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Even with excellent oral hygiene and habits, natural teeth can chip, crack, decay, or fall out. For instance, your kid might play football with friends only to fall and break their teeth. When such damage occurs, your kid’s smile, bite function, and tooth structure can be infected.

These damages can prevent them from eating a balanced diet, leading to malnourishment. Similarly, teeth damage can make a child feel unattractive, negatively impacting mental health and confidence. These damages can lead to long-term complications like tooth loss and bone loss if left untreated.

Restorative dentistry aims to resolve oral issues and restore your kid’s oral health, function, and appearance. These can include filling tooth cavities, bonding a cracked tooth, crowning a severely weakened tooth, replacing missing teeth with bridges or dentures, and straightening crooked teeth.

Who is a Good Candidate for Restorative Dentistry?

The best way to know whether your kid is a good candidate for restorative dentistry is to visit our pediatric dentist in 92014. The dentist will examine your child’s mouth and create a customized treatment plan to restore and protect their oral health.

Typically, restorative dentistry can correct numerous dental problems, such as:

• Teeth chips, cracks, and breaks
• Missing teeth
• Improper teeth gaps
• Crooked or misaligned teeth
• Cavities or tooth decay

The average dental restoration procedure

Most dental restorations take one to two dental appointments. The exact procedure will vary depending on your kid’s condition and the type of treatment they are undergoing.

Let’s look at some of the common types of dental restoration procedures and what to expect:

Dental fillings

Lack of thorough brushing and flossing and regular snacking are common causes of tooth cavities among kids. To repair a cavity, the dentist begins by numbing a tooth to prevent discomfort. Next, they will remove the damaged parts of the tooth, leaving behind a hollow area. Then, the area is filled with a filling material. Dentists can also use fillings to repair cracked, chipped, or decayed teeth. With proper dental care, a filling can last for 10 – 15 years.

Braces or Invisalign

If your child has crooked or misaligned teeth, the dentist can recommend traditional braces or clear aligners like Invisalign to re-align their bite. Traditional braces consist of metal wires and brackets attached to teeth, gradually moving them toward the desired positions. Invisalign uses removable aligner trays to move teeth.

Crowns

The dentist can recommend a dental crown for moderate to severe dental damage like cracks, chips, breaks, and decay. A tooth crown is a dental cap placed over a damaged tooth to improve its strength, function, and aesthetics. The dentist must shave a minor part of the tooth’s enamel to allow the crown to fit perfectly. A crown can last 10 – 20 years or more with proper care and habits.

Partial dentures

If your child has lost their natural tooth, the dentist can recommend a partial denture to restore oral function and appearance. A partial denture is a dental prosthesis with artificial teeth and gums. To make the denture, the dentist will take impressions of the kid’s mouth and send them to a dental lab.

Dental bonding

Dental bonding might be ideal if your child has minor tooth damage like chips, cracks, misalignments, or gaps. The procedure entails applying a tooth-colored bonding material to the tooth and shaping it to restore its structure and aesthetics.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers can correct minor dental imperfections like cracks, chips, misalignments, gaps, and stains. The dentist places a thin shell of porcelain or composite on the front of the tooth to hide or repair the damage.

What is a permanent dental restoration?

Dental restorations can either be temporary or permanent. Temporary restorations serve a particular purpose for a short period. In most cases, temporary treatment doesn’t involve changing a tooth’s structure. Examples of temporary restorations include dental bonding and composite veneers.

On the other hand, a permanent restoration last more than five years. In most cases, it entails changing the tooth’s structure. Permanent teeth restorations include dental crowns, fillings, porcelain veneers, and dentures.

Dental restoration for different ages

Generally, most dental restorations can be for all ages. However, your child may not be eligible for permanent dental restoration, such as dental implants. Consult our pediatric dentist to determine whether your child qualifies for specific restorative dental treatments.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Do you need more information about children’s restorative dentistry? Contact Sunny Smiles Kids.

Pain can be a complex experience for adults and children alike. Unless your child has recently had an oral procedure, like tooth extraction, oral pain should be enough reason to be concerned.

Oral or dental pain often indicates that the child has an underlying condition like tooth decay or has hurt their mouth.

It’s also worth noting that sometimes toothaches can be mistaken for other problems like jaw pain or earaches.

Therefore, it’s essential to take your child to a pediatric dentist near you to determine the root cause of the pain and get treatment.

If the pain is severe, your child might need emergency dental care to address the issue and get relief from the discomfort.

In this article, let’s learn about common causes of toothaches among children and when you should seek emergency care.

Common causes of Toothaches in Children

While numerous factors can cause toothache among children, below are the most common reasons:

● Cavities. Your child’s teeth can erode due to bacterial plaque and acid attacks. Erosion causes tiny holes in teeth, also called cavities. Over time, these cavities get deeper, exposing more of the tooth’s inner structures. An exposed tooth’s dentin or nerve can feel sensitive or cause pain, especially when biting down.

