Observation Appointments: Why Are They Important?
Your child has visited our office for an initial consultation but isn’t quite ready for braces yet—so what happens next? If Dr. Maslowski or Dr. Michel determines that your child doesn’t require immediate treatment, they will be placed on observation.
What is an Observation Appointment?
Observation appointments are shorter visits to our office every 6-12 months to monitor your child’s growth and dental development. During these appointments, we periodically update photos and x-rays to track progress. Our orthodontist will look for several key factors, such as:
- Whether baby teeth are falling out too early or too late
- Extra or missing teeth
- Crowded teeth or unnatural spacing
- Teeth erupting out of place or misaligned, including crooked teeth or teeth that don’t meet properly when biting
If any of these issues are present, our orthodontist may recommend early interventions like extractions. Timing these procedures correctly is crucial for making your child’s orthodontic journey as smooth as possible.
We’ll also keep an eye on any painful or harmful oral habits, such as thumb-sucking, and work to eliminate them before orthodontic treatment begins.
How Much Do Observation Appointments Cost?
Good news: observation appointments are free of charge. Even if we take photos or x-rays, there will be no costs involved until your child starts orthodontic treatment. These appointments also allow us to provide you with a timeline for expected treatment, making it easier for you to plan ahead.
When Should I Bring My Child in for a Consultation?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist around age 7. This initial check-up helps detect any developmental problems early and allows the orthodontist to determine the best timing and treatment plan.
If your child hasn’t visited an orthodontist yet, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation—no referral from a dentist is needed. We proudly serve patients in Oshkosh, Appleton, Wautoma, and surrounding areas. Call us at (920) 231-4922 to schedule a visit at our Oshkosh or Wautoma location or (920) 739-2400 at our Appleton location.