HEALTH INFORMATION

There's no set age for a kid to visit the orthodontist - some kids go when they're 6, some kids go when they're 10, and some go while they're teens. Even adults visit the orthodontist for treatment. Many orthodontists say a kid should see an orthodontist before age 7 so any problems can be spotted early. That doesn't mean a kid will get braces right away. But the orthodontist will know which problems exist and can choose the best time to start treatment.
What Happens at the Orthodontist?
When you make your first trip to the orthodontist, you'll visit an office that looks a lot like your dentist's office. You'll sit in a dentist chair and the orthodontic technician or assistant might take X-rays or computer pictures of your mouth and teeth. The X-rays and pictures show the orthodontist where the teeth are positioned and whether you have teeth that haven't come in yet.
The technician also may make a mold (or impression) of your teeth by pressing a tray of gooey material into your top and bottom teeth. When the mold is removed, there will be a perfect impression of the shape and size of your teeth. A mold helps the orthodontist decide how to straighten your teeth.
The orthodontist will examine your teeth, mouth, and jaws. He or she may ask you to open wide or bite your teeth together. He or she may ask questions about whether you have problems chewing or swallowing or whether your jaws ever click or pop when you open your mouth. The orthodontist may tell you and your parent that your teeth and jaws are fine. Or he or she might recommend that you get braces or a retainer.