Do you ever wonder if your kids teeth are coming in like they are supposed to?
Does your child’s bite seem off?
The type of dentist that you see matters in monitoring if your child’s dental growth and development is on track. An orthodontist is a dentist that is trained and can evaluate your child’s dental growth. At OrthoPros in Tucson, we’re excited to let you know about our OP KIDS CLUB! What does that mean for your child? For starters, Kids Club members ages 6 and up get FREE orthodontic growth check-ups by our orthodontic specialist, Dr. Kurt Kacer, which parents love! You’ll know the most opportune time to start your child’s orthodontic treatment, minimizing the need for more complex orthodontic treatment later in your child’s life. Plus, your child will LOVE the Kids Club perks! We offer our Kids Club members exciting opportunities to win Arizona Athletics & Tucson Roadrunners tickets, even opportunities to get on the field or ice!
We hope to clear up some frequently asked questions about what you can expect at your first orthodontic visit at OrthoPros!
- What’s the right age to bring my child to the orthodontist?
All you need to know are three words… 7 and up! That’s right, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends a child see the orthodontist for the first time by age 7. Why so early? Because at this age, our orthodontist, Dr. Kurt Kacer, can identify and intercept certain orthodontic issues before they become more severe. For our patients, this can mean eliminating the need for extractions, surgery or more complex orthodontic treatment in the future. Though only a small percentage of children will need orthodontic treatment at age 7, by bringing your child in at this early age, you ensure that they start orthodontic treatment at the most opportune time.
We make it fun for our kids who are too young to start treatment! Kids ages 6 and up are invited to join our OP Kids Club. All Kids Club members receive complimentary orthodontic consultations and monitoring of tooth growth. And the best part for your kids—they’ll receive some great rewards and prizes throughout the year, including the chance to participate in U of A and Tucson Roadrunner activities! To learn more about our OP Kids Club, click here.
- How long is the first appointment?
Typically, the first appointment takes about 45 minutes. You’ll meet Dr. Kacer and our Treatment Coordinator for an orthodontic evaluation. We’ll take a complimentary digital X-ray of your teeth to create a digital impression of your teeth. You’ll be happy to know that this high-tech digital scan only takes seconds to complete (read more about our impressionless scanning technology here)! We’ll discuss any orthodontic issues with you and want to make sure you have ample time to ask any questions you may have during this visit. If treatment is recommended, our Treatment Coordinator will discuss financial options with you and will be available to answer any questions you have regarding the cost of orthodontic treatment. To save even more time, you can print New Patient Information Forms online and fill them out in advance of your appointment. Click here to access our Patient Forms.
Dr. Kacer will evaluate tooth concerns, such as crowding, spacing, protrusion or impaction of teeth. He’ll also examine jaw bone issues, which can cause imbalances. Dr. Kacer will look at whether you have crossbites of one or more teeth which may result in jaw shifting and or unequal bone development. He’ll also look for oral habits, such as digit sucking or tongue thrusting, which can cause unwanted tooth movement. Dr. Kacer will also look for any medical issues, such as mouth breathing, allergies and joint dysfunction.
- Will I find out how much orthodontic treatment will cost me?
The cost of braces and Invisalign depends upon the severity of each person’s orthodontic issues. After your orthodontic evaluation, if treatment is recommended, our Treatment Coordinator will discuss fees and payment options with you. FEAR NOT! We strive to provide affordable orthodontic care because we believe NOTHING should stand in the way of an amazing smile! OrthoPros has different payment plans to suit your budget. We also accept most insurance plans and even offer a Dental Savings Plan exclusively available at OrthoPros. We work hard to make orthodontics an affordable and worthwhile investment that you’ll cherish for life! To learn more about our financial options, including our In-office Dental Savings Plan, click here.
We do everything we can to make your first visit a breeze and hope we’ve answered most of your questions about what to expect during your first orthodontic visit at OrthoPros in Tucson. However, if you have any other questions at all, we’d be happy to answer them! Just give us a call! We hope to see you soon!