What an early check is
An early check is one visit, around age seven, where an orthodontist looks at how a child's teeth are coming in and how the jaws meet. It is for any child whose parent or dentist has a question. It is not a decision to treat.
What Dr. Aceves looks at
How the first permanent teeth are coming in, whether there is room for the ones still to come, how the upper and lower teeth meet, and habits like thumb sucking or mouth breathing that you've noticed. She counts, measures and sometimes takes photographs or a scan.
What you might hear
Sometimes the answer is to look again in six months or a year. Sometimes it is to start a first stage now, or to wait for more teeth. Sometimes it is nothing at all. She explains what she would do, what she would watch and what happens if you wait.
What an early check doesn't promise
Starting early is not always needed, and it doesn't promise shorter or simpler treatment later. If she suggests waiting, you'll hear what she's watching for.
A tray of mirrors and stickers
The check uses a small mirror, a light and a ruler. Your child can hold the mirror, pick a sticker and say stop at any moment.
What happens
Plan on one visit of about 30 minutes.
- 01
Step 1: We say hello to your child
Sonya shows them the chair and the mirror before anyone leans back.
- 02
Step 2: Dr. Aceves talks with you both
What you've noticed, what your family dentist said, and what your child wants to know.
- 03
Step 3: She looks and measures
A mirror, a light, a ruler, and sometimes photographs or a scan. A child can ask her to stop.
- 04
Step 4: You hear what she saw
What she would do, what she would watch, and when to come back, in writing if you ask.
If she wants photographs or a scan of the teeth, she tells you why first.
Comfort, choices and care
Comfort
A first check uses no numbing. Your child sits however is comfortable, you can stay beside them, and they can ask us to stop at any moment.
If you wait
Some bites change as more teeth come in, and some don't. She may ask you to come back in six months or a year, and she'll say what she'll compare.
Risks and after-care
There is nothing to recover from at a first check. If Dr. Aceves wants an X-ray, she tells you why before it is taken.
How it's billed
A first check has a fee, quoted in writing when you book. If a plan covers part of it, Kerri tells you before you come.
How fees work
Questions about a first check
Is my child too young?
Dr. Aceves sees children around age seven, and sooner if your family dentist asks. If it's too early for anything useful, she tells you.
Will my child need X-rays?
Only if she needs one to see something she can't see otherwise. She tells you why before it is taken.
Should I bring anything?
Your plan's card, a list of what your child takes, and any X-rays your family dentist has.
Provided by an orthodontist
Dr. Pilar Aceves, DDS, orthodontist, licensed in Wyoming. Her specialty training and board are listed under Credentials on the About page.