Pediatric Dentist vs Orthodontist: Who to See First
A pediatric dentist cares for your child's overall oral health, like cleanings, cavities, and prevention. An orthodontist is a specialist in how teeth and jaws line up. Most kids need both, and the American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check-up by age 7, even if the teeth look fine.
Your child's dentist mentions "keeping an eye on the bite." A friend says her daughter had an orthodontic evaluation at seven. Now you're wondering whether your own kid is behind, ahead, or seeing the wrong person entirely.
Take a breath. It isn't a choice between two doctors. It's two different jobs. This guide explains what a pediatric dentist does, what an orthodontist does, how to tell which one your child needs, and what a first orthodontic visit looks like for families in St. Louis Hills and nearby.
Key Takeaways
A pediatric dentist handles everyday oral health. An orthodontist handles how teeth and jaws fit together.
Kids should keep seeing their dentist for regular check-ups, even while in braces.
The AAO recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7.
A first visit doesn't mean treatment starts. Often it means "we'll watch and check back."
At Saracino Orthodontics, the first consultation is free, lasts about an hour, and carries no obligation.
Not sure if it's time for an orthodontic visit? Book a free consultation and we'll give you a straight answer.
The Short Answer: Most Kids Need Both
Here's the part that surprises parents. A pediatric dentist and an orthodontist aren't competing for the same job, so your child isn't "choosing" between them.
Pediatric Dentist | Orthodontist | |
Main focus | Overall oral health in children | How teeth and jaws line up and grow |
Common care | Cleanings, exams, cavities, sealants, fluoride | Braces, clear aligners, expanders, other appliances |
Typical visits | Regular check-ups through the year | Evaluation, active treatment visits, then retention |
Best first step for | A child's first teeth and routine dental care | Bite, jaw, and crowding concerns |
Think of the dentist as the family doctor for your child's mouth and the orthodontist as the specialist you add when alignment or jaw growth needs attention. Both stay in the picture.
What a Pediatric Dentist Does
A pediatric dentist is trained to care for children's teeth and gums from the first tooth onward, and to make the experience comfortable for kids.
Typical care includes:
Routine cleanings and exams
Finding and treating cavities
Sealants and fluoride to protect young teeth
Advice on brushing, flossing, thumb-sucking, and diet
Spotting early signs that your child may benefit from an orthodontic evaluation
That last one matters. Your dentist is often the first person to notice a crowded bite or a jaw that's shifting, and a good one will say so.
What an Orthodontist Does
An orthodontist focuses on straightening teeth and correcting how the upper and lower jaws meet. For children, that can include guiding jaw growth while the jaw is still responsive.
At Saracino Orthodontics, children's care can include:
Early (Phase 1) treatment to correct or prevent issues like underbites, crossbites, and crowding
Expanders and other appliances that guide jaw development, part of dentofacial orthopedics
Limited braces, traditional metal or tooth-colored 3D-printed LightForce braces
Clear aligners, including Invisalign and Angel Aligners
Remote monitoring with Grin, which reduces in-office visits
Our children's orthodontics page covers each option by age. The point is that none of this is routine dental care. It's a separate specialty.
Why Orthodontic Training Matters
Every orthodontist is a dentist first. Then they complete additional specialty training focused on moving teeth and guiding jaws, called an orthodontic residency.
Dr. Catherine Saracino completed her orthodontic residency at Saint Louis University and is ABO board-certified. She's also a member of the American Association of Orthodontists and the Greater St. Louis Dental Society. Why does that matter to you? Because tooth movement is slow and permanent in its effects, and you want someone who does it every day.
One more thing. Some general dentists offer limited alignment treatment. That can be fine for simple cases. For jaw growth, bite problems, or anything complex, a specialist is the safer call.
Have questions about your child's bite? Reach out to our St. Louis Hills office and ask. There's no charge to talk it through.
When to See an Orthodontist
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Not because every seven-year-old needs braces. Most don't. It's because catching a problem early gives us more options, and if nothing's needed, we track growth and check back.
