Question about teen orthodontist appointment

[IWishIWasABaller]

Hi just looking for advice here . DS13 is getting braces and we received a letter from the orthodontist today. It says in the letter that the dentist's policy is to see/examine the patient alone and then the parent is invited back in . Maybe I'm a bit overprotective here but I'm a little uncomfortable at this. I've asked DS what he would like and he isn't bothered either way! I can't put my finger on why exactly it makes me uncomfortable , I've always accompanied my other children to any dentist doctor appointments before and there was never an issue. Definitely not an overprotective parent or afraid to let my kids be independent and I really don't want to come across that way to the dentist Just wondering if this is a common practice?

Common practice now due to covid unfortunately.

I had an orthodontist app with my son last week, he went in alone and I came in at the end. There was a dental nurse in the room too. I didn’t give it a second thought.

Thank you guess I am being a bit precious so

One of the reason may be because they like to ask the child how they feel about their teeth, are they happy to have a brace, to check their compliance. I found with both my children they talk directly to them, rather than through me, if that makes sense.

I'm not even allowed in the building at DS's orthodontist at the moment - have to wait in the car. Only concern is him not reporting back correctly what he needs to do and when the next appt is!

It’s purely because of the Covid restrictions. They limit the amount of people in the room in order to keep everyone safe.
My DS had braces fitted when he was 13 (two years ago now) and I accompanied him to all his appointments.
In the last 8 months when he has been for appointments to tighten the braces I have been asked to wait in the waiting room and the orthodontist pops out at the end to update me on the progress/next steps.
I understand how you feel op but he will be ok on his own, really he will.
There will be an orthodontist and dental nurse in with him and it’s a very straightforward procedure- they do it all the time.
DS says it is never painful, just a bit uncomfortable having to keep his mouth open for so long.. but they are always really nice to him and tell him what they are doing at each stage and how much longer it will take.
You are just outside in the waiting room.
In fact, even when I was allowed in the room I would often sit in the corner and look at my phone as it was really quite boring!
Please don’t fret. Use it as an opportunity to have some quiet time alone while you wait - maybe take a magazine or your phone to occupy yourself.