Pediatric Esthetic Dentistry

May 5, 2016 | perimeterpediatricdentistryandorthodontics

We all know how important it is to keep our teeth in good health. That’s why we spend time each day brushing and flossing. But it’s also important to keep our teeth looking healthy. If our smile looks great, we want to smile more! Things like chipped and discolored teeth may make us less likely to give our best smile. This is also true for children. This article will describe some of the options available to improve the look of your child’s smile.

Dental trauma can often result in a chipped tooth. There are several options available when this occurs. The tooth can be restored to its original appearance by bonding tooth-colored plastic to the tooth or cementing tooth-colored veneers to the affected tooth. This technique is less costly than the application of a crown and can usually be performed with little preparation to the tooth. A downside to this type of application is that bonded teeth and veneers are not as strong as the original tooth structure. Situations such as nail biting, eating hard foods and subsequent dental trauma can cause them to loosen. They can be better maintained through good oral hygiene and regular dental visits.

Porcelain crowns give nice cosmetic results for discolored, chipped, or broken teeth. They do present two realities of which a parent should be aware. First, crowns are more expensive than other treatments. Second, the dentist must remove a significant amount of tooth structure to place a crown. Therefore, porcelain crowns are seldom recommended for pediatric patients.

There are several situations that can lead to discoloration of the teeth. Dental trauma can lead to tooth discoloration. Certain illnesses, medications, or minerals can cause discoloration of the teeth. Also, poor oral hygiene can lead to tooth discoloration. Depending on the age of the child, tooth bleaching is an option for treating discolored teeth. This option is nice because is requires no anesthetic and removes no tooth structure. Your pediatric dentist can work with you to determine if the bleaching should take place in office or at home.

Another technique for treating discolored teeth is microabrasion. In this technique the dentist uses a mild abrasive to remove microscopic bits of discolored enamel from the tooth. This technique is useful when treating surface discoloration from the tooth.

Even though primary teeth will not be with your child forever, keeping them healthy and looking great can greatly impact your child’s overall health and confidence. Work with your pediatric dentist to give your child their best smile.

An Overview of Phase II Orthodontic Treatment

April 18, 2016 | perimeterpediatricdentistryandorthodontics

patients1 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!

Choosing a Dentist for Your Child

March 28, 2016 | perimeterpediatricdentistryandorthodontics

kids_smiling620x350 Good dental health can improve a child’s overall health, well-being and happiness. It is very important to have a dentist for your child whom you can work with to keep your child’s dental health at its best. Choosing a dentist for your child doesn’t have to be difficult or frustrating. There are several steps that you can take as a parent to guide you through the process.

Pediatric dentists are a good place to start when looking for a dentist for your child. In addition to dental school, pediatric dentists complete an additional 2 years of specialized training during their residency. This rigorous training focuses on training the dentists to specifically meet the oral health care needs of infants, children and adolescents, including special needs patients. Pediatric dental offices are designed to meet the comfort and needs of all of their patients.

If you have dental insurance, you can use your insurance website as an on-line resource. Most insurance websites will allow you to search for dentists in your area that accept your insurance plan.

Whether you have dental insurance or not, another great way to learn about dentists in your area is by asking for referrals from family, friends and neighbors who have children. This is a great way to learn about specific experiences that others have had.

Once you narrow down your choices, visit the websites of the offices that you are considering. You can learn a lot about the dentist(s) and other employees working at the office. You can sometimes take a virtual tour of the office to see what it looks like inside. Some websites allow you to request an appointment. If you want to get an “in person” feel for the office, stop in for a visit. You can even bring your child along so that they can begin to become familiar with the environment.

Once you have chosen a pediatric dentist and made your first appointment, you are on your way to promoting your child’s oral health care! Now it is important to establish a good relationship with the dentist by scheduling and attending twice yearly hygiene check-ups. If your child is diagnosed with a need for dental treatment, follow up in a timely manner. Establish great dental hygiene habits at home by brushing in the morning and brushing and flossing at night. These habits will go a long way towards keeping your child’s teeth at their healthiest!

Dealing With Dental Anxiety in Children

March 15, 2016 | perimeterpediatricdentistryandorthodontics

child-afraid-of-dentist1-300x223 The dental office can be an intimidating environment. This is true even for adults, who have some experience and rational for knowing the importance of going for regular dental visits. So you can imagine the anxiety it can cause in some children. Fortunately pediatric dental offices offer many options for calming anxious children.

Pediatric dentists have specialized training during their two-year residency, which includes various tactics for creating a calm, happy dental visit for children. Most pediatric dental offices offer enjoyable distractions for children, including television, video games, and child-friendly décor.

Pediatric dentists will have child-friendly jargon that they use to explain to the young patients what will occur during the dental visit. Many will utilize the “Tell-Show-Do” method. An example of this would be to name a dental instrument, then to show how it works (possibly by placing against the child’s hand), then to use the instrument in the dental procedure.

Another technique that is used is called modeling. In this technique, an anxious patient is paired with a non-anxious patient of the same age. With any technique, positive reinforcement is also used. Any time the patient responds in a cooperative manner, the dentist and staff praise him or her. Dental rewards are often given to the child at the end of the visit to further reinforce a positive experience.

There are a variety of different reactions that children will have in a dental office. The goal is to create as many positive experiences as possible to ease any anxiety that might be present for the child. It is best to begin creating these experiences at an early age. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child have their first dental visit within 6 months of the first tooth erupting, or at the age of 1, whichever occurs first. These early experiences serve to introduce the young patient to the dental office. The first visit may only involve the dentist counting their teeth, but it can go a long way towards creating a healthy attitude for the child towards their dentist.

