Exciting opportunity for a dental hygienist to work in our Pediatric dental office in canton. We have full time and part time positions available.
Please send your resume to info@kidshappyteeth.com
Tag Archives: Dentistry
An Overview of Phase II Orthodontic Treatment
When the topic of orthodontics comes to mind, most people think of Phase II orthodontics, or braces. The goal of phase II is to bring all of the teeth into ideal alignment. Phase II orthodontics usually begins when patients are 11 or 12 years old and all of the permanent teeth have erupted and are fully in place. Treatment at this age can sometimes be accomplished using a removable appliance, but most often, traditional metal bands and brackets are needed to complete the treatment.
Braces straighten teeth by performing two important tasks: staying in place for an extended period of time and exerting steady pressure. The orthodontist can also adjust them periodically in order to move teeth in place over time. Brackets and bands are affixed to the surface of the teeth to provide a place for the wires to attach. During orthodontic treatment, it’s important to visit the orthodontist often. During these visits the orthodontist can make the necessary adjustments to ensure that the treatment is progressing favorably. The orthodontist may attach wires, springs, or rubber bands to the braces in order to create more tension and pressure on the teeth.
During orthodontic treatment, oral hygiene becomes even more important. As you can imagine, braces, wires and rubber bands are magnets for food and plaque. Poor oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment can lead to permanent staining of the teeth. Your dentist and orthodontist will recommend brushing after meals with fluoride toothpaste and making it a habit to remove any food particles that get stuck in braces. It’s also important not to skip your six-month check-ups with your pediatric or general dentist during this time.
Phase II orthodontic treatment will usually last from 12 to 24 months. After treatment is complete and braces are removed, the final phase of orthodontic treatment, retention, is entered. The goal of retention is, of course, to maintain all that has been accomplished in the previous phases of orthodontic treatment. Typically, removable or permanent retainers are used in the retention phase of treatment.
Braces can solve many issues with teeth. They can make you look and feel your best! They may not be enjoyable during treatment, but the payoff in the end is undeniable. Never underestimate the importance of having healthy, strong, straight teeth!
First Visit by the First Birthday
One of the most commonly asked questions from parents of very young children is, “When do I need to bring my child for their first dental appointment?” Parents are often surprised to hear that the recommendation is that children see a dentist within 6 months of getting their first tooth. There are several reasons behind this recommendation.
Just as it’s important early in a baby’s life to establish a trusting relationship with a pediatrician, it’s important to find a pediatric dentist. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry promotes the “First Visit by the First Birthday” policy. As soon as a baby gets teeth, those teeth need to be cared for! Seeing a dentist early on will ensure that new parents have the information necessary to begin caring for these very important new teeth. The dentist can answer any questions you have regarding dental care for your baby. Believe it or not, baby teeth can develop tooth decay, so establishing habits for prevention of tooth decay is very important for you and your baby.
Establishing twice-yearly dental visits can go a long way towards putting your child at ease in a dental office. If you can provide your child with positive experiences early on you can prevent them from having anxiety associated with going to the dentist. Developing trust is a vital part of the dentist-patient relationship.
As careful as we are as parents, it’s sometimes just a matter of time before a young child can experience some sort of trauma. These slips and falls can often involve the mouth. As with any emergency, its important to assess the nature of the trauma and decide if a visit to the emergency room is required. If there is damage to the mouth area, and you have already become a patient at a pediatric dental office, you have a Dental Home to take your child to for assessment, even if the accident occurs outside of normal office hours. Imagine how much easier this process is if you already have a dentist that you and your child know and trust.
The bottom line is that by making the establishment of a Dental Home a priority early in your child’s life, you are setting the stage for a great relationship between your child and their dentist. As a result you are setting the stage for great oral health care for your child!
Tooth Bleaching
Over the past few years, the topic of tooth bleaching has become very common. There are several different types of tooth bleaching to choose from. They vary in everything from cost to effectiveness.