Signs it may be time to book sooner:
Underbite or crossbite, where the lower or upper teeth sit the wrong way when biting
Crowding, with not enough room for incoming adult teeth
A jaw that shifts or looks misaligned when your child bites down
Baby teeth lost much earlier or later than usual
Thumb or finger sucking that continues past the toddler years
Trouble chewing or frequent mouth breathing
Early care matters because the jaw is still growing and most responsive to guidance. Successful Phase 1 treatment may reduce or eliminate the need for more complex Phase 2 treatment later.
What Happens at a First Orthodontic Visit
Parents tend to picture a long, scary appointment. It isn't. Here's the real flow:
Book. Call 314-649-8999 or use the online form.
Fill out forms. The HIPAA consent and new patient forms take about 10 minutes online, or arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to complete them in the office.
Records. We take an X-ray, photos, and an iTero digital scan.
Review and plan. Dr. Saracino goes over the records and shares her recommendation and options during the same appointment.
Financial review. Our team covers insurance, financing, and discounts so there are no surprises.
Bring your insurance card, a list of current medications, your child's dentist's name, and recent dental X-rays from the last 12 months if you have them. The X-rays are optional. Our new patient process page walks through each step.
Cost, Insurance, and Financing
Your first appointment is free and carries no obligation. After that, costs depend on your child's treatment plan.
What we can say: Saracino Orthodontics accepts most major insurance providers and handles insurance billing directly. We offer zero-interest financing with a low down payment, plus pay-in-full and multi-family discounts. Our all-inclusive payment covers records and X-rays, all appliances, all visits (including emergencies), and one set of retainers.
Children's Orthodontics Near You in St. Louis Hills
If you've been searching for an orthodontist pediatric near me, here's the simple version. Saracino Orthodontics treats kids ages 7 and up, and Dr. Saracino lives in St. Louis Hills with her husband and children, so this is her community too.
We're at 6555 Chippewa Street, Suite 200, open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Friday by appointment only. Learn more about Dr. Saracino and our team.
Ready to find out where your child stands? Book a free consultation or call 314-649-8999.
FAQs
Is a pediatric dentist the same as an orthodontist?
No. A pediatric dentist provides everyday oral care for children, like cleanings and cavity treatment. An orthodontist is a specialist who corrects tooth and jaw alignment with braces, aligners, and appliances. Most children benefit from seeing both.
Does my child need both a dentist and an orthodontist?
Usually, yes. Your dentist covers routine care, and an orthodontist steps in for bite, crowding, and jaw concerns. Kids should keep their regular dental visits even during orthodontic treatment.
At what age should a child see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Most kids won't need treatment right away. The visit lets the orthodontist watch growth and step in early if a problem appears.
Can a general dentist put braces on my child?
Some dentists offer limited alignment treatment. Orthodontists complete additional residency training in moving teeth and guiding jaw growth, so a specialist is the safer choice for complex bites, jaw issues, or early Phase 1 treatment.
What happens at the first orthodontic visit?
We take an X-ray, photos, and an iTero digital scan. Dr. Saracino reviews the records and presents treatment options and a recommendation during the same appointment. The visit lasts about an hour, and our team also covers insurance and financing.
How much does the first orthodontic visit cost?
Nothing. Your first appointment at Saracino Orthodontics is free with no obligation, and there is no co-pay or charge for the initial consultation. Treatment costs depend on your child's plan and are reviewed at the visit.
Should my child keep seeing the dentist while in braces?
Yes. Braces make brushing and flossing harder, so regular dental cleanings and check-ups are important for keeping teeth and gums healthy during treatment. Your dentist and orthodontist work on different parts of the same goal.
What are the signs my child needs an orthodontist?
Common signs include crowded teeth, an underbite or crossbite, a jaw that shifts when biting, baby teeth lost early or late, and thumb sucking past the toddler years. If you notice any of these, schedule an evaluation.
Where can I find an orthodontist for kids near me in St. Louis Hills?
Saracino Orthodontics at 6555 Chippewa Street, Suite 200, treats children ages 7 and up in St. Louis Hills. Every new patient gets a free consultation. Call 314-649-8999 to book.
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