Imagine how much more smoothly dental visits will go for a child that only needs to come in for exams and cleanings twice a year. As a parent, you can help to prevent the need for dental treatment by instilling great oral hygiene in your child. The simple act of brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily can help to prevent your child from developing dental anxiety.

Studies show that parents with good oral hygiene habits pass these habits along to their children. So remember to practice what you preach and be a good role model for your child!

Does my child really need X-rays? Are they safe? and how often?

March 7, 2016 | perimeterpediatricdentistryandorthodontics

Dental X-rays are done to find problems in the mouth such as tooth decay (especially early stage decay between the teeth), damage to the boney structure of the mouth and dental injuries. The earlier a dental problem is found and treated the better it is for your child. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends X-rays every 6 to 12 months from the age of two. Each child is unique and so the number of X-rays will vary based on age, medical/dental history and the results of the dental exam. The three most common types of X-rays:

Bitewing X-rays show upper and lower teeth in one image from the crown to about the level of the bone that supports the teeth. They are used to detect decay between teeth and changes caused by bone disease.
Periapical X-rays show the entire tooth (in the selected area), from the crown to beyond the end of the root where the tooth is attached in the jaw. These X-rays can find problems below the gums, including impacted teeth, abscesses, cysts or other problems.
Panoramic X-rays capture the entire mouth in a two-dimensional image with a single X-ray. These X-rays are used to detect positions of un-erupted teeth, abscesses and other problems. They are also used for planning orthodontic treatment and to evaluate growth and development.

Panoramic or Periapical X-rays can be used to monitor the development of wisdom teeth in late adolescence. Dental X-rays are safe but while all X-rays expose the individual to radiation not all X-ray equipment is equal. At Pediatric Dentistry And Orthodontics, we use Digital Radiography, the latest in X-ray technology, which decreases the radiation exposure by 80 – 90% when compared to traditional film X-rays. In addition, we follow all safety protocols to further minimize exposure including the use of lead aprons and shields.

Orthodontics FAQ

February 26, 2016 | perimeterpediatricdentistryandorthodontics

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics (also referred to as dentofacial orthopedics) is a specialized form of dentistry, focusing on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial abnormalities.

Who is an orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has received 2 to 3 years of additional training and experience. Your orthodontist is able to straighten teeth, correct misaligned jaw structure, and improve the function of your smile.

What’s the best age to visit the orthodontist?

If you want to improve the look and feel of your smile, then any age can be a great age to see the orthodontist. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children first visit an orthodontist around the age of 7; however, orthodontic treatment is not exclusive to children and teens, with about one in every five orthodontic patients being over the age of 21. Whether you’re considering treatment for yourself, or for a child, any time is a good time to visit the orthodontist.

How can I take care of my teeth if I’m wearing braces or a retainer?

ALWAYS remember to brush your teeth after every meal and floss at least once a day.
Make sure to use toothpaste that contains fluoride, and ask your orthodontist or family dentist if you need a fluoride rinse. This will help prevent cavities!
If you take out your retainer to eat, brush your teeth, and floss, then remember to keep it safe in its container so that it does not get lost or broken.
Keep your retainer clean, too, by brushing it gently with a toothbrush and water. You may also use denture cleaner twice a week. Do not use hot, boiling water or the dishwasher.
During your treatment, try to avoid foods with a lot of sugar (sugar increases the amount of bacteria that grows in your mouth causing more plaque and possibly cavities).
Avoid sticky and chewy foods (caramel, chewing gum, gummy bears), hard foods (hard candy, nuts, ice cubes) or any foods that could possibly get stuck in your braces (corn on the cob, soft bagels, ribs, taffy, etc). See our complete lists of foods to avoid and foods you can eat.
Be sure to schedule your routine checkups with your family dentist. It is recommended that you continue to visit the dentist every six months.

What are braces?

Braces are used by your orthodontist to help you improve the look and feel of your smile! There are several different types of braces to choose from, including:

Clear braces
Ceramic braces
Self-ligating braces
Invisible braces
Traditional metal braces

If I get braces, how long do I have to wear them?

The amount of time spent in braces can vary depending on the individual patient. Every smile responds differently to treatment. Treatment times can take anywhere between 6 to 30 months; however, most standard treatments take about 22 months.

Do braces hurt?

Braces do not hurt often; however, you may feel a small amount of discomfort for a couple days as your teeth, gums, cheeks, and mouth get used to your new braces.

Do I need to brush my teeth more often if I have braces?

With braces, you should brush your teeth at least three times a day to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy and clean. Brushing regularly will help remove any food that may be caught between the braces. You should also floss daily to get in between your braces where your brush isn’t able to reach. Your orthodontist can show you how to properly brush and floss once your braces are placed.

If I have braces, do I still need dental checkups every six months?

Yes! In fact, it’s even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit their dentist regularly. With braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush can’t reach. This causes bacteria to build up and can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Your dentist will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure that your teeth stay clean and healthy while wearing braces.

Will my braces interfere with my school activities; like sports, playing an instrument, or singing?

Playing an instrument or a contact sport may require some adjustment when you first get your braces, but wearing braces will not stop you from participating in any of your school activities. If you play a contact sport, it is recommended that you wear a mouthguard to protect your braces or appliance.

How do I schedule my next appointment?

Simply call our practice! Our front desk staff will be happy to help schedule your next appointment at your convenience. If you are a new patient or have been referred to our practice, please let us know, and we will provide you with all of the information you need.

Ortho line: 770-670-4779