Orthodontic Treatment at Pediatric Dental Healthcare

How to get started

Step 1: Ask about Orthodontic Care
If your child is currently a patient of ours and is getting regular dental check-ups you do not have to do anything. Our Pediatric dentists and staff of hygienists are trained by our orthodontist to detect any dental problems that may require orthodontic treatment. Your child’s dental progress and need for orthodontic intervention is evaluated at EVERY cleaning. When your child is ready for braces you will be scheduled an appointment for a free evaluation with our orthodontist. He will evaluate your child’s needs and inform you of the appropriate treatment.

If you are not currently a patient of Pediatric Dental Healthcare and you or your child are being treated by another dentist. You can call our office to schedule a free evaluation with our orthodontist.

Step 2: Schedule a Free Orthodontic Evaluation
The orthodontic evaluation consists of a clinical exam of you (Yes, we do treat adults) or your child’s dentition by our orthodontist, a diagnosis of the problem and information regarding possible treatment options. You will then be informed if you require orthodontic treatment and will be asked if you want to proceed and get diagnostic records. If you are certain you want to proceed and wish to expedite things you may schedule the Diagnostic Orthodontic Records with the Orthodontic Evaluation.

Step 3: Schedule Diagnostic Orthodontic Records
Diagnostic records consist of several scientific resources including, digital radiographs (x-rays), digital photographs, and a comprehensive clinical exam, which encompasses measurements of the teeth, mouth and facial features. They allow us to analyze the many components of the facial complex and formulate a treatment plan even when the patient is not present, as well as provide a basis upon which to evaluate treatment progress.

Step 4: Get a comprehensive explanation of the diagnosis and treatment options
Orthodontic care is an investment in dental health and esthetic well-being. We feel it is extremely important that you and you child fully understand the orthodontic treatment and are able to ask questions regarding your options. A separate appointment is therefore scheduled in the evening when it is most convenient for both working parents and children with extra curricular activities. During this consultation, Dr. N will present your child’s ideal treatment and any options you may have. All facets of the orthodontic treatment will be covered with visual aids so that children can better understand and aid in their care. Our goal is to inform and address any questions or concerns you may have so that you fully understand the treatment and feel comfortable with your decision.

Once you are comfortable and understand what the treatment will entail, a patient coordinator will explain the sequence of events to follow. The timing of the appointments will be discussed, any insurance coverage will be addressed and the various payment options and payment plans will be explained. You can then make an informed decision on how to proceed.

What to expect

Everyone’s orthodontic care varies depending on his or her individual needs so it is difficult to cover every topic but we can assure you that we use the most advanced techniques and latest technology to give your child a beautiful smile in the shortest time possible. Our doctors and staff are dedicated to making both you and your child as comfortable as possible in a kid friendly environment that puts everyone at ease.

Frequently asked Questions

What are the early warning signs of a bad bite?
•  Upper teeth protrude or are bucked
•  Top teeth grown in behind the bottom teeth
•  Baby teeth are slowly falling out
•  Finger or thumb sucking habit continues after toddler years
•  Crowding
•  Spacing between teeth
•  Upper front teeth have a space between them
•  Overlapping of teeth


At what age do I bring my child in for a consultation?
The America Association of Orthodontics recommends that you bring your child for a consultation by the age of 7 years old. Your dentist can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present. Early examination often permits maximum improvement with the least amount of time and expense.

Why is early treatment necessary?
Early treatment gives your orthodontist the chance to:
•  Guide jaw growth
•  Lower risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
•  Correct harmful oral habits
•  Improve appearance and self esteem
•  Guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position
•  Improve the way lips meet
•  Also give your child the self esteem during the developmental stages of their lives

Questions your child may have

1. Does proper brushing and oral hygiene help during my ortho treatment?
Absolutely, it is very important to clean your teeth and gums. Many patients brush their braces and forget their teeth and gums.

2. Can I chew sugarless gum?
It is not recommended; the gum might stick to your brackets or wires and could loosen them.

3. Will I have stains on my teeth when my braces are removed?
If you do not take care of your gums and teeth while your braces are on you could have stains when they are removed.

4. Do I need to call the office if my braces become loose or broken?
Yes, it is very helpful to call so we can properly schedule a visit for you.

5. Do you pull or yank off the braces when it is time for me to get debanded?
No, we remove the braces using ortho instruments, similar to the ones used to put you braces on.

6. Why do you “tighten” my braces?
We put new wires and colors connected to the brackets to move your teeth.

Issues thet may come up

There are several things you should know about minor problems that may occur with braces, and what to do about them:

1. Putting on braces is not painful.
Don’t listen to what others tell you. The first 2-3 days after getting braces on, there will be some initial soreness and discomfort which can be relieved by avoiding hard foods and taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.

2. Occasionally, a glued bracket may come loose and become an irritation to your mouth.
You can push a small ball of wax onto the brace to smooth off the irritation, or you can remove the loose bracket and save it in an envelope to bring to the office. Call the office as soon as possible in order for us to reglue the bracket.

3. Occasionally, a wire may stick out of the back brace.
Either a ball of wax can be used, or you may use a nail clipper or cuticle cutter to cut the extra piece of wire that is sticking out.

4. Care must be taken to avoid hard or sticky foods that can bend the wire or make it come out of the back brace.
If this does happen, use needle nose pliers or tweezers to put the wire back into the hole in the back brace.

5. Some of your brackets have small hooks on them so that you may wear elastics.
These hooks can occasionally be irritating to the lips or cheeks. If this happens, you may either use a pencil eraser to carefully push the hook in, or you can place a ball of wax on the hook to make the area feel smoother.

If you are unable to take care of the problem using these tricks, please feel free to call the office. We are here to take care of you, so you don’t need to wait until you next appointment.