You might think it’s easy to tell when a kid needs braces. You figure you’ll see an obvious sign, like crooked teeth. But that’s not always the case – it can take a professional to identify specific, less-obvious dental issues that need to be addressed with braces or other orthodontic appliances. So how do you know when it’s time for your child to visit the orthodontist? The Q&A below will help you decide. Why Do Kids Need Braces? In addition to crooked teeth, there are a number of reasons that your child may require braces: Crowded teeth Overlapping teeth Malocclusion (a “bad bite”), such as an overbite or underbite Too much space between teeth Extra or missing … [Read more...]

Baby babble is adorable. First words are exciting. And then they are off - talking all the time! We expect some funny mispronunciations as babies learn to talk, but when your child isn’t improving or is unable to speak at an age-appropriate level, do you know where to start to determine the root of the problem? Often speech difficulties in children can be caused by dental issues. How Do Dental Issues Impact Speech? In order to talk, our lips, cheeks, tongue, jaw and teeth have to work together to produce a clear, well-articulated sound. But when something is off with any one of these factors, speech can be impacted. Because children begin speaking around the same time their teeth come in, … [Read more...]

Orthodontic treatment is about more than just creating a great smile. Beyond cosmetic concerns, it is critical to have a properly aligned bite. While some people think children don’t have to see an orthodontist unless their teeth are crooked, that’s not necessarily the case. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children see an orthodontist by age 7. What Does It Mean to Have a Good Bite? It’s all about how your teeth fit together. Your bite is how your top and bottom teeth come together when you open and close your mouth. Without proper alignment, you may experience several negative impacts, such as:     Not being able to eat properly     Trouble … [Read more...]

When the braces come off, there’s usually a huge squeal of joy or a big sigh of relief. But for many patients, there’s a lingering issue: the white spots on the teeth that often show up after braces are removed. White spots on the teeth happen for a range of reasons but they’re usually the result of bacteria removing important minerals from the teeth, and they’re most common after orthodontic treatment. These spots also mean that the enamel has started to decay, so they’re a warning flag that a cavity could be forming. The good news is there’s a fantastic new technology that allows us to treat white spots and early cavities without a needle or a drill. What Causes White Spots On … [Read more...]

The science is pretty clear: when possible, breastfeeding provides optimal nutrition for babies and an unparalleled bonding experience for mothers and infants. But so often, a tiny piece of tissue in baby’s mouth can cause big problems for breastfeeding, resulting in stress and frustration for mom and baby. You may be surprised to learn that your pediatric dentist can often help resolve breastfeeding issues with a simple procedure called a frenectomy. What Is a Frenectomy and When Is It Necessary? A frenectomy is a procedure that removes a tiny piece of tissue in the mouth called the frenum. There are two areas of the mouth where frenectomies are performed-- under the tongue and above the … [Read more...]

One of the reasons families choose a pediatric dentist rather than a traditional practice for their children is that pediatric specialists are trained to work with children. This training includes a wide range of special techniques to encourage cooperation. Positive reinforcement from parents and dentists is one of the most important tools we can use--before, during and after the appointment-- to make your child’s visit a success. Is Rewarding My Child for Good Behavior a Bribe? Positive reinforcement for cooperative behavior is a highly effective behavior management tool. A scientific study published in the journal respected journal Nature reinforces that positive reinforcement is one of … [Read more...]

Teeth whitening is absolutely everywhere in our culture. Teens and younger children see the perfect teeth on their favorite celebrities and other role models, along with ads for a raft of over the counter whitening products, and sometimes become concerned about the color of their teeth as permanent teeth come in. It’s no wonder that children and teens are asking to have their teeth whitened. While whitening teeth for children and teens isn’t necessarily a flat-out no, we definitely recommend a conservative approach. Here’s some good info to help parents make informed decisions about teeth whitening for young people. At What Age Is It Okay to Whiten My Child’s Teeth? Unless there are … [Read more...]

Choosing a dentist for your child can be a challenge. For some families, the choice between the convenience of a general practitioner versus the specialized knowledge and experience of a trained pediatric dentist can be confusing. Here is some information on the field of pediatric dentistry along with questions that can help you choose the right dentist for your child. Is a Pediatric Dentist Best for My Child? Not every family needs a pediatric dentist, but many parents prefer a specialized dentist for their children. Pediatric dentists are child-focused experts with special training and experience. In addition to spending the traditional four years in dental school, pediatric dentists … [Read more...]

We’re all short on time.  It’s great to take care of some things online. Orthodontic treatment just isn’t one of them. With the rise in popularity of clear aligners in orthodontics, a number of companies have popped up offering direct-to-consumer aligners. There are concerns associated with this practice--so much so that the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) has issued a consumer warning about online orthodontic treatment. Yes, the cost of orthodontic treatment can sometimes be daunting. But while it may be tempting to seek a cheaper online option, the value of getting orthodontic care from a trusted provider can’t be overstated. It simply isn’t worth the risk of trying to … [Read more...]

Freedom! That’s the word we hear from so many of our young patients when they get their braces off. First, there’s the celebratory selfie--and then the snacks! Kids often want to celebrate by eating all the foods they couldn’t eat with braces like bubble gum, sticky candy, hard candy, and popcorn. But it’s important to remind them that braces are really just the first step in the orthodontic journey. And while there’s certainly room for a little fun food every now and then, once the braces come off, dental maintenance is more important than ever. My Child Got Their Braces Off, Now What? Sometimes there’s a tendency to want to go crazy, and that’s something we want to discourage gently. … [Read more...]