Since 1975, Dentistry for Children, P.C. has remained a locally trusted and preferred pediatric dentist in South Weymouth, MA. We're a leading provider of childrens dental care, including orthodontics. We take pride in our approach, which emphasizes individualized attention, parental involvement, and most of all, education. Our staff in Weymouth, MA, consists of several experienced pediatric dentists as well as Pediatric Orthodontists, each of whom is well-equipped to provide the dental care your children need.

Dr. Karen is a graduate of New York University College of Dentistry and completed a general practice residency at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City. Following that, he completed a two-year residency in pediatric dentistry at St. Barnabas Hospital in New York, where he served as Chief Resident. Dr. Karen is a member of the medical staff at South Shore Hospital and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

Dr. Woland earned both his Doctor of Dental Medicine and Certificate in Advanced Graduate Studies in Orthodontics from Boston University. He is a graduate of the University of Maryland, where he was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Neurobiology and Physiology, as well as a Masters in Biology. He is currently an orthodontic faculty member at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine where he teaches in the Department of Orthodontics.

Dr. Woland is certified in Invisalign and has undergone advanced training. He is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, and the Massachusetts Dental Society. In light of childrens busy and ever-changing schedules, Dr. Woland is dedicated to providing outstanding orthodontic care for our patients four days a week, including most Saturdays.

Your child wont keep his or her first teeth forever, but that doesnt mean those tiny pearly whites dont need conscientious care. Maintaining your childs dental health now will provide health benefits well into adulthood, as primary (baby) teeth serve some extremely important functions. You can learn about pediatric dentistry in Weymouth, MA, when you turn to Dentistry for Children, P.C. for complete care.

For one thing, primary teeth serve as guides for the eruption of permanent (adult) teeth, holding the space into which these new teeth will erupt. The crowns (tops) of the permanent teeth actually push against the roots of the baby teeth, causing them to resorb, or melt away. In this way, the adult teeth can take their proper place.

Whats more, your childs primary teeth will be there for most of childhood, helping your child to bite, chew and speak. For the first six or so years, he or she will be relying on primary teeth exclusively to perform these important functions. Until around age 12, your child will have a mix of primary and permanent teeth. You will want to make sure those teeth stay healthy and are lost naturally when its time.

Your childs 20 baby teeth will begin to appear usually between six and nine months, though in some cases it may start as early as three months or as late as twelve months. The two lower front teeth tend to erupt first, followed by the two upper ones. The first molars come in next, followed by the canines (eye teeth). Sometimes your baby can experience teething discomfort during this process. If so, let us know, and we will advise you as to the best course of action.

Your infants gums and newly erupting teeth should be gently wiped after each feeding with a water-soaked gauze pad or damp washcloth. Starting at age 2, when there are more teeth in the mouth, establish a daily brushing routine with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and no more than a thin smear of fluoridated toothpaste. Your child may need your help with this important task until about the age of 6.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that you bring your child in to see us by his or her first birthday. Though this may sound early, we can teach you proper pediatric oral hygiene techniques, check for cavities, and watch for developmental problems.

There are a number of forms of tooth decay that can affect babies and small children. Early Childhood Caries (tooth decay) can develop rapidly, progressing from the hard, outer enamel layer of a tooth into the softer, inner dentin in six months or less.

Topical Fluoride: Fluoride incorporates into teeths enamel, making it harder and more resistant to decay. Although there is a small amount of fluoride in toothpastes and in some drinking water supplies, we can apply a higher concentration onto your childs teeth for maximum protection.

Dental Sealants: We can apply a plastic coating that prevents cavities by sealing the little grooves on the chewing surfaces of back teeth known as pits and fissures. These little crevices become the perfect environments for decay-causing bacteria. Immature tooth enamel is more permeable and therefore less resistant to tooth decay. Dental sealants are easy to apply and provide years of protection.

Root Canal Treatment: Perhaps you have had a root canal treatment yourself, to save an injured or severely decayed tooth. Well, sometimes children need root canals, too. As mentioned above, baby teeth are important guides to the permanent teeth that are already forming beneath your childs gums. Therefore, saving them from premature loss can help prevent a malocclusion (mal bad; occlusion bite) that requires orthodontic treatment.

