxed environment that patients from seven to seventy will look forward to visiting!
Once you’ve seen the office, we’ll review your child’s medical and dental history as well as take some digital photographs and digital X-rays. Once our doctors have all the information they need, they will be able to make a proper diagnosis. If orthodontic treatment is indicated, we will create a customized treatment plan for your child. How often do kids go to the orthodontist? Depending on where they are when it comes to teeth and jaw development, we may recommend starting some form of treatment right away, or we may want to schedule periodic check-ups for them until a more opportune time.
If our doctors decide getting braces should begin right away, our next step is to collect more information. We will take additional orthodontic records such as digital 3D models. Most of the time, these records can be taken the same day as your exam. This initial orthodontic evaluation will typically last an hour or so. That way we get a complete picture of your child’s oral health. It also gives you plenty of time to ask questions and discuss any concerns.
Talking you through the available treatment options
If our doctors determine your child will need orthodontic treatment now or later, this first appointment is the best time to talk about the treatment options available to them. One of our doctors will discuss these options with you. They will explain what you can expect at each stage of the treatment process, and touch on a number of other topics, including:
- why your child needs orthodontic treatment
- how we expect this orthodontic treatment to benefit your child’s oral health
- what treatment options are available to help correct your child’s specific oral issues
- how much treatment is likely to cost
- insurance coverage and available payment plans
- if it will be one phase or two phase treatment
- how long we expect the treatment process to take
We will make sure your questions and concerns are satisfactorily addressed. After that we will go over all the fees associated with braces for your child. Every patient we see has their own specific needs and goals. So treatment costs will always vary on a case-by-case basis. Dunn Orthodontics works hard to provide quality orthodontic care that is affordable! We accept almost all insurances and are happy to file and complete the necessary insurance forms on your behalf. We also offer a variety of payment options. These include a discount for payment in full prior to starting treatment. We also offer a variety of interest-free and no-down payment options. For your added convenience, we accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) and can set up automatic deductions. We believe everyone deserves a healthy, beautiful smile, and never want finances to get in the way of that.
Your child’s best smile starts with Dunn Orthodontics
Orthodontic treatment can be a pretty long process. You can expect to see us regularly as we work to create a healthier smile for your child. As parents of three children, Drs. Matthew and Courtney Dunn know exactly how valuable your child is to you, and have created an office environment that is warm, welcoming, and fun for children of all ages. This is also why they encourage you to schedule your child’s first orthodontic exam by around the age of 7. It’s also recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists. At this age, baby teeth are present, and their teeth and mouths are still developing. Having an experienced orthodontist examine your child allows them to pick up on any potential issues early. It gives us the chance to address them before they become problematic. This helps prevent any negative impact on their permanent teeth in the future.
Even if your child does not appear to need orthodontic treatment at the time of their first examination with us, it’s not a needless visit! These children will visit us at least twice a year. That way we can observe the development and growth of their teeth, jaws, and face. The gives us the opportunity to assess your child on a routine basis. We can ensure any needed treatment begins at the optimal time. We believe in the importance of this growth and guidance program so much that visits associated with it are complimentary!
If your family is in Phoenix, Litchfield Park, Arcadia, or Scottsdale, and it’s time for your child’s initial orthodontic evaluation, get in touch with our team today. There is no better time than now. Set your child on the path towards a healthy, beautiful, and confident smile that will last a lifetime!
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