Being responsible for another often means making hard decisions. When it comes to the health of our children, the confusion can peak and we can be left feeling frozen with the fear of making a ‘wrong’ decision.

Anxiety, apprehension and uncertainty are feelings that we all know too well. These feelings can be compounded by well-meaning advice, which is often in abundance and over-supply.

In many instances, this advice is found to be in contradiction to the advice of the experts. This is where a relatively straightforward decision can seem impossible. The field of Orthodontics is not immune to this and sadly, this situation is something I encounter all too regularly.

It is generally accepted that orthodontics has an important place in the lives of many children. We have all seen kids that have had their lives changed, by the act of providing a fabulous smile – a gift that should last them their lifetime. But when it is your child’s turn, you want certainty that you get it right the first time.

When it comes to children, these are the most important questions that parents ask of me:

• Do they need treatment?

• When do they need treatment?

• What type of treatment should they have?

• Who should provide the treatment? 

• How much does it cost?

• What happens after treatment?

By perusing this list, it is easy to see how it can be overwhelming when considering treatment for your child. To make your life easier, your specialist Orthodontist will facilitate constructive conversation to provide you with all of the answers.

Every child is unique and their orthodontic needs carry their own complexities. As such, it is imperative that an expert assesses the child, before formulating and providing the treatment. You should feel confident that you’re in the right hands.

An expert is exactly what an Orthodontist is – an expert in their field. This is only made possible by at least 8 years of full-time university training, followed by years of experience. On top of the 5 years at university to become a dentist, they spend another 5000 hours of full-time specialist training, in the field of orthodontics.

Orthodontists strive to provide each child with the best outcome, in the shortest period of time – put simply, to provide treatment which is both effective and efficient.

Seeing the wrong person may result in a poor result, over-treatment and worst still, irreversible damage. This can be devastating for the parents and child.

It is the responsibility of an Orthodontist to protect you from this type of outcome, so please ensure that you’re seeing one.

Your children are precious and it goes without saying that they deserve the best. Trust your mother’s intuition, have confidence in your Orthodontist.

Be wary of opinions and please remember that opinions are not equal to the clinical experience and scientific knowledge of a true expert. Be vigilant and ask the right questions.

On this Mother’s Day, we celebrate motherhood and the individuals that have shaped and enriched our lives.