Bonding: Chips and minor fractures to front teeth common childhood occurrences can be repaired with tooth-colored bonding materials. These lifelike resins made of plastic and glass can be used on baby teeth, as well as permanent teeth, and last until the youngster has completed facial growth.

By age 7, most malocclusions have become evident. Interceptive orthodontic treatment around this time can help direct proper tooth positioning and/or jaw growth, eliminating or simplifying the need for later treatment. There are many orthodontic problems that can be detected early and are examples of why a trained professional should evaluate your child during his or her growth and development.

If your child is active in sports, we highly recommend a custom-made mouth guard. According to the American Dental Association, an athlete is 60 times more likely to suffer dental harm when not wearing one of these protective devices.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a childs first checkup should occur by age one. Surprised? You shouldnt be! Even though there may only be a few baby teeth visible at that age, there are plenty of things we can start working on including the development of healthy habits that will make future visits to the dentist far more pleasurable.

New parents have plenty to worry about: making sure their baby is healthy and happy, re-arranging their lives around hectic schedules and lost sleep, and figuring out what to do in all sorts of novel situations. When it comes to your childs oral health, though, theres plenty of help available. It all begins at our practice, when you bring your youngster in for his or her first visit to visit us.

Unfortunately, some kids develop tooth decay at an early age. We will be on the lookout for cavities but thats only one reason for an early visit to our office. Equally important is reviewing the proper ways to care for a young childs mouth, going over your childs developmental milestones, and discussing the importance of good oral hygiene.

The way kids seem to pick up on their parents feelings sometimes seems uncanny; so, if youre nervous about going to the dentist yourself, try not to let it show. Generally, during this visit well simply be talking to you and your child, looking in his or her mouth, and making oral health assessments. Its best to tell your child what to expect beforehand, without making too big a fuss about it. You could even build some excitement by helping them get ready for the big day.

When you come in, its a good idea to bring a comforting toy, a snack, and an extra diaper or two, just in case of fussiness. If possible, leave other kids at home, so we can concentrate on the new patient but if you can bring another adult along, it may free your attention to focus on your childs oral health. Likewise, filling out our forms in advance may save time and effort on the day of the visit.

When you and your child are comfortably seated in the office, well spend a few minutes getting to know each other and explaining what we will be doing. Then, well perform a gentle examination of the mouth. We will be looking for any early signs of dental problems such as tooth decay, and assessing the risk that your child may develop the disease in the future. Often, this kind of risk assessment can help us prevent and even reverse the early stages of tooth decay, without any drilling.

Finally, well discuss various ways to keep your childs oral health in top condition. For instance, we may talk about how diet, eating habits and oral hygiene practices can help prevent tooth decay, the most common chronic disease of childhood. Thats an important subject for everyone even more so if your child is at greater risk. If any treatments (such as fluoride) are needed, we will explain what they are and why we recommend them. We will also review tips on cleaning and brushing effectively, and well schedule a follow-up visit as required.

Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, is essential for proper tooth development and the prevention of tooth decay. In communities throughout the United States, tooth decay may still be a significant problem but it is far less prevalent than it would have been, if not for the fluoridation of public water supplies. Thats why the major associations of pediatric dentists and doctors support water fluoridation to the current recommended levels of 0.70 parts per million (ppm). Its also why the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has called fluoridated water one of the most significant health achievements of the 20th century.

Of course, not everyone has access to fluoridated water. Thats one reason why we sometimes recommend a fluoride supplement for your child and/or the use of toothpastes and other products that contain this important mineral. Because it is possible for children to get too much fluoride, it is best to consult with us on the use of any fluoride-containing product.

The protective outer layer of teeth, called enamel, is often subject to attacks from acids. These can come directly from acidic foods and beverages, such as sodas and citrus fruits or sometimes through a middleman: the decay-causing bacteria already in the mouth that create acid from sugar. These bacteria congregate in dental plaque and feed on sugar that is not cleansed from your childs mouth. In metabolizing (breaking down) sugar, the bacteria produce acids that can eat through tooth enamel. This is how cavities are formed. When fluoride is present, it becomes part of the crystalline structure of tooth enamel, hardening it and making it more resistant to acid attack. Fluoride can even help repair small cavities that are already forming.