● Tooth decay. When not treated promptly, cavities get deeper and can eventually expose the pulp chamber to bacteria, causing an infection or decay. It can cause significant discomfort and even swelling near the affected area. The pulp is the innermost structure of the tooth and contains blood vessels, connective tissues, and nerves.

● Oral trauma. It’s normal for children to hurt their mouths during a fall or when playing. This can result in painful dental injuries such as chips, cracks, and breaks. Oral trauma can also cause jawbone and soft tissue injuries, which can be mistaken or accompanied by toothache.

● Bruxism. Does your kid grind their teeth or clench their jaw when sleeping or stressed? Chronic and regular teeth grinding can cause significant pressure on the teeth and jaw. Chronic and regular teeth grinding also results in discomfort, teeth damage, and jaw problems, as well as causes significant discomfort. Get your child a custom mouthguard if they have bruxism.

● Gum disease. Like adults, children can also get gum disease. If your child’s gums are red, sore, sensitive, bleeding, tender, or receding, they might have gum disease. Receding gums can expose the teeth’s roots, causing pain.

● Stuck food. Sometimes tooth pain can be caused by hard foods trapped between your child’s teeth. Try flossing or brushing your child’s teeth to eliminate the trapped debris and discomfort.

● Aggressive brushing and flossing. A child might think aggressive brushing is the best way to clean their teeth thoroughly. However, aggressive brushing and hard-bristled toothbrushes can irritate the teeth and gums, resulting in pain.

● Tooth eruption. Your child can also experience tooth pain when a new tooth erupts from the gums. It is normal, and the pain should fade away after some time.

● Loose teeth. As the permanent tooth comes in, it tends to push against the gums and baby teeth, resulting in pain.

● Poor diet. Feeding your child hard and sugary food can cause tooth pain or sensitivity.

Symptoms of toothaches

Depending on the cause, toothaches can accompany other symptoms such as:

• Gum swelling and soreness
• Dental abscesses (a pus-filled pimple around a painful tooth)
• Tooth chips, cracks, and breaks
• Loose teeth

Toothache Causes That Require Emergency Dental Care

While a mild toothache at night can wait until morning when the dentist opens the office, you may need to act much faster if your child is experiencing severe or unbearable discomfort.

Contact an emergency dentist near you or visit an ER if your children have severe tooth pain, especially if this pain accompanies other serious symptoms such as:

• Fever
• Headache
• Facial swelling
• Severe dental and soft tissue injuries
• Excessive bleeding
• Dental abscesses

Schedule an appointment today

Are you looking for emergency dentistry for children? Contact Sunny Smiles Kids to speak with our dentist right away.

Orthodontic treatment for teens is different from that of children. Teens, unlike children, have fully developed teeth and have shed most of their primary teeth. The teenage years are the best to correct teeth defects and have a lifetime of healthy and attractive teeth.

Teen years ranging from 12 to 16 are best for orthodontic treatment. It’s no coincidence that the majority of people across the USA receive orthodontic treatment at that stage. It’s popular since most teens have already fully developed permanent teeth. Sunny Smiles Kids offers orthodontics across Del Mar. They offer exclusive services for teens.

For teens, the primary concern of pursuing orthodontics is to improve the aesthetic value of their teeth and faces. However, it’s notable that the treatment improves your teens’ oral health and overall health. Properly aligned teeth enhance proper chewing, are easy to clean, and effectively prevent tooth cavities and gum disease. Furthermore, well-aligned teeth are less prone to wear, cracking, chipping, and other dental-related defects.

Orthodontic treatment procedure

Once you visit our top-rated orthodontist, they perform a thorough examination and create a personalized treatment plan. A professional dentist recommends an ideal orthodontic appliance for your treatment.

Since teens lead some very engaging lifestyles such as sports, academics, partying, and socialization, they have diverse treatment options.

You choose the treatment option that perfectly fits your lifestyle and matches your personal preference. Treatment options include clear braces, metal braces, gold braces, and clear aligners such as clarity and Invisalign. All these treatment options are highly effective in giving you a perfect smile resembling your favorite celebrities.

Time for treatment varies across different teens because it depends on various factors such as the correction needed and teen discipline. The treatment process takes about six months for individuals with less affected teeth.

On the other hand, badly damaged teeth require a longer time for a complete restoration, usually 16 – 20 months. The time you take to recover also depends on your discipline. If you adhere strictly to the dentist’s instructions, you are sure of less treatment time.

Getting started

1. Schedule your free consultation with the dentist near you. You inform the dentist of your smile goals. The dentist also assesses your current dental structures to correctly determine the treatment options to pick.
2. Complete a patients form
3. The dentist creates a personalized treatment plan detailing the selected treatment options, the schedule, and the pricing.
4. Treatment starts to give you a perfect smile.

Types of orthodontics services

• Metal braces

Metal braces are the oldest form of braces. Although the traditional metal braces were bulky, the modern ones are sleek and lighter. They also look good and are more comfortable.

• Clear braces

They are also known as ceramic braces. They are similar to metal braces but lack brackets. They are made of whitish ceramic material to resemble the natural color of teeth. Teens like clear braces since they blend exceptionally well with their smiles. On the flip side, they are fragile and a bit expensive. Most dentists do not recommend them for most teens.

• Gold braces

The gold braces are robust like metal braces and delicate like ceramic braces. Their unique color blends excellently with your beautiful smile.

• Lingual braces

Lingual braces are best to straighten your smile. The brackets have been placed tactfully on the back of the teeth and thus are not visible. They are the best option for image-conscious patients.

• Clear aligners

The clear aligner system comprises fully customized clear trays. The aligners are almost invisible and removable. They are made of soft plastic and comfortable, thus creating zero friction and preventing abrasions in the mouth.

Your teen changes the aligner weekly. If the teen wears the aligners for about 20-22 hours daily, their teeth slowly slide into the desired position. Clear aligners are best for minor to reasonable orthodontic issues.

Signs of orthodontic issues

• Protruding teeth
• Misaligned teeth
• Irregular loss of primary teeth
• Difficulty when biting and chewing food
• jaws and teeth that have misaligned with the face

Advantages of a straight smile

• Enhanced self-esteem and confidence
• Easy to clean teeth
• Improves biting and chewing
• Critical in preventing tooth decay and cavities
• Tolerant to wear and tear, chipping, cracking, and tooth trauma
• Minimizes the chances of developing gum disease, which can lead to fatal consequences

Conclusion

Orthodontics for teens is an investment for many years to come. Teens respond quicker to orthodontic treatment, and thus it’s best to conduct the procedure during their teenage years. The quick response leads to a shorter treatment time and thus minimal cost. Besides, Sunny Smiles Kids is a top-rated orthodontist near you, and they offer a free consultation with the dentist.

Are your child’s teeth crooked or misaligned? The earlier you can fix the better. Straightening their smile will significantly improve their smile, self-confidence, and oral health.

When it comes to choosing pediatric orthodontic treatment, there are several options. These can include metal braces, clear aligners, or lingual braces.

While all these options are effective, you might be confused about which option is best to correct your child’s bite and align their teeth.

Our pediatric dentists can recommend self-ligating braces based on their needs and condition. Let’s learn about self-ligating braces and what to expect from the treatment.

What are Self-Ligating Braces?

Self-ligating braces are closely similar to conventional braces. Conventional braces involve a metal wire running through small fixtures or brackets attached to the teeth.

The wire is adjusted gradually to move the teeth in the desired direction. The archwire is joined to the brackets using elastic rubber bands or metal ties.

Like traditional braces, self-ligating braces use metal wires and brackets. However, they don’t use rubber bands or metal ties to hold the archwire to the brackets.

Instead, they use special clips built into the bracket itself. The brackets maintain constant pressure on the archwire, gradually moving teeth in the desired direction.

Benefits of Self-Ligating Braces

There are several benefits of self-ligating braces, including:

• Shorter orthodontic visits

Like traditional braces, you must adjust self-ligating braces regularly to continue moving the teeth. Adjusting self-ligating brackets is quick and less time-consuming than conventional braces.

• Improved appearance and self-confidence

After treatment, you will have well-aligned teeth. It dramatically improves your child’s smile and self-confidence.

• Improved oral health

Ligatures in braces can trap debris in and around your brackets, leading to bacterial plaque, which causes bad breath, cavities, and gum disease. Self-ligating braces don’t use ligatures, making them easier to clean. Similarly, self-ligating braces align your kid’s teeth, making them easier to clean.

• Comfort

Compared to traditional braces, self-ligating braces are more comfortable.

How Long Does Treatment Take?

Like conventional braces, self-ligating braces effectively correct numerous orthodontic problems such as complex misalignments, improper teeth gaps, and overcrowding.

They are as effective as conventional treatment. The treatment takes an average of 12 – 30 months, depending on your child’s condition. Our pediatric dentist near you will evaluate their condition to determine how long the treatment will take.

Factors That Can Impact Treatment Time

Several factors can affect orthodontic treatments, making the treatment shorter or longer. That’s why self-ligating treatment is customized according to a child’s specific needs. Watch out for these factors:

• Oral Hygiene

Unlike clear aligners, self-ligating braces aren’t removable – only the dentist can remove them. They are bonded to your teeth and adjusted at intervals. Your child will eat, drink, and brush with the braces on. It increases the risk of damage, teeth yellowing, and plaque build-up.

Your child must brush and floss their teeth regularly and after meals to remove trapped food leftovers on the teeth and braces. It significantly reduces the risk of cavities and teeth staining.

• Diet

Unfortunately, your child might have to cut off certain foods once they begin the treatment. For instance, chewing hard items like ice can cause the braces to break or dislodge.

Similarly, limiting sugary and acidic food items in their diet prevents cavities. Highly colored foods can also stain teeth and braces. Throughout the treatment, consider feeding your child a relatively soft diet with fewer sugars, starches, and colors.

• Oral Habits

Along with proper diet and hygiene, warn your child against damaging habits that can affect their treatment. For instance, they should avoid using their teeth as tools to open cans or play games.

If your child’s braces get damaged or dislodged, don’t be tempted to readjust them yourself. Notify the pediatric dentist for re-adjustment or repair. Fixing the braces on your own can cause further damage or discomfort to the child.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Are you interested in self-ligating braces in Del Mar? Contact Sunny Smile Kids to begin your kid’s journey for a straighter smile.

Children are susceptible to oral problems such as poor bite, cavities, and gum disease like adults. That said, it’s essential to teach your child about good oral hygiene practices and take them to the pediatric dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings.

If your child regularly complains about sensitivity when consuming hot, cold, or sugary foods and beverages, it might be that they have pulpits.

Pulpitis often results from untreated cavities causing inflammation of the tooth’s pulp. The dentist might recommend a pulpotomy procedure to save the tooth if your child has pulpitis.

The dentist will begin by inspecting the tooth to determine the severity of the damage. The exam might include visual, physical, and X-ray techniques to determine the need for a pulpotomy.

Remember that pulpotomy is only possible if the decay hasn’t infected the tooth’s pulp and a root canal is unnecessary.

What is Pulpotomy?

A dental pulpotomy involves removing the decayed or infected parts of a tooth’s pulp while maintaining the healthy portions of the pulp.

It’s mainly used to treat large cavities and decay in baby molars. However, sometimes it can benefit permanent teeth.

The procedure is sometimes called a pediatric root canal. The key difference between a pulpotomy and an adult root canal is that a pulpotomy only removes a portion of the decayed pulp from the crown.

Symptoms that your child might need a pulpotomy to include:

• Pain on a severely decayed tooth
• An infected tooth with a traditional filling
• Failed amalgam or composite resin restorations
• Dental trauma that exposes the tooth’s pulp like breaks, cracks, and chips

Pulpotomy: What To Expect

When installing a dental crown, the dentist will begin by numbing your child to keep them comfortable and pain-free. Next, the dentist drills through the tooth to access the pulp. The decayed or infected parts of the pulp are cleaned out thoroughly to prevent re-infection.

The dentist then fills the empty space with a medicated dental material to preserve the tooth’s health and improve strength. A crown can be cemented onto the treated tooth to protect and strengthen it further.

Benefits of Pulpotomy

There are benefits of taking your child for a pulpotomy procedure, including:

1. Eliminates pain and discomfort 

If a tooth’s pulp is exposed, your child will likely experience pain when biting down or sensitivity to extreme temperatures. A pulpotomy removes the infection and eliminates the associated symptoms like pain, inflammation, and sensitivity.

1. Saves the tooth 

The key benefit of performing a pulpotomy is to save the tooth. The dentist removes the infected parts of the tooth’s pulp, preventing further damage to the tooth. Your child gets to keep their tooth until the permanent ones are ready.

If the procedure isn’t performed sooner, the infection spreads further and eats up a significant part of the tooth’s structure. This causes the need for more invasive and costly procedures. Further delay often leads to tooth loss.

1. Quick and minimally invasive 

A pulpotomy is a reasonably conservative treatment that involves removing the decayed portions of the pulp while preserving the healthy portions of the tooth. Compared to an adult root canal, a pulpotomy is less invasive and can be completed in a single appointment.

1. Allow for healthy oral development 

Treating decay with pulpotomy preserves your child’s tooth and allows for normal oral, dental, and facial development. Pulpotomy can help prevent oral issues like poor bite, overcrowding, misalignments, and facial problems.

1. Cost-effective

If pulpotomy isn’t performed and the infection spreads, it will cause the need for more invasive and costly treatments like pulpectomy.

How long can a pulpotomy last?

A pulpotomy is typically a straightforward and quick procedure. On average, it takes about 30 to 40 minutes to complete. It can take longer based on the complexity of the procedure.

Speak with your child’s pediatric dentist or endodontist to determine how long the procedure will take.

Pulpotomy Aftercare

After the treatment, the anesthesia will wear off after a few minutes. The child might also experience minor discomfort and bleeding. Use these tips to promote faster recovery:

• Give your child medication as prescribed by the dentist
• Don’t allow the child to eat until the anesthesia wears off completely
• Give your child soft foods like soup, yogurt, and eggs. Ask them to chew on the side against the treated area.
• Avoid hot, cold, and spicy food items
• Use an ice pack on their cheek to manage pain

Schedule an Appointment Today

Are you looking for a kid’s dentist near you? Contact Sunny Smiles Kids to book your appointment today.

Cavities are one of the most common dental problems among children and toddlers. Children’s cavities or tooth decay happen due to poor dental hygiene and regular snacking on sugary and acidic food items. Cavities can develop in both baby and adult teeth. Whichever the case, you shouldn’t ignore holes. Let’s learn more about cavities among children, including the causes, treatment, and prevention.

What Causes Cavities in Toddlers and Children?

●   Poor oral hygiene 

Commonly, cavities develop due to poor dental hygiene and habits. When children don’t clean their mouths regularly and properly, it builds up bacteria, plaque, and tartar in the mouth. Over time, these deposits release harmful chemicals that attack the tooth’s enamel and cause holes or cavities. Fortunately, regular brushing and flossing can protect your child from cavities. Be sure to help your child brush their teeth if they are too young to do it independently.

●   Poor diet 

Diet plays a significant role in your child’s dental health. Foods high in sugars and starches encourage bacteria growth in the mouth, increasing the risk of developing cavities. Similarly, acidic food erodes and weakens the tooth’s enamel, making your kid’s teeth vulnerable to bacteria and cavities. To maintain good dental health among children, limit sugary, starchy, and acidic food items like ice cream, cakes, chips, crackers, soda, lemons, and candy.

●   Dental trauma 

Dental damage such as chips, cracks, and breaks can make your child’s teeth vulnerable to bacteria attacks, eventually leading to cavities and decay.

How to Prevent Cavities?

Tips to protect your child’s teeth from cavities include:

•  Ensure your child brushes their teeth and tongue thoroughly at least twice daily. Monitor them and teach them the proper way to clean their mouth.
•  Ensure your child flosses at least once daily.
•  Take your child to a pediatric dentist for regular dental exams and cleanings.
•  Limit the amount of sugary, acidic, and starchy food items in their diet.
•  Take your child for regular fluoride treatments.
•  Get a soft-bristled toothbrush for your kid and replace it at least every three months.
•  Ensure your kid wears a mouthguard during sports
•  Avoid sharing eating utensils with your child to prevent transferring harmful bacteria into the mouth.

When Should a Child See a Dentist?

When left untreated, tooth cavities will get deeper, leading to decay in the tooth’s pulp. Over time, untreated cavities or decay can lead to severe issues such as loose teeth, tooth loss, gum disease, and jawbone problems, among other topics. That said, taking your child to a children’s dentist near you is essential if they have cavities.

Signs to watch out for include:

•  Dark spots or discoloration on the tooth
•  Sore or swollen gums around a tooth
•  Persistent tooth pain
•  Tooth pain when eating or brushing
•  Bad breath
•  Sensitivity to extreme temperatures

Regular dental exams and cleanings can allow the dentist to check on your child’s teeth for cavities. If your child has holes, the dentist will design a treatment plan to address the condition. The treatment recommended will depend on your child’s age, overall health, and symptoms. Common treatments for cavities among children include:

Dental filling

The dentist will remove the decayed pulp of the tooth to prevent the infection from spreading further. Next, the dentist will fill the holes with a filling material to repair the damage caused by the decay. Baby teeth often require direct restorations, requiring only a single dental appointment. A filling restores the tooth strength and protects it from further damage. The dentist can perform dental fillings on children as young as one or two.

Dental crown

The dentist can recommend a dental crown if your child’s permanent tooth is significantly damaged.

Dental extraction

The dentist might recommend a tooth extraction if the kid’s tooth is beyond repair. The dentist can use a space maintainer to ensure the incoming permanent teeth develop correctly.

Fortunately, the dentist will always sedate the child when providing these treatments to ensure they remain calm and pain-free. If your child needs multiple treatments, the dentist can break up the appointments to make them more child-friendly.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

Are you looking for cavity treatment options for your kid? Contact Sunny Smiles Kids Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics to book an appointment with our pediatric dentist.

A kid’s smile and dental health are critical to their health and self-confidence. It also has aesthetic benefits and improves overall health. Sunny Smiles Kids offers much-needed solutions for a wide array of dental problems.

Maintaining oral hygiene is easier when your kid’s teeth are correctly aligned. It helps avoid tooth decay and gum diseases, often leading to severe dental issues if left untreated. Orthodontic treatment for kids encompasses almost all dental problems. The procedure enhances the teeth’ functionality and appearance, thus improving overall dental health.

