According to a 2018 Stanford University Press blog, between 50% and 70% of children in the U.S. will have braces before they reach adulthood. As children grow, their teeth often shift and crowd, which makes braces necessary to correct alignment.

As a parent, finding the right orthodontist for your child or teen is a big decision. You will need pediatric orthodontic care that provides your child with a positive and supportive experience.

But how can you spot a professional orthodontist for children and teens among the many options available today? Explore top tips for finding a teenager orthodontic specialist.

Check Treatment Options

A professional orthodontist customizes child dental treatment plans to meet your child’s:

  • Unique needs and preferences
  • Maturity level
  • Dental issues
  • Lifestyle

If you live in Waynesboro or Staunton, VA, Parrott Orthodontics guarantees tailored orthodontic care for your child. Our customizable orthodontic services promote comfort and accelerate teeth alignment.

Braces and clear aligners are orthodontic treatment options for children and teens.

Braces

Braces include traditional, ceramic, and lingual options. Braces are most commonly given to pre-teens and teens. They are:

  • Durable and strong
  • Noticeable
  • Quite costly
  • More effective for serious teeth misalignment

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are custom-made, transparent, and removable trays. They’re safer and more comfortable than braces as they don’t cause irritation or mouth sores.

At Parrott Orthodontics, we provide Spark™ Clear Aligners, a top clear aligner system recognized for its exceptional clarity, comfort, and effectiveness. Made with TruGEN™ material, Spark aligners are crafted to be more comfortable and resistant to stains than other aligners. They provide gentle, consistent pressure to move teeth into their proper position.

Consider Reputation

As a parent, choosing a trustworthy orthodontist for your child is crucial. Take time to check the specialist’s online reviews.

Check how they respond to both positive and negative reviews. A reputable orthodontist is always:

  • Polite
  • Respectful
  • Calm
  • Apologetic

You can also ask for referrals from other parents whose children have had braces or clear aligners. Don’t just choose an orthodontist for your kid. At Parrott Orthodontics, we go above and beyond to make every visit something kids look forward to

Evaluate Communication Skills

Orthodontic care is a partnership involving the orthodontist, the patient, and the parents. Open and honest communication is among the critical soft skills for orthodontists.

Good communicators make it easier for parents to ask questions. Your teen gets more empowered to share their thoughts and concerns.

Evaluate your child’s orthodontist’s communication skills during the first appointment. Observe how they answer questions and address your child’s concerns. At Parrott Orthodontics, we explain the reasons behind every step, whether it’s how braces are adjusted or how to care for aligners.

Orthodontist for children and teens: Giving Your Kid a Vibrant Smile

The orthodontist for children and teens you choose can greatly impact your child’s smile and confidence. Thorough research can help you find a reputable, affordable, and experienced teenage orthodontic specialist.

Parrott Orthodontics team guarantees top-quality child dental treatment in Waynesboro or Staunton, VA. Our team leaders, Dr. Quay William Parrott III and Dr. Erika Babikow, are highly skilled and experienced dentists. They hold dental medicine degrees from prestigious institutions, including Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, the University of Maryland, and the University of Pittsburgh.

Call us today to schedule a consultation.