Orthodontic Evaluation for Children and Teens

At Simon Says Smile, a pediatric orthodontic evaluation is more than a check-up — it’s the starting point for understanding where your child’s development stands and what, if anything, needs attention.

Orthodontic Evaluation

What Happens During a Pediatric Orthodontic Evaluation

A pediatric orthodontic evaluation is a structured assessment of your child’s teeth, bite, and jaw development. We review how permanent teeth are coming in, how the jaws relate to each other, and whether any patterns are forming that may cause problems down the road. When needed, we take diagnostic records — including 3D digital X-ray imaging — for a complete picture beneath the surface.

During the evaluation, we examine:

What We Look for That X-Rays Reveal

Our 3D X-ray technology reveals what traditional imaging cannot — developing tooth positions, root development, jaw structure, and hidden concerns like impacted or extra teeth — allowing us to plan ahead rather than react after the fact.

Breathing Patterns & Airway Health

A child’s breathing pattern is one of the most overlooked influences on orthodontic development. Mouth breathing causes the tongue to drop, the arch to narrow, and the lower jaw to shift back over time — catching these patterns early gives us options that aren’t available once growth is complete.

Evaluations for Special Needs Children

For children with special healthcare needs, an orthodontic evaluation requires patience, flexibility, and a genuine understanding of how to make a child feel safe. We structure evaluations at whatever pace works for the child, introducing each step gradually and giving them as much control as possible.

When an Evaluation Leads to a Monitoring Plan

Not every child needs treatment right away — and that’s a good outcome, not a wasted visit. A monitoring plan tracks development over time, ensuring we never miss the window for early treatment while avoiding unnecessary intervention for children developing normally.

Pediatric Orthodontics

Understanding Your Child's Evaluation Results

At the end of every evaluation, we walk families through what we found and what it means in practical terms. We explain every finding clearly, and never recommend treatment without explaining why it helps and what happens if delayed. Every parent leaves with a clear understanding of where their child stands and what comes next.

After your child’s evaluation, you will receive:

What an Evaluation Reveals About Your Child's Oral Development

Oral Habits and Their Effect on Development

Oral habits like thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and prolonged pacifier use apply pressure that redirects tooth eruption and bone growth over time. Identifying an active habit during evaluation allows us to factor it into the treatment plan — and address it before it causes changes requiring more involved correction.

Soft Tissue Restrictions That Affect Bite Development

Tongue-tie and lip-tie are soft tissue findings we screen for during every evaluation. A restricted tongue applies different pressure patterns to the developing arch, and those differences accumulate over years of growth. When a restriction is identified, we discuss whether release is appropriate and how it fits into the broader treatment picture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need to Know About Pediatric Orthodontic Evaluations

Does my child need a referral to schedule an evaluation?

No referral is needed! You are welcome to contact our office directly to schedule your child’s evaluation at any time.

Will my child need X-rays at their first evaluation?

Whether X-rays are taken at the first visit depends on your child’s age and what we observe during the clinical examination. For younger children, a visual assessment may be enough to start, but when we need a closer look at what is developing beneath the gumline, we use our 3D X-ray technology to get the detail that informs an accurate treatment plan.

What if my child is anxious about the evaluation?

Anxiety about orthodontic visits is completely normal, and we structure every appointment with that in mind, introducing each step before we do it, keeping our pace unhurried, and giving your child time to feel comfortable before moving forward. For children who need a little more preparation, we are happy to schedule a brief introductory visit to tour the office and meet the team before any clinical assessment takes place.

At Simon Says Smile, Where every smile is a win!

Get In Touch

Reach out to us today to book your appointment. Our team looks forward to welcoming you and guiding you every step of the way toward a smile you’ll feel confident sharing.

Phone:
404-480-4940

Email: .

Location:
3731 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd
Suite 103
Chamblee, GA 30341

Hours:

Mon-Thu: 7:30AM – 5:00PM
Fri: 8:00AM – 1:00PM
Sat-Sun: Closed

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