Ask questions during your consultation

Make sure to ask many questions during your consultation. The more you understand about what your orthodontist is seeing and recommending, the better equipped you will be to support your child through his or her treatment plan.

Some examples of questions to ask if your orthodontist finds an issue include:

  • What is the issue (if there is one)?

  • What are options to correct the problem?

  • Will any of my child’s teeth need to be extracted?

  • How long will treatment take?

  • Will my child need additional treatment later?

  • How can I support my child through treatment?

  • How long will treatment take?

  • How much will treatment cost?

  • Will treatment mean lifestyle or diet changes?

Even if the doctor doesn’t find anything, there are still many great questions you can ask:

  • How long until you think we should follow up?

  • What are your concerns?

  • Do you anticipate treatment at some time?

  • When do you suspect my child will need treatment?

  • Do you see any oral habits/behaviors my child needs to address?

What if my child has special needs or sensory issues?

Children with special needs rarely get the orthodontic treatment they need, despite having a higher prevalence of malocclusions.1 If possible, you’ll want an orthodontist with experience treating children with special needs. You’ll also want to talk to the orthodontist ahead of time to discuss how they can accommodate your child.2

Neurodivergent patients also can benefit from an orthodontist who has training and experience dealing with the challenges they are facing. It is important to find orthodontists who can communicate, reduce the anxiety caused by the bright lights and sensory issues associated with orthodontic exams, and establish a relationship with your child.3

My child still has their baby teeth – do they really need orthodontic treatment?

In some cases orthodontists will recommend orthodontic treatment for kids between the age of 6 and 9. This early intervention is called Phase One (Phase I) treatment. It is also referred to as preventative or interceptive treatment.4 Phase I treatment is performed to intercept or correct a developing problem, not for aesthetic or vanity reasons.5 Phase One treatment takes advantage of your child’s normal development to reduce the risk that your child will need much more extensive treatment to correct issues later in life.

What happens after Phase I?

Treatment plans vary but orthodontists often suggest a resting period following Phase 1 treatment. Once this rest period is over, and most of your child’s permanent teeth are in place, Phase 2 may begin. Phase 2 treatment focuses on ensuring teeth are in their proper place for a healthy bite and a pleasing appearance.5




Disclaimer: The information contained in this website are for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please seek the advice of your health care provider with any questions you may have regarding any dental or medical-related condition and never disregard or delay seeking such advice because of something you have read on this website.

  1. Nayak PP, Prasad K, Bhat YM. Orthodontic treatment need among special health care needs school children in Dharwad, India: A comparative study. J Orthod Sci. 2015 Apr-Jun;4(2):47-51. doi: 10.4103/2278-0203.156029. PMID: 26020038; PMCID: PMC4427971. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4427971/
  2. Rada et al (2015, May-Jun). Orthodontic care for the behavior-challenged special needs patient. Special Care In Dentistry. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25052189/
  3. Buyukbayraktar Z et al (2019, Sep). Orthodontic Approach to Patients with Autism: A Review. Turkish Journal of Orthodontics. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6756565/
  4. American Academy of Orthodontists. Decoding Orthodontic Jargon: A Comprehensive Glossary (https://aaoinfo.org/resources/glossary-of-orthodontic-terms/) Accessed 3/1/24.
  5. American Academy of Orthodontists. Embarking on a Two Phase Orthodontic Adventure (https://aaoinfo.org/whats-trending/6-facts-about-two-phase-treatment/) Accessed 2/28/24.