What to Expect During Your Child’s First Orthodontic Visit

Seeing your child take the first step toward a healthy smile is exciting—but we understand it can also come with questions and concerns. At Sola Kids Dental, we make the first orthodontic visit easy, clear, and reassuring for both kids and parents.

Whether you have a 7-year-old, a teen, or a young adult, this guide will walk you through what to expect during your child’s first orthodontic visit, what questions to ask, and how we help you choose the right treatment plan.

Why Early Orthodontic Visits Matter

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children see an orthodontist by age 7—even if their teeth look straight. Early checkups help catch orthodontic problems with teeth and jaws before they become more serious and difficult to treat.

Common concerns include:

• Crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth

• Bite problems like overbite, underbite, or crossbite

• Jaw alignment concerns

• Early or late loss of baby teeth

• Mouth breathing or thumb sucking
  

An orthodontic evaluation ensures your child’s oral health and growth are monitored early, giving more options for treatment.

We’re proud to offer children’s orthodontics as well as care for teens, young adults, and adults who want a confident, healthy smile.

What Happens at the Child's First Orthodontic Visit?

We want this initial consultation to be smooth and positive—for both your child and you. Don’t worry—our team makes it easy and comfortable.

Here’s what happens during your orthodontic appointment:

1. Friendly Welcome & Paperwork

On arrival, our staff greets your family warmly and helps with simple forms. We’ll also ask about your child’s dental and medical history to understand their background better.

View accepted insurance plans →We accept Medi-Cal (Denti-Cal) and most PPOs, including providers like Delta Dental, Aetna, MetLife, and Guardian.

2. Dental History & Habits

We’ll ask about habits such as thumb sucking, pacifier use, or mouth breathing—these can all affect orthodontic care and influence how we plan treatment.

3. X-Rays and Imaging

We use safe, low-dose X-rays and sometimes 3D scans to check teeth and jaws, bite alignment, and growth patterns.

Stanford Children’s Health explains that tools like X-rays and impressions are key in diagnosing issues like malocclusion. These images help orthodontists predict how permanent teeth will erupt and when it’s best to begin care.

4. Exam with Our Orthodontist

Your child will meet our specialist for a gentle exam—this includes looking at:

• How their bite comes together

• Crowding or spacing issues

• Jaw alignment

• Habits like tongue thrusting or thumb sucking
  

We carefully assess bite and facial growth during the first orthodontic visit to design a personalized plan.

5. Treatment Recommendations

After the exam, we’ll let you know whether treatment is needed now or if monitoring makes sense first. If treatment is recommended, possible types of orthodontic treatment may include:

• Metal or ceramic braces

• Clear aligners (like Invisalign)

• Palatal expanders or space maintainers

• Habit-breaking appliances

We’ll also estimate the timeline and walk you through what’s covered by your insurance—and what payment plans are available.

6. Open Q&A for Parents & Kids

We’ll welcome all your questions, such as:

• Does my child need braces now—or can it wait?

• What treatment fits their age and orthodontic needs?

• How long will it take—and how often will we come in?

• Are there food or activity restrictions?

• Will it hurt—and how can we manage comfort?

• What about family budget and insurance coverage?
  

We want every parent to feel confident about their child’s orthodontic journey.

What Makes Sola Kids Dental Different?

• Dedicated pediatric, teen, and adult orthodontics

• Bilingual team (English + Spanish)

• We accept Medi-Cal and major PPO plans

• Calm, kid-friendly environment

• Flexible scheduling with minimal wait times

• Serving families across South Los Angeles
  

Our goal is to make orthodontics for children and families stress-free while supporting long-term oral health.

Answers to Common Questions

Will my child get braces right away?

• Not always. Sometimes we recommend waiting until more permanent teeth come in. Other cases benefit from early Phase 1 treatment to guide growth and prevent crowding.

What if my child is nervous?

• We specialize in helping kids feel calm. Our gentle explanations and kid-friendly environment ensure the first visit is stress-free.

What if there’s a bite issue (malocclusion)?

• Stanford Children’s Health notes that malocclusion—when upper and lower teeth don’t meet correctly—can affect chewing, speech, and growth. Catching it early leads to better outcomes.

We Also Treat Teens, Young Adults & Adults

While we specialize in care for kids, we also serve teens, young adults, and adults. Whether you’re seeking a second opinion, retreatment, or clear aligner therapy later in life—we’ve got you.

First Visit Checklist

• Bring all insurance info

• Know your child’s dental history

• Write down any questions—big or small

• Mention if your child has any dental anxiety—we’ll help ease it!

Ready to Schedule?

Your child’s orthodontic journey starts here.

📞 Call us now at 323-325-5641 to book your free initial orthodontic consultation 

🌐 Visit us online: www.solakidsdental.com 

✅ Medi-Cal & PPO accepted 

💬 Se habla Español 

🗓️ Same day or next-week appointments available

More Parent-Friendly Guides Coming Soon

• What age should kids see an orthodontist?

• Phase 1 orthodontics explained

• Common early signs your child needs orthodontics

• How to prepare your child for orthodontic treatment