Many parents enjoy being able to bring their children to the same dental practice where they receive their own care. They feel more comfortable because they already know the dentist, and they find it more convenient to come to one office for the whole family. So let’s take a look at what the phrase pediatric dentist really means.
What Is a Pediatric Dentist?
Pediatric dentistry is a specialty that requires two years of postgraduate training after regular dental school, and the practitioner must then dedicate herself to treating children exclusively. While some parents feel that they need a pediatric dentist for their children’s care, the truth is that all general dentists receive training in pediatric care during dental school. They treat children in a pediatric clinic before graduation, and they are qualified to meet the basic needs of children, teens, and adults alike.
In addition to caring for your child’s basic needs, Dr. Dennis offers pre-orthodontic treatment with the Invisalign First™ System, which we describe toward the end of this page. So while it’s not necessary to seek out a pediatric dentist, it is important to find a dentist who really enjoys treating children. Children love seeing us and have fun during their dental appointments.
Early Positive Experiences
We want to help you help your child enjoy a lifetime of great dental care and health. The most important element is positive early experiences combining a gentle approach and painless dentistry. So we recommend that you bring your child in for their first appointment when they are young. Usually, all of a child’s primary teeth will have erupted by age two or three, so a first visit can be a growing-up milestone you can celebrate with your child. An early first appointment also means that there will likely be nothing wrong with your child’s teeth, so they can enjoy the new experience without any complications.
Preparing for the First Visit
You can help your child by introducing daily dental care as soon as the first teeth come in. Begin by cleaning the early teeth with a cloth, graduate to a soft baby toothbrush, and gradually let your child take on more of the responsibility. Let your child see you engaging in daily hygiene, and explain that it helps keep the teeth healthy and pretty. Then, when they’re ready for the first visit, make it a happy occasion.
We also recommend being careful to not over-prepare your child for their first dental visit. Some parents, in their anxiety to make sure their child has a positive first experience, will go through rehearsals and coaching, but this actually tends to only increase the child’s anxiety about the visit. It’s best to treat it as an ordinary activity for which no special preparation is needed.
Invisalign First™ System
- dental arch development
- expansion
- spacing/crowing
- aesthetic alignment
- tooth protrusions
Request an Appointment
Whether you’d like to schedule a visit for one child or your whole family, call us or complete our request an appointment form online. We look forward to helping you find the most convenient time for your visit.