When it comes to your child’s smile, teamwork matters. Pediatric dentists and orthodontists often work together to monitor growth, prevent problems, and guide teeth into healthy alignment. While pediatric dentists focus on overall oral health and cavity prevention, orthodontists specialize in how teeth and jaws develop and fit together.
For parents, coordinating care between these two specialists can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. Use this simple 10-step checklist to help ensure your child receives the most effective, well-timed care from both providers.
1. Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
Your child’s pediatric dentist is usually the first professional to notice signs of orthodontic concerns. Routine dental visits every six months allow the dentist to monitor tooth eruption, jaw development, and bite alignment.
If something looks unusual—such as crowding, spacing issues, or bite problems—they may recommend an orthodontic evaluation.
2. Know the Recommended Age for an Orthodontic Evaluation
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7.
At this age, orthodontists can identify early signs of concerns like:
- Crossbites
- Severe crowding
- Jaw growth issues
- Harmful oral habits (thumb sucking, tongue thrusting)
Even if treatment isn’t needed yet, early monitoring helps plan for the right timing later.
3. Share Dental Records Between Providers
If your child’s dentist recommends an orthodontic consultation, ask that X-rays, exam notes, and treatment history be shared with the orthodontist.
This helps the orthodontic team understand your child’s dental health history and avoids unnecessary repeat imaging.
At Canton Orthodontics, we frequently collaborate with local dentists in Canton and Roswell to streamline care for families.
4. Discuss Growth and Development
Orthodontic treatment is often timed around a child’s growth. During your consultation, the orthodontist will evaluate:
- Jaw growth patterns
- Tooth eruption stages
- Bite alignment
- Facial development
This helps determine whether your child needs early intervention, monitoring, or treatment during the teen years.
5. Ask if Two-Phase Treatment Is Needed
Some children benefit from two-phase orthodontic treatment, which addresses problems in stages:
- Phase 1: Early treatment while the jaw is still growing (often using expanders or limited braces).
- Phase 2: Comprehensive treatment with braces or Invisalign once most permanent teeth are in.
Your orthodontist and pediatric dentist may recommend this approach if early correction can prevent more complex issues later.
6. Monitor Habits That Affect Orthodontic Development
Certain habits can influence jaw growth and tooth alignment. Pediatric dentists and orthodontists often work together to address habits such as:
- Thumb sucking
- Tongue thrusting
- Mouth breathing
- Nail biting
Correcting these habits early can make orthodontic treatment easier and more effective.
7. Keep Both Offices Informed During Treatment
Once orthodontic treatment begins, communication between providers remains important. Your child should continue routine dental cleanings and exams throughout orthodontic care.
The dentist will monitor for:
- Cavities around brackets
- Gum health
- Proper brushing and flossing habits
Meanwhile, the orthodontist focuses on tooth movement and bite correction.
8. Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene
Braces and aligners create more places for plaque to hide, making oral hygiene even more important.
Encourage your child to:
- Brush after every meal
- Floss daily
- Use orthodontic cleaning tools if recommended
- Attend regular dental cleanings
Good hygiene protects teeth and ensures orthodontic treatment stays on track.
9. Follow Both Providers’ Instructions
Your orthodontist and dentist may give different types of instructions during treatment. Following both sets of recommendations helps avoid delays or complications.
Examples include:
- Wearing aligners or elastics as directed
- Avoiding foods that can damage braces
- Using fluoride or special rinses if recommended by the dentist
Consistency makes a big difference in treatment success.
10. Schedule Post-Treatment Dental and Orthodontic Visits
After braces or Invisalign treatment is complete, your child will wear a retainer to maintain their results. Your orthodontist will guide retainer use and monitoring.
At the same time, your pediatric dentist will continue routine care to keep teeth healthy long-term. Together, these visits ensure your child’s new smile stays healthy and stable.
Why Coordination Matters
When pediatric dentists and orthodontists collaborate, children benefit from earlier detection, better treatment timing, and more comprehensive care. This partnership helps guide proper jaw growth, improve bite function, and create healthy, confident smiles.
At Canton Orthodontics, we work closely with dental providers throughout Canton and Roswell to ensure every patient receives coordinated, thoughtful orthodontic care.
Schedule Your Child’s Orthodontic Evaluation
If your child is around age seven—or if your dentist has recommended an orthodontic consultation—our team is here to help. We offer personalized evaluations and a full range of treatment options, including braces and Invisalign.
Contact Canton Orthodontics today to schedule your child’s orthodontic consultation and take the next step toward a healthy, confident smile.
