The Powers Of Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics

pediatric 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

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, children should have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Even if your child still has baby teeth, early evaluation allows orthodontists to spot potential issues like crowding, overbites, or jaw development concerns. At Snodgrass-King Dentistry, our orthodontic team can determine if early intervention is needed. We can also help monitor your child’s growth until the time is right for treatment.

Some signs that your child may benefit from braces include crowded or overlapping teeth, difficulty chewing, mouth breathing, frequent thumb-sucking, or jaws that click or shift. If your child’s teeth don’t come together properly when they bite or if their smile appears uneven, it may be time to schedule an orthodontic consultation. The pediatric and orthodontic teams at Snodgrass-King work together to catch these signs early and recommend the right treatment plan.

Just like adults, children benefit greatly from routine dental checkups and professional cleanings. Most pediatric dentists, as well as organizations like the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, recommend scheduling a dental cleaning for your child every six months. These regular visits help remove tartar buildup, which can develop despite the best brushing habits, and allow the dentist to catch any emerging issues before they become more significant problems.

If you want to make life a little easier, consider timing these appointments around school breaks or just before the back-to-school rush. This simple step ensures your child’s smile stays healthy and bright throughout the year, while also making dental visits a stress-free part of your family’s routine.

Dental sealants are a simple yet powerful tool in a pediatric dentist’s toolbox. Think of them as little superhero shields for your child’s teeth! These thin, protective coatings are gently applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth—the molars—where sticky foods and pesky bacteria tend to hide.

By sealing off the grooves and little crevices on the molars, sealants act as a barrier, blocking out cavity-causing germs and food particles. This extra layer of defense is especially useful for kids, who are still perfecting their brushing skills (and might not always remember to reach those tricky back teeth).

Sealants are painless to apply and work in conjunction with regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups. With dental sealants in place, you can feel confident that your child has added protection during those years when cavities are most prevalent.

Yes! While metal braces are a popular and effective option, Snodgrass-King Dentistry also offers alternatives like clear braces and Invisalign® Teen. These discreet choices can make orthodontic treatment more appealing to self-conscious tweens and teens. During your consultation, we’ll help determine the best solution based on your child’s specific orthodontic needs and lifestyle.

The amount of time your child will wear braces will depend on your child’s age, growth, and the complexity of their orthodontic issues. On average, most children and teens wear braces for about 18 to 24 months. Some may require shorter or longer treatment. At Snodgrass-King, we create personalized orthodontic plans to ensure the best results in the most efficient timeframe.

Once your child’s braces are removed, they’ll typically need to wear a retainer to keep their teeth in place. Retainers are a crucial part of post-braces care and help maintain that beautiful, straight smile. At Snodgrass-King Dentistry, we guide your child through every phase of treatment to ensure long-lasting results.

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!