As the name implies, tooth whiteners or bleachers lighten the color of the tooth surface because they contain peroxides, or bleach components as the active ingredient. A very common side effect of tooth whitening is sensitivity in the teeth. Teeth contain microscopic dentinal tubules that run from the nerve of the tooth to the surface of the tooth. A tooth will become sensitive when the fluid in these tubes moves around. Normally, minerals in saliva plug the ends of the tubes that are at the tooth surface. The introduction of bleaching gels can dissolve these plugs, leading to the fluid in the tubes moving around, causing tooth sensitivity. In addition, some individuals are genetically more susceptible to tooth sensitivity. Sensitivity due to tooth bleaching is temporary, and will normally go away when the bleaching is discontinued.
Tooth bleaching is available in many different over the counter dental care products. From toothpastes to mouthwashes to tooth whitening strips, there are quite a few products to choose from that are advertised as having teeth bleaching abilities. These types of tooth whiteners are usually the most inexpensive. The effectiveness of these products will vary depending on such factors as how often and continuously they are utilized.
A visit to your dentist will introduce two more choices in teeth whitening products. Your dentist can make a custom mold of your teeth and provide you with tooth whitening gel to use with this tray for in-home bleaching. Because it is specifically molded to your teeth, this method is usually a bit more effective than those that you can purchase in a store.
The last tooth whitening method is in-office tooth bleaching. This is typically the most effective method of tooth whitening. The effectiveness of the peroxide is enhanced through several factors. The teeth will be kept dry during the process through the use of gauze as well as a device called a retractor, which will pull the lips away from the teeth while the peroxide is applied. The gel can be left on for 30 to 60 minutes. Also, sometimes the teeth will be exposed to a curing light or laser to further activate the peroxide.
No matter which method of tooth bleaching appeals to you, talk to your dentist to find out more about which products and methods they recommend. No matter what your budget might be, there is a product out there for you!
Check out our New Patient Specials!
Sat & Evening appointments
- 6 Years and Under: $60.00 (Exam, X-rays, Cleaning)
- 7 Years and Older: $149.00 (Exam, X-rays, Cleaning)
- Free second opinions
- We accept Medicaid
Call now to reserve your child’s appointment! We have flexible hours including after school appointments and Saturday’s too!
Perimeter Pediatric Dentistry
Kidshappyteeth.com
2221 Johnson ferry rd. NE
Atlanta, Ga 30319
770-407-6549
New Year’s Resolutions – Dental Edition
Ahhh….it’s that time of year again. The start of the New Year brings with it a clean slate. It’s time to hit the reset button and start things fresh. Many of us will make New Year’s resolutions regarding our health and wellness. When you examine where you are from a health standpoint, don’t forget your oral health status. There are lots of ways to reinvigorate your oral health wellness, here are a few ideas!
Beginning this month, make a resolution to understand your dental insurance benefits! Understanding your dental insurance plan empowers you to use the benefits appropriately. Realize that you are paying for these benefits through your monthly premium, so resolve to use your dollars wisely by taking some time to fully understand your plan. Being proactive about understanding your plan can make life simpler if you or your child has a need for dental treatment later in the year.
If you or your children are not on a twice yearly schedule for dental hygiene visits, start today! Call your dentist to make appointments, for you and your children. If you would prefer to avoid scheduling your child’s appointment during school time, call now to schedule a summertime appointment. For many offices, these appointment times fill up fast, so calling now can help to ensure that you get your choice of appointment times.
Change your toothbrush! This might seem like a simple action, but it is an important one. As a general rule, you should change your toothbrush or brush head every 3 months. The bristles begin to wear down over time and become less effective at adequately cleaning your teeth. An important thing to remember, especially this time of year, is that you should change your toothbrush after you have suffered from a cold, flu, a mouth infection or a cold sore. This is because germs that cause these ailments can linger on your toothbrush and cause reinfection. Be sure to change your child’s toothbrush if they have experienced any of these symptoms as well.
Last but not least, pep up the daily oral hygiene routine in your house! Something as simple as changing your child’s toothpaste can add freshness to a mundane task. Or maybe you could try a different type of toothbrush, or add mouth rinse to your child’s routine. It is so important to solidify your child’s daily oral care maintenance. Thoroughly brushing and flossing teeth daily can lead to great oral health all year long!