Fluoride ingested by children in drinking water or supplements can be taken up by their developing permanent teeth. Once a tooth has erupted, it can be strengthened by fluoride topically (on the surface). Using a fluoride-containing toothpaste is one way to make sure your childrens teeth receive helpful fluoride exposure daily. We recommend using only a pea-sized amount for children ages 2-6 and just a tiny smear for kids under two. Fluoride should not be used on children younger than six months. A very beneficial way to deliver fluoride to the teeth is with topical fluoride applications right here at the dental office. We can paint it right onto your childs freshly cleaned teeth and let it sit for a few minutes for maximum effectiveness.

Teeth that are over-exposed to fluoride as they are forming beneath the gum line can develop a condition called enamel fluorosis, which is characterized by a streaked or mottled appearance. Mild fluorosis takes the form of white spots that are hard to see. In more severe cases (which are rare), the discoloration can be darker, with a pitted texture. The condition is not harmful, but may eventually require cosmetic dental treatment. Tooth decay, on the other hand, is harmful to your childs health and can also be quite painful in severe cases.

The most likely location for a cavity to develop in your childs mouth is on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Run your tongue over this area in your mouth, and you will feel the reason why: These surfaces are not smooth, as other areas of your teeth are. Instead, they are filled with tiny grooves referred to as pits and fissures, which trap bacteria and food particles. The bristles on a toothbrush cant always reach all the way into these dark, moist little crevices. This creates the perfect conditions for tooth decay.

A childs newly erupted permanent teeth are not as resistant to decay as adult teeth are. The hard enamel coating that protects the teeth changes as it ages to become stronger. Fluoride, which is found in toothpaste and some drinking water and in treatments we use here at the dental office can strengthen enamel, but, again, its hard to get fluoride into those pits and fissures on a regular basis. Fortunately, there is a good solution to this problem: dental sealants.

Dental sealants are invisible plastic resin coatings that smooth out the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, making them resistant to decay. A sealed tooth is far less likely to develop a cavity, require more expensive dental treatment later on, or, most importantly, cause your child pain.

You can think of a sealant as a mini plastic filling, though please reassure your child that it doesnt count as having a cavity filled. Because tooth enamel does not contain any nerves, placing a sealant is painless and does not routinely require numbing shots. First we will examine the tooth or teeth to be sealed, and if any minimal decay is found, it will be gently removed. The tooth will then be cleaned and dried. Then we will apply a solution that will slightly roughen or etch the surface, to make the sealing material adhere better. The tooth is then rinsed and dried again. The sealant is then painted on the tooth in liquid form and hardens in about a minute, sometimes with the help of a special curing light. Thats all there is to it!

Sealed teeth require the same conscientious dental hygiene as unsealed teeth. Your child should continue to brush and floss his or her teeth daily and visit us for regular professional cleanings. This will give us a chance to check for wear and tear on the sealants, which should last for up to 10 years. During this time, your child will benefit from a preventive treatment proven to reduce decay.

New parents sometimes anticipate their babys first tooth with a mixture of excitement and worry. While reaching a new developmental milestone is always a cause for celebration, this particular one can come with considerable discomfort. However, teething is different for each baby, and need not be painful at all; plus, there are steps you can take to make the process easier for your baby and yourself.

Teething refers to the process by which primary (baby) teeth emerge through the gums and become visible in the mouth. This usually begins between six and nine months of age, though it may start as early as three months or as late as one year. Usually, the lower front teeth erupt first, followed by the ones directly above. Most children have all 20 of their primary teeth by the age of 3 (View Tooth Eruption Chart).

A less common teething issue is the formation of an eruption cyst, a small bubble-like swelling filled with fluid that covers an erupting tooth. Eruption cysts usually do not require treatment as the tooth will simply pop the cyst when it comes through.

While there has been some disagreement as to whether diarrhea, rashes and fever are signs of teething, these are more likely to be associated with an unrelated illness and should be reported to your pediatrician.

Make sure not to actually freeze your babys teething ring or pacifier because this could burn if left in the mouth for too long. The outmoded remedy of rubbing whiskey or other alcohol on the gums is neither effective nor appropriate. Over-the-counter medication may be helpful, but always check the correct dosage with your pediatrician or pharmacist. These, too, should not be rubbed on the gums because they can burn. Numbing agents shouldnt be used on babies under age 2 unless directed by a physician.

