Early check
An early check is a short visit around age 7, where an orthodontist looks at how a child's teeth and jaws are coming in.
Many children go home with a plan to check again in a year or two. Some are told that treatment would help now, and some are told to wait for the teen years. A parent stays in the room and hears the same things the child hears.
At a glance
Around age 7, or sooner if your dentist asks
A parent in the room for the whole visit
Most visits end with a plan to look again
What happens
- 011 visit
Step 1: Visit
The orthodontist looks at your child's teeth, bite and jaws, and asks what you have noticed. X-rays are taken only if they would change the advice.
- 02Same visit
Step 2: The talk
You hear what we see and which of three paths we suggest: watch and check again, start now, or wait for the teen years.
- 03Every 6 to 12 months
Step 3: Watching
If we are watching, we see your child again to see how growth is going. These are short visits.
- 04A plan from the doctor
Step 4: If treatment starts
We explain the plan, how many visits it may take and what it costs in writing, before anything begins.
Comfort, other options and what to watch for
Comfort
A first check is a look. We show your child each tool before we use it, and a parent stays close. Your child can raise a hand at any time and we stop.
Other options, and waiting
Not every child needs treatment before the teen years. Some bite or jaw problems are easier to start early, and the doctor says which. Starting early does not always mean less treatment later, and we explain that too.
Risks
A check carries little risk. X-rays use a small amount of radiation and are taken only when they are needed. If treatment starts, the risks on the braces page apply.
After-care
Keep up regular visits with your child's dentist, and keep brushing and flossing. Call us if you notice teeth that come in crowded, or a bite that looks off.
How it is billed
An early check is billed as a visit, and treatment is billed as a course.
You hear the fee for the check before you book, and you get a written estimate before any treatment is started.
- The fee for the check, before you book
- A written estimate before any treatment
Questions about early check
What age should my child come?
Around age 7 is typical, and sooner if your dentist asks us to look. If you are not sure, call and we will talk it through.
Who comes with my child?
A parent or guardian comes to every visit for a child. Please bring your dentist's note or any X-rays you have.
Does an early check mean braces?
Not usually. Many children are told to check again in a year or two. If treatment would help now, we explain why and what it involves.
The early check here is done by Dr. Reem Qasim or Dr. Gisela Osorio, orthodontists who completed residencies in orthodontics at accredited programs.
Ask about an early check
Tell us your child's age and which office suits you. We will call, text or email you back.