Orthodontic Observation 
Appointment

Recall appointments are an important part of early orthodontic treatment, as they help to ensure proper monitoring and care. No matter how short and simple they seem to be, the orthodontic observation appointment plays a crucial role in evaluating patient progress and making necessary adjustments. And our team at OrthoMike aims to make it as effective and comfortable for the patient and their guardians as possible.

What is a Recall or Orthodontic Observation Appointment?

A recall or orthodontic observation appointment is a short follow-up visit with your child's orthodontist about eight to twelve weeks after the initial consultation. They are meant for orthodontic patients who may not yet be ready for braces or have yet to wait for the rest of their permanent teeth to come out.

Recall appointments usually take between 10-20 minutes only and allow the doctor to evaluate the progress of your child's treatment. They will also be able to check if there are any changes to jaw and tooth positions since the last visit.

What's Done During a Recall Appointment?

Dr. Michael Wiernicki will perform an oral examination during a patient's recall appointment. He will look for any unusual jaw or tooth positions, check for signs of potential problems, and assess the progress of treatment. Progress x-rays will be taken to compare the jaw and tooth positions over time.

If any adjustments or new treatment recommendations are needed, they will be discussed with you and your child. During this time, parents get a chance to ask questions and voice any concerns as well. Ultimately, they are an essential part of a child's orthodontic treatment and help to ensure healthy teeth and a beautiful smile.

At OrthoMike, we have three major objectives during an orthodontic observation appointment.

#1 - Providing Proper Information and Instructions

Dr. Mike will take time to ensure the patient and their guardians understand the next steps in treatment. Information such as when to come back for the next appointment, what type of braces or appliances may be needed, and how to care for them will all be discussed.

In addition, Dr. Mike will also review the importance of proper oral hygiene and nutrition to maintain healthy teeth during treatment. He recommends brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and limiting sugary drinks and snacks as ways to protect teeth.

At OrthoMike Orthodontics, we always want to begin treatment at the proper time and not recommend any unnecessary procedures. For this reason, Dr. Mike looks forward to seeing your child at every observation appointment to ensure the teeth and jaw are developing correctly.

#2 - Monitoring the Loss of Primary Teeth and Eruption of Permanent Teeth

During a recall appointment, Dr. Mike will check on the progress of any primary teeth that have yet to be replaced with permanent ones. If baby teeth aren't coming out or are being lost too early, this may throw off the alignment of the teeth in the future.

Dr. Mike will also look carefully at the emergence of any permanent teeth that are still developing. If they require additional space or need to be redirected, he will provide instructions such as the use of expanders or spacers to make sure they come in correctly.

While it doesn't take much time to observe tooth loss and eruption in kids, ignoring any of these problems can cause considerable damage to teeth and jaw alignment. It's important to attend your child's recall appointments for this reason and avoid lengthy or invasive treatments in the future.

#3 - Checking of Retainer Fit and Condition

If the patient has already undergone early treatment with braces, Invisalign, or other appliances, Dr. Mike will check on the fit and condition of the retainers. This helps to confirm if they are still comfortable and properly doing their job—keeping teeth in their new positions.

Aside from regular retainers, we also use space maintainers for patients who have yet to get all of their permanent teeth. It helps preserve the original space in the mouth until the tooth can grow back into its proper location. Dr. Mike is going to examine the space maintainer to ensure it is still doing its job and make any needed adjustments.

Early Orthodontic Treatment in Boca Raton, FL

Early interceptive orthodontics is recommended for kids aged seven to twelve years old. By taking advantage of this age window, we can guide the development of teeth and jaws to prevent major problems in the future. If you're looking for the best pediatric orthodontist in Boca Raton to take care of your child's teeth and jaw development, then look no further than OrthoMike Orthodontics.

Our experienced orthodontist and team are dedicated to providing the best quality care while making sure your child is comfortable every step of the way. We offer a variety of treatments such as metal and clear braces, Invisalign, and more. During your child's recall appointments, we will ensure their teeth and jaw are developing on track and give you instructional tips to promote healthy oral hygiene. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

Boca Raton Office

561-806-7846

Wellington Office

561-793-9888
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