American Association of Orthodontists advises parents to take their children to an orthodontist by the time they reach seven years old. Even though not all adult teeth are present by age 7, some dental problems manifest.

The kid’s first visit to an orthodontist must not be due to signs of dental problems. It is usually for assessment. An early evaluation helps keep the kid’s dental health at its peak by avoiding most issues. However, the treatment procedure is divided into two phases if your child already has some dental problems.

What causes children’s orthodontic problems?

Although there is no definitive cause for kids’ orthodontic problems, some are primarily due to bad habits.

They include;

• Thumb/finger sucking
• Mouth breathing
• Accidents
• Poor nutrition
• Abnormal swallowing

In some instances, some problems are inherited. Acquired orthodontic problems may worsen inherited problems. However, the kid’s dentist in 92014 can successfully treat any orthodontic issues.

Symptoms to look out for in your child

• Facial imbalance
• Early/late tooth loss
• Slow/abnormal teeth development
• Teeth grinding
• Shifting jaws
• Mouth breathing
• Difficulty biting or chewing
• Incoherent speech
• Jaws that make sounds

If you notice some of these symptoms, urgently book an appointment with our professional children’s orthodontist. Once you visit the orthodontist, they will treat your child using the famous two-phase treatment.

Two-phase kid’s orthodontic treatment

It involves kids with dispositioned teeth and jaw problems. It’s more effective if started at an early age.

Phase 1

Phase one is essential to orthodontics since it counters any upcoming dental problem. The problems can be countered easily before all adult teeth emerge. It is in most cases performed on kids whose teeth are self-damaging or are significantly misaligned. It is usually conducted on either jaw, upper or bottom.

Mid-treatment retention

A retainer happens after the phase one treatment has been conducted. It maintains the corrections that were performed. It allows the baby teeth to fall and adult teeth to eject on the adjusted positions. The retainer is kept until the second phase of treatment is started.

Phase 2

Phase two treatment entails inserting a brace on all adult teeth. It completes the orthodontic treatment started in phase one. The second phase of treatment aims to ensure that all teeth are in precise locations in the mouth and have harmony with each other, the cheeks, lips, and tongue. It also ensures that the teeth function properly.

Phase two retainer treatment

In some instances, some children only have minor dental issues. They, therefore, only need minor corrections. In such cases, a retainer moves the teeth instead of braces. They are easy, cost-effective, and ideal ways to care for your kid’s orthodontic needs.

Clear Aligners

In the recent past, the use of clear aligners (like Invisalign) to straighten teeth has been on the rise. They are clear plastic aligners that are, unlike braces, removable. They are fitted after a digital scan to ensure perfect alignment. Children usually undergo a series of transformations with different aligners until they get into an ideal shape.

Conclusion

It will help if you do not wait until your child shows signs of teeth defects. Similarly, do not wait until the problems heighten for you to take action. Take your children to an orthodontist for a yearly check-up to ensure any underlying issues are detected and treated.

Book an appointment with an orthodontist to avoid most dental problems that may affect your kid’s dental health in later years. Do not wait until necessary since the treatment will improve the smile, teeth performance, and general appearance.

Even though we wish we could answer this question with one definitive age, the truth is that each patient will need to be assessed by orthodontics near you to determine if they are age-appropriate for the procedure. However, if you’re looking for a general rule of thumb of the right age for braces, the answer is that it can be as young as when their baby teeth have fallen completely out.

That’s not to say that you should wait until then to bring your child to Sunny Smiles Kids Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics since there are planning stages that can take place before then. If you want to ensure that your child has the best chance for a beautiful adult smile, please schedule a visit with our dentists in Del Mar, CA, to determine if your child needs early orthodontic treatment.

Signs Your Kids May Need Braces or Other Orthodontic Treatments

If you observe one or more of the following symptoms in your child, there’s an increased likelihood that early orthodontic treatment will increase their chances of having a beautiful smile with their adult teeth:

• Timing of the loss of their baby teeth
• Signs of difficulty chewing or biting
• Evidence of mouth breathing
• Prolonged thumb-sucking after age five
• Speech impediments
• The appearance of a smile concerns such gaps or crowding
• Misalignment of the jaw

Early treatment, also known as Stage 1 orthodontics, can often prevent conditions that may seem minor at first glance before worsening into advanced stages of orthodontic care. Early diagnosis and treatment are great ways to save time and money since it delivers treatment while the child’s jawbones are still young and growing. An early treatment plan will also allow your child to move seamlessly through Stage 2 (the active phase) and Stage 3 (the retention phase) of their treatment.

Customized Care from our Dentists Near You

When you visit our pediatric and orthodontic dentists near you to help with your child’s smile, you’ll receive a treatment plan designed to be gentle for your child, proven in its performance, and cost-effective for your budget.