Finally, if you have any questions or concerns about teething, feel free to contact our office. Remember, its best to start dental visits by your childs first birthday to establish this lifelong health-promoting routine. We look forward to meeting your little one!

Some children are just too fearful to receive necessary dental care. In that type of situation, we may recommend sedation with nitrous oxide to help make your childs experience of dental treatment stress-free.

Nitrous oxide, a colorless gas with a slightly sweet odor, has been used in medicine for about a century. Its a safe and effective method of administering sedation, which means that a child (or adult) will stay awake during the procedure, but feel completely relaxed even happy. All bodily functions remain normal during the administration of nitrous oxide, and its effects wear off quickly afterwards.

As a form of conscious sedation, nitrous oxide is inhaled through a small mask that fits comfortably over a childs nose. The gas is mixed with oxygen as it is being delivered, and both gases are always kept at a level that is safe for the body. In just a few minutes, the patient may start to experience a floating sensation, and perhaps some tingling in the hands and feet. Thats a sign that the sedation is working. Once it has been verified that your child is calm and comfortable, and that the dose is correct, the dental procedure can begin.

Nitrous oxide itself isnt a substitute for a local anesthetic in children or adults as its considered an anxiolytic, which means it makes anxiety disappear. However, for some pediatric procedures, a child receiving nitrous oxide may not need an anesthetic injection. Even if they do need a numbing shot, they wont mind at all while under sedation with nitrous oxide. Yet they wont be asleep theyll be able to speak, be aware of whats going on, and they will remain in control during the procedure. In fact, the dose can be fine-tuned to just the level of sedation they need to make them comfortable yet alert.

Any child whose anxiety would otherwise keep them out of the dental chair can benefit from sedation with nitrous oxide. Before beginning treatment, we will take a complete medical history, including any medications your child is taking. We will make sure that your child is safe and comfortable.

Many parents are thankful for the invention of pacifiers that can help calm and soothe fussy babies. Infants often use a pacifier or suck on a thumb for comfort, security or simply as a method to make contact with the world. In fact, some babies begin to suck on their fingers or thumbs even before they are born! The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends a pacifier over a thumb to comfort new babies since a pacifier habit is easier to break at an earlier age.

The sucking reflex is completely normal and many children will stop sucking on thumbs, pacifiers or other objects on their own between 2 and 4 years of age. Frequent pacifier use over a longer period of time can affect the way a childs teeth bite together and the growth of the jaw. The upper teeth may tip outward or become crooked and other changes in tooth position or jaw alignment could occur. Intervention may be recommended for children beyond 3 years of age. The earlier a child can stop a sucking habit, the less chance there is that it will lead to orthodontic problems down the road.

Some parents swear by cold turkey, while others have gradually weaned their children off pacifiers. Below are some techniques that will help your infant give up the Binky for good. But no matter which route you take, remember that as the experts in little teeth, pediatric dentists will be an invaluable resource for guidance and recommendations on the best approach to quit the pacifier.

A pediatric dentist can assist in encouraging children to stop a sucking habit and discuss each childs particular situation. This, along with support from parents and caregivers, helps many children quit their pacifier and thumb-sucking habits. If your child needs further encouragement, pediatric dentists can also recommend behavior modification techniques to persuade children to quit the pacifier for good.

What causes your child to cry out for their beloved Binky? Once youve identified which situations trigger your childs desire for a pacifier, be ready to replace it with comfort and reassurance. It can be helpful to swap out the pacifier with a transitional object such as a cuddly doll or stuffed toy. Additionally, distracting your child with a fun activity can help take their mind off the desired Binky. Be sure to offer positive reinforcement and praise when your child sleeps through the night or self-soothes without his pacifier.

If youre still running into roadblocks, its time to put a creative spin on the bye-bye Binky process. One idea is to take your child and pacifier to the store to pick out a new toy to replace their pacifier. There are many experienced store clerks who are used to this trick and are willing to play along when your child trades in the pacifier for a new toy of her choosing. Other parents have thrown a Goodbye Binky party, set out the pacifier for the Binky Fairy or donated the Binky to children who need it.