May the new year bring you health and happiness! #Welcome2016
Merry Christmas!
‘Tis the season for friends and family, so from ours to yours, we wish you the happiest holiday.
End of Year Dental Insurance Plan Benefits
As the end of the calendar year quickly approaches, this is a good time to take a look at your dental insurance plan. If you or your children are due for dental cleanings or treatment, here are some reasons why you might want to schedule them before December 31.
First and foremost, if you or your child are requiring any dental treatment, scheduling it sooner rather than later is always the best approach to take. Delaying dental treatment can create the need for more extensive – and expensive – dental treatment down the road. Be sure to consult your dentist and determine an appropriate timeline for scheduling the dental treatment.
If you have dental insurance but are not familiar with the specifics of your plan, it is worthwhile to take some time to review your plan. This can be done by looking over the paperwork that you received upon enrollment, visiting the plan’s website, or making a phone call to your dental insurance company. I realize that these might seem like mundane tasks, but if you are paying monthly premiums, it is wise to know what you are paying towards.
It is also important to remember that your dental insurance represents the relationship between you and your dental insurance company – not you and your dental office. Though many dental offices will work to facilitate this relationship, ultimately it is your responsibility to maintain an active relationship with your dental insurance company.
Once you know the basics of your insurance plan, you can determine whether it is beneficial to schedule any end of year dental visits. Many plans will require an out of pocket deductible before insurance coverage kicks in. If you have already met your deductible for the year, and have work that needs to be done, it is wise to schedule it before December 31. Once you pass January 1, you will again be responsible for paying the deductible for the new calendar year.
In addition, most plans have a yearly maximum benefit that they will pay out per year. If you have not reached this yearly maximum, it will not carry over to the next year, so if you have dental care needs, it is beneficial to schedule an appointment before the end of the calendar year, to get the full benefits of your dental insurance plan.
The bottom line is that by scheduling your dental appointments in a timely fashion, you can improve your oral health and you can take full advantage of the insurance benefits that you are paying for with your premiums. Both of which will give you reason to smile!
Tooth Bleaching
By Vishant Nath DMD
Over the past few years, the topic of tooth bleaching has become very common. There are several different types of tooth bleaching to choose from. They vary in everything from cost to effectiveness.
As the name implies, tooth whiteners or bleachers lighten the color of the tooth surface because they contain peroxides, or bleach components as the active ingredient. A very common side effect of tooth whitening is sensitivity in the teeth. Teeth contain microscopic dentinal tubules that run from the nerve of the tooth to the surface of the tooth. A tooth will become sensitive when the fluid in these tubes moves around. Normally, minerals in saliva plug the ends of the tubes that are at the tooth surface. The introduction of bleaching gels can dissolve these plugs, leading to the fluid in the tubes moving around, causing tooth sensitivity. In addition, some individuals are genetically more susceptible to tooth sensitivity. Sensitivity due to tooth bleaching is temporary, and will normally go away when the bleaching is discontinued.
Tooth bleaching is available in many different over the counter dental care products. From toothpastes to mouthwashes to tooth whitening strips, there are quite a few products to choose from that are advertised as having teeth bleaching abilities. These types of tooth whiteners are usually the most inexpensive. The effectiveness of these products will vary depending on such factors as how often and continuously they are utilized.
A visit to your dentist will introduce two more choices in teeth whitening products. Your dentist can make a custom mold of your teeth and provide you with tooth whitening gel to use with this tray for in-home bleaching. Because it is specifically molded to your teeth, this method is usually a bit more effective than those that you can purchase in a store.
The last tooth whitening method is in-office tooth bleaching. This is typically the most effective method of tooth whitening. The effectiveness of the peroxide is enhanced through several factors. The teeth will be kept dry during the process through the use of gauze as well as a device called a retractor, which will pull the lips away from the teeth while the peroxide is applied. The gel can be left on for 30 to 60 minutes. Also, sometimes the teeth will be exposed to a curing light or laser to further activate the peroxide.
No matter which method of tooth bleaching appeals to you, talk to your dentist to find out more about which products and methods they recommend. No matter what your budget might be, there is a product out there for you!
Perimeter Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics 