Not at all! Many parents take the initiative to call us for an initial appointment themselves.
When you and your child first arrive at one of our orthodontic offices in PA, our staff and orthodontist will tell you a little about our office and what to expect. We will then take the necessary photographs and X-rays of your child’s teeth to allow us to make a proper diagnosis. Finally, the orthodontist will conduct a short, but detailed, exam and then discuss his or her findings with you both.
To learn more about your first visit, click here.
Here are six vital questions that we will cover when we first see your child at one of our orthodontic offices in PA:
Sometimes we require this to achieve the best results on their behalf. Our goal always includes straight teeth and a balanced facial profile. Advanced orthodontic procedures sometimes permit us not to remove any teeth at all.
Treatment time depends on each child’s specific orthodontic situation. In general, it can range from 12 to 30 months. On average, a child or teen wears braces for about 22 months.
We will be able to give you answers to all of these questions right after your child’s free Spark Smile Assessment. We have many available financing options that we will review with you. If you have one, we will also review your insurance policy and help to maximize your benefit and file your claims.
We see most patients in braces every five to 10 weeks, but your child’s specific situation may require more frequent monitoring. Also, if you choose our Spark Accelerated Treatment, you can decrease their time in the orthodontist’s chair by 30 to 50%!
We offer convenient hours before school and after work, opening at 7:30 am for two days per week and closing at 7:00 pm on two additional days. We will try our best to meet your scheduling needs. Because we schedule most appointments five to 10 weeks apart, most children miss minimal school time due to their orthodontic treatments.
But, yes. We understand your busy schedule, and we are happy to help you make the most of your time if you need to run errands. On some occasions, we may request to speak with you when you return, so we ask that parents check in with their patient manager before dropping off their child.
No, not usually. After certain visits, your child’s teeth may feel sore for a few days. In these situations, give them pain medications such as Advil or Tylenol to ease their discomfort. After most visits, however, children feel no soreness at all! We often remind our patients, “It does not have to hurt to work!”
Yes. There is no reason to miss school because of an orthodontic appointment.
Thankfully, your child won’t need any shots from us during orthodontic treatment!
Goodness, no! Giving your child brand new braces will ensure the safety of their health and their best possible smile.
Yes. But with any sport, please buy them a mouth guard and make sure they wear it!
Today you have lots of options to fit your son or daughter’s lifestyle. They can remove some treatments, while others stay fixed in place. Children that play wind instruments can usually get used to braces quickly and with little difficulty. Remember, we have all kinds of options for your child’s new smile – even braces that barely show at all!
Yes! Your child should still have regular dental checkups while in braces. Ask your family dentist how long your child should now wait between cleaning appointments.
Yes, they do. After your child begins treatment, we will explain their food choices thoroughly and give you a list of foods to avoid. For instance, they should steer clear of hard candy, ice, raw veggies and anything sticky, like taffy or caramel. If they don’t, you might find yourself at an emergency appointment to repair damaged or missing braces!
They should brush their teeth after every meal and at bedtime. We’ll show your child how to floss properly and also give them a special fluoride prescription if we feel they would benefit.
If your child feels extreme pain or they damage their braces, please call the office right away. Usually, we can solve problems over a telephone call. In a dire emergency, we will always make time for your child to come in.
Some childhood orthodontic issues can benefit from early intervention. If you have questions, we will be happy to evaluate your young child. If we notice serious problems, we may begin early treatment. More likely, we will simply monitor their tooth and jaw growth and development carefully for a few more years.
If your child requires phase one treatment, they’ll usually begin between 7 and 10 years old. Expect Phase One treatment to last around 12 to 21 months. Most frequently, we advise early treatment for children with significant tooth and/or jaw issues so that they don’t become worse. It also helps to improve a child’s self-image and self-esteem.
More than likely, yes they will. We call the time that follows Phase One the “resting period.” During this time, we monitor the eruption and growth of your child’s teeth very carefully and keep you informed of any future orthodontic recommendations.
We can let you know this after your child’s free Spark Smile Assessment.
If your child needs braces and orthodontic treatment, we strongly recommend that you do not put it off. Doing so may mean they will need surgery or multiple tooth extractions later in life in order to fix their smile. Please bring them in for a full evaluation by their 7th birthday for their free Spark Smile Assessment.
Unfortunately not. In fact, once permanent molars erupt, most people find that the space their front teeth require actually narrows with age.
We truly understand this concern, but actually so many kids wear braces these days that they see them as a rite of passage on their way to high school. Lots of kids actually think getting braces is “cool”.
Absolutely! About a quarter of our patients wearing braces are adults. Call us for your own free Spark Smile Assessment!
It doesn’t matter whether your tooth has a crown; we can still treat your smile. In the case of missing teeth, we can align those you have left. Don’t feel self-conscious. With or without teeth, we think you are beautiful!
If you’d like to learn more about ways our friendly and award-winning orthodontists in PA can give your child that smile they have long dreamed about, please call 610.223.7777 or schedule a free, no-obligation Spark Smile Assessment online.
Our braces and orthodontic treatment comes with an unsurpassed smile guarantee!
Spark Orthodontics can help you or your loved one achieve a smile that benefits dental health as much as it increases confidence. However, we want you to feel confident that your choice in a PA orthodontist, is the right one. Follow the steps below and get that smile you have always dreamed of.