If your child is resisting the idea of losing his or her pacifier, try making the process into a game. Similar to the graphic shown on this page, create a countdown game where you tell the child that over the next three to four weeks Binky will be shrinking. The first week, cut a very small hole in the top of the pacifier. Be careful to make clean cuts that do not leave any part of the pacifier hanging which could break off in your childs mouth. Continue to cut a portion of Binky off each week until there is no longer anything left for your child to suck on. This is a great way to separate your childs association from someone taking the pacifier away to the pacifier just breaking on its own. At the end, you can tell your child its time to bid Binky bye-bye.

Whether you decide to gradually wean or go cold turkey, make sure to time it right. Try not to take away the pacifier during life changes, major transitions or traveling so as not to put further stress on the process. Once youve made the plan to ditch the pacifier, make sure all caregivers are on board and stick with it! If you choose to gradually remove the pacifier, try limiting use to nap time and bed time at first. Or, let your child use the pacifier for short periods of time if you feel he particularly needs it, and gradually shorten the frequency and length of time the pacifier is used.

If you decide to go cold turkey, be sure to collect all pacifiers around the house the last thing you need is your little one finding a pacifier the week after she gave it up and going back to square one! If you need additional ideas on how to wean your child off the pacifier be sure to ask your pediatric dentist or visit mychildrensteeth.org for further tips and a pediatric dentist locator to find a pediatric dentist near you.

Dr. Ed Moody is in private practice in Morristown, Tennessee. He is a graduate of Auburn University and the University Of Tennessee College Of Dentistry, and received his certificate in pediatric dentistry from the Medical College of Virginia. He has been a member of the AAPD for 25 years. Moody and his wife, Jenny, are the parents of three daughters.

Sucking on a thumb or finger is a completely normal habit that some babies develop even before theyre born. Its soothing, and it also helps babies make contact with and explore their environment. If sucking habits go on much past the age of 3, however, its possible that bite problems may arise.

In a normal bite, the upper teeth grow to overlap the lower teeth. But its possible for the pressure of a thumb, finger or pacifier resting on the gums to interfere with normal tooth eruption and even jaw growth. Some thumb-suckers develop an open bite, meaning the teeth dont overlap when a child bites together (View Example); instead, there is an open space between the upper and lower teeth. Thats why thumb sucking is definitely something we should keep an eye on, though we dont want to intervene too soon.

Its important to keep in mind that most children break thumb-sucking habits on their own between the ages of 2 and 4. So if youre trying to get your child to stop, the first thing to do is simply ignore it. Pacifiers will usually be given up more quickly than thumbs or fingers. If your child seems unable to stop when its time, positive reinforcements tend to work better than negative (e.g., putting a bitter substance on the thumb). Here are some things you can try:

Thumb sucking is just one reason why its important to maintain your childs regular schedule of dental exams, starting from the age of 1 year. We can also teach you and your child effective oral hygiene techniques, help prevent tooth decay, and generally monitor dental growth and development. Though orthodontics can usually fix bite problems that result from sucking habits, wed just as soon help you avoid this expense if possible!

Your childs little baby teeth have some big responsibilities. Until the adolescent years, they will not only help your youngster bite and chew (i.e., get proper nutrition) and speak correctly but also help guide the permanent teeth underneath them into proper position. In fact, a major function of baby teeth is to hold space for the adult teeth that will eventually push them out.

At least thats how its supposed to work; sometimes, however, injury or disease can cause a baby tooth to be lost prematurely. When that happens, the permanent teeth that are coming in on either side can actually drift into the space that was reserved for another tooth. This can cause teeth to erupt out of position or to be blocked entirely, and it may result in crowded or crooked teeth.

Fortunately, if your child loses a tooth prematurely, theres a dental appliance we can use to hold the space open for the permanent tooth that is meant to fill it. The device is, not surprisingly, called a space maintainer or a space maintenance appliance. Made of metal and/or plastic, space maintainers can be fixed (cemented) or removable, but either way their purpose is the same: to help your child develop the best bite possible and hopefully avoid the need for braces later on.

Fixed appliances are cemented onto adjacent teeth. They are made in many different designs: One consists of a band that goes around a tooth and then a wire loop that extends out from the band to hold the space; another features a loop attached to a stainless steel crown, which goes over a nearby tooth. In either case, the loop extends just to the point where it touches the next tooth. Fixed space maintainers are often preferred with younger children, because they are less easy to fidget with, break, or misplace than appliances that can be removed.

Removable appliances look like the type of retainer that is worn at the end of orthodontic treatment. It can have a false tooth on it, which is particularly useful when the lost tooth was visible in the mouth. Older children can usually handle the responsibility of wearing this appliance and caring for it properly.

Whether fixed or removable, your childs space maintainer will be custom-made after we take impressions of his or her mouth. A child will wear a space maintainer until x-rays reveal that the tooth underneath is ready to erupt naturally. It is very important that anyone wearing a space maintainer keep up good oral hygiene at home and come in for regular professional dental cleanings.

Space maintainers are also useful when one or more permanent teeth are congenitally missing in other words, they have never existed at all. In cases like this, which are not uncommon, permanent dental implant teeth are often recommended for adolescents or adults to replace a tooth they werent born with. But timing is very important with dental implants they cant be placed in a growing child. Therefore, we may use a space maintainer with a false tooth on it until jaw growth is complete and an implant can be appropriately placed. Its a simple, non-invasive way we can avoid a malocclusion (bad bite) with some timely intervention.

Kids who take part in athletic activities whether theyre playing on organized sports teams, bicycling, or just kicking a ball around gain a host of well-documented health benefits. Yet inevitably, along with all the fun, the sense of achievement, and the character-building features of athletics, the possibility of injury exists. Does this mean your kids shouldnt play sports? Of course not! But it makes sense to learn about the risks involved, and to take appropriate precautions.

How prevalent are sports-related dental injuries? In 2012, the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation forecast that more than 3 million teeth would be knocked out in youth sporting events that year! Among all the dental injuries we treat in children, it is estimated that over 25% are sports-related, and the majority of these involve the top front teeth.

You wouldnt let your child play football without a helmet and protective padding, right? Yet it might surprise you to know that kids playing basketball are 15 times more likely to sustain injuries to the mouth or face than football players! Mandatory mouthguards are one reason for that: More American kids wear mouth protection for football than any other sport, which has resulted in a dramatic drop in injuries.

Mouthguards are required in only four school-based sports: football, ice hockey, lacrosse, and field hockey. Yet basketball and baseball are associated with the largest number of dental injuries. Other sports for which the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends wearing a mouthguard include bicycling, soccer, skateboarding, wrestling and volleyball. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, mouthguards prevent more than 200,000 injuries each year.

The best mouthguard for your child is the one he or she actually wears, both at practice and on game day. There are several different types of mouthguards on the market, which generally fall into three categories:

At the present time, when top-quality sports equipment for kids can run in the hundreds of dollars, it makes more sense than ever to invest in the proven protection of a professionally made, custom-fitted mouthguard. Just ask us about it!

When you have a dental emergency whether its caused by a sudden accident or chronic disease your teeth and/or the tissues of the mouth that surround them need to receive proper care right away. As with any type of medical emergency, its important to be aware, before youre actually in the situation, of what you can do to ensure the best outcome.

A knocked-out permanent tooth requires quick thinking and immediate action. Youll increase the chances that the tooth can be saved if you pick it up without touching the root, gently clean it off with water, and put it back in its socket facing the correct way. Hold it in place with gentle pressure as you rush to the dental office or emergency room. If you cant replant it immediately, tuck it between the patients cheek and gum, or carry it in a container of cold milk.

Injuries and infections involving the soft tissues of the mouth may also require emergency treatment. The tissues of the gums, tongue, or cheek lining can be damaged by accidental bites, falls, sports injuries, and scalding liquids. They may also suffer injury from foreign bodies that become lodged below the gum line, and they can develop painful and potentially serious abscesses. A periodontal (gum) abscess is a pus-filled sac caused by an infection and is usually quite painful. Abscesses require immediate attention at the dental office.

Any injury to the soft tissues of the mouth should be rinsed with dilute salt water. If there is visible debris, it should be cleared. Bleeding can usually be controlled by pressing a clean, damp material to the area for 10-15 minutes. If this does not work, go to the emergency room immediately.

