PEDIATRIC

ORTHODONTICS

EXAM AND CLEANINGS
Exams and cleanings are usually performed every 6 months to ensure proper maintenance and prevention. Sometimes, a child needs a cleanings every 3 months because they are at higher risk of getting

FLUORIDE
Fluoride is placed at the cleaning visits and is placed more frequently if needed due to high caries risk. Fluoride prevents cavities from forming. We also now offer Silver Diamine Fluoride which can help keep a cavity from growing and delay the need for a filling.

X-RAYS
We follow the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry guidelines for taking dental x-rays. Dental x-rays will be taken as needed during routine cleaning appointments to check for cavities in between teeth. survey erupting teeth, evaluate dental trauma, or plan orthodontic treatment. We only use 100% digital equipment that uses 90% less radiation than older units.
SEALANTS
Sealants are used to prevent cavities in permanent premolars and molars. Dental sealants prevent caries by acting as a barrier by covering the grooves in teeth. Sealants are an effective and easy way to help prevent tooth decay.

FILLINGS
Fillings are done to replace tooth structure that has been removed due to cavities or for teeth that may need to be restored due to trauma. The materials
we use are durable and safe.
Fillings can be a tooth colored plastic material or a silver colored metal material. Your dentist can let you know which material is best for your child's specific needs.

CROWNS
Tooth colored crowns which are placed on the front of the teeth provide the best esthetics and wear. A Stainless Steel Crown or White Zirconia Crown may be recommended for your child after a baby root canal is performed or if there is extensive damage to a back baby tooth from cavities or trauma. They are recommended when a traditional filling is not considered strong enough or if the child is young and the baby molar is not expected to fall out for a long period of time.

PULPOTOMY & RCT
A cavity that goes into the nerve (pulp) of the tooth may cause a child to experience pain. A pediatric root canal procedure is referred to as a pulpotomy. The purpose of a pulpotomy is to maintain the affected tooth so that the tooth will not be lost early. Early loss of posterior (back) primary teeth may cause future problems with the eruption of permanent teeth. The pulpotomy procedure removes the infected pulp tissue within the crown of the tooth. A medication is placed to calm the nerve and is followed with a final restoration such as a white zirconia crown or stainless steel crown. A root canal treatment is performed in permanent teeth when caries affects the nerve and causes pain and infection.

SPECIAL NEEDS
Our Pediatric Dentists and other Specialists have the experience and understanding to treat each patient's dental needs in a fun, relaxing environment. We treat patients with a wide spectrum of special needs such as autism, varying syndromes and other developmental needs with patience and compassion.

EMERGENCIES
We are always available for dental emergencies ranging from trauma to dental pain and infections.

COMFORT
We offer a variety of behavior management techniques for your child's specific needs. Our goal is to treat your child in the safest. least invasive manner possible and keep them as comfortable as possible. We offer nitrous oxide/oxygen sedation also known as "Laughing Gas". Sometimes due to anxiety or in al young child, a deeper sedation is necessary. In those instances, we offer treatment under general anesthesia. The treatment is completed efficiently and in one treatment session instead of multiple sessions

Why Braces
Everyone wants a Hollywood smile but only a few people are lucky enough to be born with perfect chompers! Sure everyone wants beautiful teeth but a straight smile is not just to look good. Straight teeth are easier to keep clean and help prevent gum and bone disease in the future. Braces also help to correct the bite problems to protect the teeth against trauma and possible fractures. There is no age limit to getting a great smile. Our orthodontist can help decide what type of braces are right for your child or you.

Types of Braces
There are so many types of braces available today.
Metal braces: Metal braces are made from stainless steel and are reliable, strong and comfortable.
Clear braces: Clear braces work like metal braces but are made of ceramic and are more esthetic.
Invisalign: Invisalign braces consist of clear trays which cover teeth to move them. Invisalign provides the most esthetic option.
Interceptive Orthodontics: Sometimes early intervention is necessary to keep dental problems from getting worse. Different appliances can be made to help with early tooth movement before a child is ready for braces. These appliances can help modify the growth of the jaw, provide minor tooth movements as well as shorten overall time needed in braces in the future.


Retainers
Once that beautiful smile has been achieved, retainers will be provided to help keep teeth from moving back to their original place. It is very important to wear the retainers as recommended by your orthodontist.