Even if your child is showing early signs of dental anxiety at the mention of visiting a dentist, that is not a reason to postpone their treatment. We offer patients sedation dentistry and dental anxiety treatment to reinforce that dentistry can be stress-free and fun. Here are some things you can do to help them gain confidence:

• Avoid using words when describing dentistry that could cause them to become afraid.
• Describe your own experiences with your dental visits in positive language.
• Have them accompany you to your dentist’s waiting room (with an adult to supervise them while in with the dentist) so they become familiar with dental offices.
• Contact our staff ahead of your child’s appointment if you believe they require special attention to promote a stress-free experience.

In addition to providing customized care for your little one, our team has an exceptional talent with children. Plus, we have the following amenities to help your child enjoy their visit while waiting to be seen by our doctors:

• Video games, photo booth, books, and toys
• The prize wheel, goodie bag, and a treasure chest that contains stickers and more

Once your child goes into an exam room, they will also get to pick a program to watch on overhead televisions using headphones, reducing dental noise.

Treatment Times for Kids Wearing Braces Will Vary

Just as providing a definitive age for a child to start wearing braces is challenging, treatment times for various orthodontic corrections will vary based on the type of correction used. Our specialists have a combined 30 years of experience in all types of pediatric and young adult orthodontic treatment, including:

• Traditional metal braces
• Self-ligating braces
• Clear braces (sometimes called ceramic braces)
• Clear aligners

We also provide these same treatment protocols for adults, making it an ideal way to join your child while you achieve a healthier and more beautiful smile. Don’t hesitate to contact us today if you’d like to learn more about adult orthodontics from our dentists.

The Takeaway on the Best Age to Get Braces

The takeaway on the best age to get braces or orthodontic treatment is whenever an orthodontist recommends treatment to promote a happy and healthy smile, whether you seek treatment for your child or yourself.

Every parent wants what is best for their little ones. Parenting, as amazing as it can be, is also challenging. You must ensure that all aspects of your young one’s life are catered to. This also includes their oral health. For this reason, bringing your child to our children’s dental clinic near you would be an excellent idea.

As you may know, dental health is tethered to your overall health, so it cannot be overlooked. Hence, you need a pediatric dentist to journey with your child from infancy to adulthood to help lay the proper oral health foundation. Let’s peer into what a pediatric dentist is all about without further ado.

Who Is a Pediatric Dentist?

Most people may not know why it is vital for their children to visit a pediatric dentist instead of a general dentist. Even though a general dentist may know a thing or two concerning children’s teeth, a children’s dentist is trained to cater to these young and developing teeth.

For starters, pediatric dentists are certified and trained to handle dental care for children. Pediatric dentists have dedicated their entire time to caring for these developing teeth. To be a pediatric dentist, one must complete four years of dental school. Plus, two additional years of residency dentistry training in handling infants, children, teens, and kids with special needs.

Proper dental care for your little ones is critical; if there is a lack of it, your kid’s risk of decayed teeth and oral diseases may have lifetime consequences.

Also, remember that children’s teeth are different from adults’, so catering to them would need extra knowledge. Plus, let’s not forget children behave differently from adults, so it can be challenging for a regular dentist to deal with your little one’s oral health issues.

When Is the Right Time for Your Child to Visit Our Pediatric Dentist?

Most parents, especially first-time parents, always have a problem figuring out when to introduce their kids to dentists.

So, if you are wondering when to start oral hygiene practices, remember that the process starts in infancy. In other words, you will need to wipe your child’s gums with a soft wet cloth after meals.

Then, when their teeth erupt, which is usually around six months, schedule your first dental appointment with our pediatric dentist. This is critical since it gives our dentist enough time to conduct examinations to jump-start your kid’s oral health journey.

However, it’s never too late to cultivate dental habits if your child is older. You can bring them as soon as possible to ensure that they are caught and treated early if there are any issues.

What Are Some of the Issues Solved By a Pediatric Dentist?

As mentioned earlier, your dental health will always impact your overall health. Those little pearly whites should be cared for as regularly as possible. Therefore, seeing our pediatric dentist can help solve the following issues.

• Teething Problems

If your kid’s teeth take time to erupt, then our pediatric dentist is the person to see. Developing baby teeth and jaws is critical if you successfully wean your child into solid foods.
Speech is also affected by how teeth erupt, which means that timely eruption would ensure appropriate speech development.

• Malocclusion

Malocclusion is a dental term used to describe a scenario where your lower and upper jaws don’t meet when you close your mouth. C chewing difficulty and speech problems easily arise from a bad bite.
So, if our pediatric dentist spots your child has a bad bite, they may receive braces to address the issue.

