First Time FAQs
A lot goes into choosing the right dentist or orthodontist for your family. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions and answers to help first time patients make their decision.
Pediatric FAQs
WHEN SHOULD I SCHEDULE MY CHILD’S FIRST VISIT TO THE DENTIST?
Pretty easy! First birthday, first visit. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children be seen at one year of age or within six months of the appearance of the first baby tooth.
HOW IS A PEDIATRIC DENTIST DIFFERENT FROM OTHER DENTISTS?
Aside from the additional two to three years of specialized pediatric training we receive, we have committed our future to only caring for children, and those with special needs. We love kids, and all that goes into caring for their teeth, simply put. You will wish you had the opportunity to be seen by a pediatric dentist when you were a child!
WHAT HAPPENS DURING MY CHILD’S FIRST VISIT?
The first visit is quite a lot of talking! We want to get to know your little one, first off. Our goal is to share all the information we can to help keep your child in good shape from the start. This discussion includes diet, brushing/flossing tips and techniques. We will also take a look and do a full examination, and clean their teeth if possible (it's not always possible with our wiggly little ones!).
HOW CAN I PREPARE MY CHILD FOR THE FIRST DENTAL APPOINTMENT?
Just be positive. Try not to let a subpar experience in your dental history affect your child's appointment. Kids can sense so much (often, more than we want!) so try not to let any apprehension you may have show. We will try our hardest to make it the best appointment for you and your child! Sharing our Covid preparation video allows your child to see our practice, and more importantly, our actual faces, since we will be covered head to toe in PPE when you come in. Also, there are great picture books on the market showing what a dental visit entails. Perhaps snuggle up and read!
HOW OFTEN SHOULD MY CHILD VISIT THE DENTIST?
We'd like to see those cute pearly whites every 6 months, unless we share otherwise.
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO CLEAN MY BABY’S TEETH?
We would love you to start brushing even before those first teeth appear by just rubbing a damp washcloth on their gums. Once their first teeth appear, try brushing on the changing table, which allows you to quickly and safely brush their teeth. Babies are wiggly, so just try your best! We are happy to provide you with additional tips and tricks when we see you.
WHAT CAUSES CAVITIES?
There are certain bacteria that naturally live in our mouths. When those bacteria (aka "sugar bugs" in our office) come across food that is left behind on our teeth, acid is produced. If enough acid is produced over time, it can create cavitations (holes) in the enamel = cavities.
WHEN SHOULD MY CHILD HAVE DENTAL X-RAYS TAKEN?
We recommend taking X-rays around the age of three. The first set consists of simple pictures of the front upper and lower teeth, which familiarizes your child with the process.
how often SHOULD MY CHILD HAVE DENTAL X-RAYS TAKEN?
It is generally recommended that children visit the pediatric dentist twice a year for routine checkups and cleanings. As part of these visits, x-rays are often required annually to help identify and diagnose dental conditions. There are many parts of a tooth and its supporting structures that are hidden either by close contacts or tissues. The ultimate goal is to be able to identify cavities when they are small or recognize developmental issues early before they can cause extensive damage, create extra work, or exert a damaging effect on a child’s oral health. We typically take baseline images on a child at 3 (upper and lower front teeth) and 4 (back teeth), and annually thereafter. Each patient is unique, and our plan does vary based on their caries risk assessment. We use a thyroid collar/ lead apron, as well as digital sensors to help minimize your child’s radiation exposure during x-rays.
Orthodontics FAQs
when should i get braces?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist by age 7 or earlier if a problem is detected by parents, the family dentist, or the child's physician. Only an orthodontist can determine if your child can benefit from early orthodontic treatment, including braces.
do braces or invisalign hurt?
The placement of braces and attachments on your teeth does not hurt. Once your braces are on and connected with wires you may feel some soreness of your teeth for one to four days. Your lips and cheeks may need one to two weeks to get used to the braces on your teeth. You can take Tylenol for discomfort (if not allergic to it). Invisalign may cause gradual mild soreness in the beginning as the teeth begin shift.
will i need retainers?
Yes! If you had ortho treatment you will need retainers. Teeth continuously shift even for those who have never had braces. So they will DEFINITELY move for those who did have treatment. You need something to hold the teeth in place until they stabilize in their new position. You may not need to wear them EVERY night forever, but will need to wear once in a while in the future to keep your teeth straight.