The Powers Of Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
There is something special to say about dental practices that combine pediatric dentistry and orthodontics. Together, these branches of dentistry seem to fit perfectly. Mainly because they both give children healthy mouths and beautiful smiles.
In terms of pediatric dentistry, it helps address the dental care needs of thousands of children. As part of these services, children learn how to take care of their teeth. From their very first baby tooth through the teen years, pediatric care provides the support children need to support their oral health.
What’s Special About Pediatric Dentistry?
Pediatric dentistry focuses on dental care and education for children and their parents, which helps teach preventative dental care to adolescents and their caregivers. Pediatric dentists also examine, diagnose, and treat dental conditions, dental injuries, and oral diseases. Having the trained eye of a pediatric dentist is crucial during these critical stages of dental development. Furthermore, pediatric dentists receive specialized training that helps them make children feel more comfortable during dental exams and treatments.
In terms of official training, all pediatric dentists have four years of dental school training. Additionally, our pediatric dentists undergo two years of practical residency training in pediatric dental practice beyond their initial training. These two additional years of training focus on helping children feel at ease in the dentist’s chair.
What’s Special About Pediatric Orthodontics?
Orthodontists who specialize in pediatric dentistry are specifically trained to diagnose and treat dental conditions in children. Dental treatments for misalignments in the teeth and/or jaws. Orthodontic treatments, including braces, clear aligners, and retainers, gradually reposition teeth into healthier and aesthetically appealing placement.
Pediatric orthodontic treatment is especially effective during adolescence because the positioning of adult teeth is the most malleable at this stage. And pediatric dentistry works for teenagers, too! Therefore, pediatric orthodontics and pediatric dentistry are a natural match at our practice in Middle Tennessee (Mt. Juliet, Murfreesboro, Spring Hill, Franklin, and Cool Springs).
The Benefits of Childhood Orthodontics
Determining if your child is the right candidate for braces or any other orthodontic procedure is best done by consulting with a pediatric orthodontist, such as a Snodgrass-King orthodontist. Whether or not your child is ready to undergo braces or orthodontia, it can be helpful to know the benefits that come with childhood orthodontics, such as:
- Improvement of Oral Health: Since braces work to straighten teeth and improve their alignment, this can make it easier to clean teeth and maintain their cleanliness. Teeth that are crowded can be more challenging to clean deeply, which can lead to poor oral health.
- Improvement of Self-Esteem: For children or young adolescents with crowded teeth, it can lead to low self-esteem in the classroom, on the playground, or in any social setting. The placement of braces can improve a child’s self-esteem as their teeth begin to shift into correct alignment, helping them feel more confident around their peers and to put their best foot, and tooth, forward!
- Improvement of Jaw and Tooth Development: In some instances, braces can help guide the development of the jaw and teeth as they continue to grow during childhood. Braces can ensure that the jaw and teeth are aligned properly, helping to prevent any jaw or tooth issues that can develop from misaligned teeth.
The Benefits of Consistent Childhood Dental Care
The first benefit of pediatric dental care starts with regular dental exams and hygiene. Regular exams enable dentists to assess and diagnose dental problems at their early, treatable stages. Early detection of dental problems that require further care in pediatric orthodontics helps anticipate other issues in the future. This is true for spatial concerns or teeth positioning problems, which could cause more damage in the future for the patient if they are not detected early.
The convenience of an in-house orthodontist at Snodgrass King allows us to monitor patients in their adolescent years and catch structural problems. Additionally, this advantage helps us determine the right time for a patient to receive braces. On the other hand, if braces are not a good fit, we can explore other orthodontic treatments, such as Invisalign, to see if they are a better option.
What Does a Typical Pediatric Dental Cleaning Entail?
A pediatric dental cleaning is much more than a simple polish and rinse—it’s a comprehensive service designed to set children up for lifelong oral health. From the moment those first tiny teeth make an appearance, professional cleanings play a crucial role in keeping kids’ smiles healthy and bright.
During a typical pediatric dental cleaning, here’s what you and your child can expect:
- Gentle Examination: The visit starts with a careful examination of your child’s teeth, gums, and mouth. This helps detect any early signs of cavities, areas of concern, or potential developmental issues. Pediatric dentists are specially trained to spot subtle changes that might otherwise go unnoticed.
- Plaque and Tartar Removal: Using specialized child-sized tools, the hygienist gently removes plaque and tartar buildup from your child’s teeth—especially in those hard-to-reach spots where brushing at home sometimes misses. Removing this buildup is essential for preventing tooth decay and gum disease.
- Thorough Cleaning and Polishing: After the removal of plaque and tartar, your child’s teeth are polished with a special toothpaste. This not only leaves their smile sparkling clean but also helps remove any surface stains.
- Fluoride Treatment: A quick fluoride application may be included. Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay—especially important for growing smiles.
- Education and Fun Tips: Finally, pediatric dental teams always take a little extra time to teach children (and their parents) the ins and outs of brushing and flossing. With kid-friendly demonstrations and a dose of encouragement, these visits empower children to take an active role in their dental care at home.
The whole process is geared towards making dental care a positive experience, laying the groundwork for confident dental visits well into adulthood. Many parents find that scheduling these cleanings around the school calendar makes it easy to stay on top of the every-six-months routine.
Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics FAQs
Call the Orthodontists at Snodgrass King in Middle Tennessee
Many structural problems in the mouth begin early in life. Therefore, patients have better results with orthodontic treatments before adult teeth settle into their final positions. Regularly seeing a Tennessee pediatric dentist who communicates with an orthodontist, will help you be prepared for further action when needed.
For patients who already have orthodontic work, the combined services of pediatric dentistry and orthodontics offered at Snodgrass King can give a child the special attention they need to maintain their oral hygiene while also receiving the orthodontic adjustments.
Contact Snodgrass King to get the combined care of pediatric dentistry and orthodontics today!