How many times has a new mom or dad been given “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” as a new parent gift?
More times that we can count.
But after the baby’s first year, many parents turn to Google, Facebook groups, and more experienced friends and family members for ‘what they should be doing when.’
And in the orthodontics and oral health space, that’s not always the best idea.
Why? Because every mouth is different.
And those folks you’re asking?
They aren’t subject matter experts.
Why parents should get involved in their child’s oral health early on
A child’s oral health actually begins before they have teeth! And as teeth come in, it’s incredibly important to create as healthy of an environment as possible.
That’s why we’ve created our Smile Squad program.
In the first phase of our program, parents will be able to increase their ‘dental IQ’ – getting tips and tools on what they should be doing to create the best oral health experience for their child.
This includes providing resources and qualified answers to questions like:
– When should my child stop thumb-sucking?
– How do I wean my child off of his or her pacifier?
– When do we start using fluoride?
– How do I know if my child has sleep apnea?
All valid questions. All should be addressed at the right age. This is why we’ll deliver the answers straight to mom and dad’s inbox if their child is 6 years of age or under.
To keep it fun for your littles, we’ll be bringing in things like invites to fun events, an exclusive coloring book download from #757 icon and artist OnieTonie, and annual birthday treats.
When should my child be seen for their first orthodontic screening?
While establishing a dental home with a pediatric or family dentist is one of the first things you should do as your child is growing – you should be getting your first orthodontic screening from a board-certified orthodontist at age 7.
You might think this is a bit early, but we can assure you, it’s right on time.
We want to be able to catch orthodontic issues BEFORE they are a problem. Or if there’s already a problem, address them immediately. That’s why 7 is a perfect age.
At this age, children have a good mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth – and a qualified orthodontist will be able to see clearly if there are any issues in play or anticipated.
In addition to increasing dental IQ, our Hatcher & Frey Orthodontics’ Smile Squad program also provides FREE early screenings to the Hampton Roads community and beyond, for children ages 7 and up. Our growth and guidance appointments take place roughly every 6-9 months so that we can track what changes are happening, and address them as needed. This ‘look under the hood’ allows us to treat issues before they cause damage to the developing mouth.
Early ‘interceptive’ treatments, or ‘rescue phase’ treatments are not the norm, but they are not uncommon. Should your child need early orthodontic treatment? We have three convenient locations in Western Branch, Great Bridge areas of Chesapeake, as well as the Norfolk Studio at Norfolk Premium Outlets. Dr. Bill Hatcher and Dr. Scott Frey, Top 1% Invisalign providers, will take amazing care of your child – and keep you informed every step of the way.
The Smile Squad program is complimentary and built with parents (and their children) in mind.
Have questions? Our text is always open: 757-996-5653.
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"We recently moved to the Chesapeake area and needed an orthodontist that could continue treatment for our two kiddos. Hatcher & Frey Orthodontics made our transition seamless and even provided an Invisalign option. The staff is amazing and the facilities are top notch!"
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"This is an OUTSTANDING team of dental professionals. We are greeted with smiles every time and wait less than 5 minutes to be called back for our appointment. This is EXCEPTIONAL when compared to the usual, long waiting room wait in MANY practices. The changing seasonal themes is always surprising and enjoyable. THIS IS NOT THE USUAL MEDICAL FACILITY OFTEN VISITED. Doctors Frey and Hatcher are personable, very friendly and HAPPY to work with their patients. Theirs is the most pleasant office to visit and this team is competent and approachable all the time. I'd GIVE THEM A 10 if I could!"
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"We absolutely LOVE Hatcher & Frey Orthodontics. I have 3 daughters who went through braces for about ten years (2002-2012). Now, I am wearing Invisalign. They have been consistently professional and offer the very best care. I highly recommend them."
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"We love Dr. Hatcher and Dr. Frey! They are super thorough when you go in for an evaluation, and give you pricing up front. I visited a different local orthodontist, who wouldn’t give a price until after we started... they are detailed in the plan and the outcome is terrific! It is a wonderful practice with an amazing team! I highly recommend them!!"
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"I can't tell you how astonished I was with the customer service, everyone here is affectionate, and kind. I feel respected and important here. I am a current patient with crowding problems; Invisalign was what I went with because It doesn't seem too much of a chore to keep up with rather than braces. Thanks Dr. Hatcher for your stunning care; I know I'm in good hands and can't wait to see a different smile in the near future. I hope if you've read this far you choose to come here even if you live far away; it's definitely worth the drive. I would recommend this to anyone who is in need of an orthodontist."
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"Got my braces off today after 29 months of wearing them. When I came to Dr. Hatcher back in June 2017, my teeth looked like they were beat by Negan's bat, Lucille, from TWD. Today, I am a brand new person that has been cured of my zombie teeth apocalypse! Thank you Dr Hatcher, Shawna, and the rest of the staff! Your hard work has paid off and will not be forgotten. I will think of you every time I smile."
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"Five stars I scheduled a consult after seeing photos of Dr Frey’s cases with early development utilizing Invisalign. I also felt orthodontics should start early not late and I wanted the best for my 5yr old twins. I was blown away with Dr Frey’s clinical skills, understanding of sleep apnea in children, his updated technology and ability to do digital scans instead of impressions totally shows his education and expertise, but my biggest compliment was how well they treated my family. It’s care that is surpasses any practice I’ve seen. Thank you for educating us and giving us a sound treatment plan."
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"Dr. Hatcher is wonderful and the staff is exceptional! We have had a very positive experience here with both of our daughters. They go above and beyond and I recommend them to anyone who is looking for an orthodontist. They make you feel like family and the kids love going to their appointments. State of the art technology is used to transform smiles from good to great!"
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"Dr. Scott Frey is an amazing Orthodontist and very caring. The most important thing which many people don't understand is it's not just straightening your teeth but knowing your bite is right for the lifetime of functioning. It's well worth the investment and time to do it right, so it won't cost you even more down the road. I give him 5 stars!"
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"What a great experience! We were referred to Hatcher & Frey Orthodontics by our pediatric dentist’s office and they are very helpful and professional. Couldn't have had a better team to help my now 13-year-old achieve her perfect smile."
