Observation Program
To help our young patients get the best possible care, we’ve created an observation program that lets us track orthodontic development over time, waiting for the perfect time to start treatment.
Orthodontics for Kids in La Mesa, El Cajon, & San Diego
One of the most common things parents ask us is when to bring their child in for a first visit. This is a great question, and the answer might be earlier than you think! In keeping with the American Association of Orthodontists, we ask parents to bring their children in for an initial evaluation by age 7. At this age, the back bite has developed, which lets us spot current problems as well as problems that may develop later. While we generally screen early, we often won’t begin treatment right then – and that’s where our observation program comes in.
Our Observation Program
To help our patients get the best possible care, we’ve created an observation program that lets us track orthodontic development over time, waiting for the perfect time to start treatment. The program works like this:
- After your initial screening, we will monitor your child’s dental development until the perfect time to start treatment.
- We’ll bring your child in for an evaluation every 6 months – and all of the observation appointments are complimentary.
- Even if you don’t see any changes since your last visit, it’s important to attend these appointments every 6 months. Regular screenings are the only way to ensure everything is developing normally. To track the eruption of permanent teeth, we’ll also take periodic panoramic X-rays of your child – which, also, are complimentary. We will forward this progress x-ray to your family dentist with a progress report to keep their files up-to-date.
- In addition to monitoring dental development, we will track jaw growth and bite development. If there’s a problem with these processes, we may recommend early orthodontic treatment.
- Dr. Garcia and his team will continue monitoring your child’s development until the time is right for treatment. Then, he’ll create a treatment plan that helps your child achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime!
How it Works
1. Getting to Know You
No two patients are the same. Your first visit to our office is aimed at getting an understanding of your oral health and teeth positioning. We will review your medical history and conduct a thorough exam, with X-Rays, to get a comprehensive look at your mouth.
2. Custom Treatment Plan
We create completely customized treatment for each patient to ensure you reach your full smile potential! If you are a good candidate for braces, our team can help you get started with our Same-Day braces program! Not only do we save our patients money, we save you time!
3. Your New Smile
The people who come to us for treatment are more than just names on a chart – they are family. We love creating trusting and lasting relationships with our patients and their families while creating the smile of their dreams.
Start Treatment the Same Day!
Ready to get your beautiful, new smile?
While other practices can take multiple visits before braces are put on, when you chose Same-Day Braces at your free consultation, you can get them on and be on your way to a better smile!
FAQs About Orthodontics for Kids
American Association of Orthodontists recommend you should schedule your child’s first appointment by age 7.
Orthodontic treatment and a child’s growth can complement each other. By timing orthodontic treatment to predictable stages of dental development, the orthodontist may be able to take advantage of your child’s growth and development. Some problems that can be treated quite well in a growing child may require corrective surgery or permanent teeth to be extracted if treated after growth has occurred.
We completely understand your busy schedule and are happy to accommodate. Once you pick up your child, we will review what was accomplished at the conclusion of each appointment and what is expected to be accomplished at the next appointment. We strongly recommend making the follow up appointments prior to leaving our office.
If an orthodontic issue is severe enough, then early intervention can occur while the child still has baby teeth. If your child isn’t ready yet, we’ll simply monitor their growth and development, and begin treatment when they’re ready.
Between the ages 7 and 10, some patients require phase one (early) treatment, which usually lasts about 6-18 months. The goal of early treatment is to address more significant orthodontic issues to make later treatment processes smoother. It also drastically improves the child’s confidence and self-esteem levels.
What are you waiting for?
Feel Confident in Your New Smile!
Whether you want to straighten your smile to help your oral hygiene or to boost your self-esteem, Dr. Garcia can help!