• Cavities and Gum Disease

Some people reason that since kids have milk teeth that will eventually be removed, there is no need to care for them. However, they must be maintained since tooth decay can expose the pulp, and toothaches or infections can ensue.
Also, those young gums are susceptible to gum disease, just as likely as adults. So, our dentist can ensure that the teeth are clean and healthy.

Beyond Basic Care

Our pediatric dentist goes beyond giving your child basic oral care. We strive to focus on preventive oral care. Also, you will receive nutrition and diet guidance, resources for developing healthy habits, and extra advice tips for parents.

So, if you need to care for your kid’s smile, contact our children’s dental clinic near you, Sunny Smiles Kids, to schedule an appointment.

A beautiful smile dramatically impacts the overall wellness of adults and children alike.
Fortunately, since a child’s mouth is still developing, dental issues such as teeth misalignments are easily corrected when addressed on time. For this reason, you should visit an orthodontist near you as soon as possible if you notice that your kid’s teeth aren’t developing normally. The orthodontist will review their condition and advice on the most appropriate treatment plan.

Different Types of Braces

Initially, only traditional braces corrected teeth misalignments. But thanks to modern advancements in orthodontic treatments, now you have several options to put your child’s dental health on the right path. These include:

• Traditional Braces

While still effective, traditional braces are among the oldest tooth alignment treatments available today—traditional braces correct teeth misalignments through metal brackets, wires, and rubber bands. The brackets are attached to teeth while the wires create a system of pressure that gently moves the teeth to the desired position.

There are many benefits of using traditional braces. First, traditional braces are incredibly effective and highly recommended for severe teeth misalignments. Unlike other options, traditional braces give the orthodontist complete control to correct teeth misalignments. It makes the treatment highly effective and ensures that your child gets the smile of their dreams in no time.

Additionally, traditional braces are the most cost-effective tooth alignment treatment. You can still give your child a perfect smile despite your limited budget. The strong and durable materials ensure that the braces stay in shape. On the downside, most people don’t like the visible nature of the braces. Additionally, there are food restrictions to avoid damaging or detaching the braces. With these braces, your child should not eat hard, crunchy, or sticky foods.

• Partial Braces

If your child only has a few teeth that need correction, they don’t require full braces. Partial braces are traditional braces used to target specific teeth that need alignment.

• Mini braces

Mini braces are very similar to traditional braces. The only difference is that they use smaller and less metal. The children’s orthodontic braces are lighter and more comfortable, thanks to their smaller design. Additionally, they are less noticeable and impact your kid’s appearance less. Like traditional braces, food restrictions require readjustments to change the rubber bands.

• Self-ligating braces

Self-ligating braces also work closely with traditional braces. They consist of metal brackets and wires but with metal clips instead of rubber bands. Compared to conventional braces, they straighten faster. These braces are difficult to break or detach due to their solid and durable nature. They are visible, and there are food restrictions.

• Ceramic braces

If you don’t like traditional-based braces’ visible nature, you can opt for ceramic braces. These braces use a system of clear braces to straighten teeth. They have a lesser impact on the appearance of your kid. On the downside, these braces are larger, making kids uncomfortable. Additionally, they are fragile, meaning they can easily break when chewing or playing.

• Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are currently among the most popular teeth alignment treatments. Unlike traditional braces, which use metal brackets and wires, clear aligners use a system that helps move the teeth to the desired position. Clear aligners are customized according to the patient’s conditions and changed every two weeks.
Since the aligners are removable, the treatment doesn’t have food restrictions. For effectiveness, the aligners should be worn for at least 20-22 hours daily. The only major downside with clear aligners is that they aren’t ideal for complex teeth misalignments. While there are strong, you should handle them with care. They are only suitable for children with a high level of maturity. The higher cost of Clear aligner treatment might also concern people on a budget.

Which Is the Best Type of Braces for Children?

The ideal type of braces for your child depends on several factors, including:

• The severity of the condition. Traditional-based braces are ideal for severe teeth misalignments.
• Appearance. Ceramic and Clear aligner ces are virtually invisible.
• Budget. Traditional-based braces are the most affordable, with clear aligners as the most expensive option.
• Toughness and durability. Traditional-based braces are the most strong, durable, and easy to maintain. While ceramic and clear aligners are durable and strong, they require a high level of maturity.

The Benefits of Braces for Kids

Some benefits of using braces for kids include straighter teeth, improved appearance and self-confidence, and improved oral functions such as chewing, speaking, and brushing. Correcting dental issues at a younger age also prevents the risk of developing oral conditions such as TMD.

Braces Give Kids a Lifetime of Healthy Teeth

Using braces to straighten your child’s teeth will give them a lifetime of beautifully straight and healthy teeth. Whatever braces your kid uses, they will enjoy tremendous oral and overall well-being benefits. For more information about children’s orthodontic braces, contact Sunny Smile Kids.