Orthodontics can play a key role in children’s health and appearance. The American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) advises parents that kids should first visit an orthodontist for an examination by the time they’re seven. This recommendation is based on the fact that at about this age, the first set of permanent molars and some of the adult front teeth should have appeared.
Plenty of parents are unaware of the fact that their little ones should visit with a pediatric dentist. There is a common misconception that kids do not require as much dental care as adults. In some cases, parents assume kids can visit with a regular dentist as opposed to a pediatric dentist. Below, we explain why it is so important for kids to see a pediatric dentist.
Imagine this…. You've taken your child to the dentist and the dentist wants to get x-rays of your child's teeth. You can't answer right away because you have questions. Aren't x-rays dangerous? Dental x-rays have many benefits. As an adult, you may have had x-rays taken at the dentist to find cavities, check on impacted wisdom teeth, or plan for an implant. However, you're an adult. You wonder if x-rays are safe for a much smaller person.
Although baby teeth will eventually fall out of their own accord, they still play a crucial role in your child’s dental health. Restorative dentistry for kids is aimed at preventing or treating diseases of baby teeth to return them to their best health, in order to pave the way for adult teeth. It also includes replacement or repair of damaged or defective teeth.
Invisalign Teen is a special custom-made, clear aligner tray for the upper or lower teeth that can be changed every 2 to 10 weeks, depending on the severity of misalignment. Usually, treatment with Invisalign Teen lasts between 6 to 18 months. The clear trays are similar to dental retainers that are designed to keep the teeth from moving after they’ve been aligned.
Modern orthodontic treatment has never been easier, more effective or more comfortable, but despite this, it does still require commitment, especially as your child is likely to be wearing braces for quite some time to come.
Great oral habits are some of best health lessons that you can pass on to your kids. This starts from infancy, continues into early childhood, and beyond.
Going to the dentist for the first time can be a daunting experience for both parent and child. First-time parents may not know what to expect at all.
Dentistry for those with special needs is just as crucial as it is for any other child requiring dental care. It may be a challenge to treat those with special needs, but pediatric dentists are specially qualified and prepared for dental treatments. Our caring pediatric dental team is committed to partnering with parents, caregivers, and patients to address his or her unique needs.
Early intervention if your child is showing signs of an orthodontic problem can spare them from more significant, long-term issues, or ensure that treatment at a later age is less intensive. In some cases, early orthodontic treatment can achieve results that may be impossible once your child’s jaws and face have finished developing.
Our team at Brookhurst Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics provides fun, loving, and comfortable dental care for children, teens, and patients with special needs. Dr. Beanca Chu, our Huntington Beach pediatric dentist, and Dr. Shawn Yu, our Huntington Beach orthodontist, are both board-certified and dedicated experts in their dental specialty.