As a parent, you want the best for your child—including their orthodontic care. But when it comes to office visits, many parents wonder: Am I allowed to be present during my child’s appointments? The answer depends on the practice, the type of visit, and what’s best for your child’s treatment experience.
At Simple Orthodontics, we believe in open communication and personalized care. Here’s everything you need to know about being involved in your child’s orthodontic journey.
Can Parents Stay in the Treatment Room?
In most cases, yes! Many orthodontic offices, including ours, encourage parental involvement—especially during initial consultations and major treatment discussions. However, for routine visits, we may recommend parents wait in the lobby to allow the child to become more independent in their care.
When Parents Are Encouraged to Be Present:
✔ Initial Consultation: Parents are always welcome during the first visit to discuss treatment options, costs, and expectations.
✔ Braces or Aligner Fitting: When your child gets braces or aligners for the first time, we want parents to understand how to care for them.
✔ Major Adjustments or Concerns: If there’s an issue (such as discomfort or broken appliances), we’ll discuss solutions with both the child and parent.
✔ Airway & Growth Monitoring: For younger patients in early orthodontic treatment, we involve parents in conversations about jaw growth and airway health.
When Parents Might Be Asked to Wait in the Lobby:
- Routine Adjustments: Most appointments involve quick wire changes or aligner check-ins, which don’t require parental involvement.
- Building Independence: As children get older, it’s beneficial for them to take responsibility for their own orthodontic care.
- COVID-19 & Office Policies: Some offices have space limitations or health policies that restrict extra visitors in the treatment area.
Why Some Parents Choose to Stay in the Lobby
While it’s natural to want to stay close, many parents find that giving their child some space helps them feel more confident and engaged in their treatment. When kids talk directly with their orthodontist, they:
✅ Learn how to care for their braces or aligners
✅ Feel more responsible for their own treatment
✅ Ask questions they might not ask in front of parents
Of course, parents are always welcome to check in after the appointment! If you have concerns, we’ll gladly provide an update or answer any questions.
How to Stay Involved Without Being in the Room
Even if you’re not physically present during every visit, there are ways to stay informed:
📅 Review the Treatment Plan – We’ll provide details about each phase of treatment.
📲 Ask for Updates – Our team is happy to share progress reports after each visit.
👦 Encourage Your Child to Communicate – Teach them to ask questions and follow care instructions.
At Simple Orthodontics, we prioritize personalized, efficient, and high-tech orthodontic care. Whether you choose to stay in the treatment room or the lobby, we’re here to ensure your child feels comfortable and confident every step of the way.
👉 Have questions about your child’s orthodontic care? Contact us today!