Although there can be discomfort associated with orthodontic treatment, there are only a few true orthodontic emergencies. They include trauma or injury to the teeth, face or mouth. Infection or swelling of the gums, mouth or face, and severe, unmanageable discomfort or pain in these areas can also be orthodontic emergencies. In any of these situations, seek immediate care from the dental office or emergency room whichever is your best option. For loose, broken or irritating pieces of orthodontic hardware, please call the dental office for advice.

Root canal treatment is a safe and effective way to stop many kinds of tooth pain, and to keep a tooth from being lost due to decay or injury. But if a root canal is recommended for your young child, you may wonder why: Isnt that baby tooth going to fall out in a few years anyway?

Thats true the primary (baby) teeth typically are shed between the ages of 6 and 12 years. Yet there are some good reasons for trying to save baby teeth for as long as possible with root canal treatment, rather than simply extracting any that are damaged by trauma or infection.

For one, primary teeth have the same functions as adult teeth and a missing tooth at any age can cause problems with speech and eating. Baby teeth also have another important role: They serve as guides for the proper placement of the permanent teeth. Without primary teeth to guide them in, permanent teeth tend to emerge in a crooked fashion, often becoming tilted or crowded because of inadequate space. This can result in bite problems that may require extensive orthodontic treatment later.

Unlike its hard outer surface, the soft pulp inside the tooth is rich in blood vessels and nerves. Problems in this area are often signaled by tooth sensitivity and pain. When we find these symptoms during an examination, we generally use radiographs (x-rays) to confirm that the pulp is diseased, or dying. Thats when we need to take action, before an abscess or further infection can develop.

In severe cases, the tooth may need to be removed, and a space maintainer installed to fill the gap. But many times, space maintainers dont fully restore the tooths functionality. Plus, they are susceptible to coming loose and must be monitored constantly. If possible, we prefer to use treatment methods such as:

As you probably already know, most of the legends you may have heard about root canal therapy simply arent true. In fact, the procedure generally causes little discomfort, but is quite successful in relieving tooth pain! We are adept at using anesthesia to block the sensation of pain, and experienced in calming the fears of young ones. While its understandable that you may be nervous, it will help if you dont let your child pick up on your own anxiety. A calming voice and a gentle touch can do much to relieve stress.

After a thorough examination, we will recommend the best options for your childs treatment. The procedures are routinely done right here in our office. A root canal is nothing to fear: Think of it as a treatment that may save your child from some tooth pain now, and potentially a lot of corrective dental work later on.

Straight teeth can make a significant difference in your or your childs quality of life. A great-looking smile doesnt just boost confidence. It can also have a positive impact on social and professional opportunities for years down the road. Orthodontic treatment using is the original smile makeover tool, and our patients are happy to know that theyre never too old to benefit from it.

However, orthodontic treatment isn't just about looks. Properly aligned teeth help you bite, chew, and even speak more efficiently. They are also easier to clean, which helps keep your mouth free of tooth decay and gum disease.

Orthodontic treatment teeth straightening with braces is amazing in that it harnesses the body's natural ability to remodel its own tissue. With the application of light, constant force, orthodontic appliances gently reshape bone and move teeth into better positions. Some examples of these appliances include traditional metal braces, clear and tooth-colored braces, and clear aligners, which are relatively new options for adults and teens.

To correct bite problems, teeth need to be moved - but doing that isn't as hard as you might think. Teeth aren't fixed rigidly in their supporting bone; instead, they're held in place by a hammock-like structure called the periodontal ligament, which is very responsive to forces placed on the teeth. Orthodontic appliances move teeth by careful application of light, constant pressure. This force can be applied via metal wires that run through small brackets attached to the teeth (braces), or via the semi-rigid plastic of clear aligners.

Undergoing orthodontic treatment in childhood is ideal because it enables dentists to take advantage of childrens natural growth processes, which help move the teeth into proper alignment. Like the rest of the body, the teeth and jaws change rapidly during childhood.

For example, during this time, it becomes possible to create more room for teeth in a crowded mouth by using a palatal expander to rapidly widen the upper jaw. This phase of growth modification can shorten overall treatment time and ensure better results if additional orthodontic appliances are needed.

Several new technological developments - including tooth-colored ceramic braces, clear aligners, and invisible lingual braces - have made orthodontic appliances less evident, as well as enhanced the treatment experience for adults. Before treatment, adults are carefully examined for signs of periodontal (gum) disease, which will be brought under control before treatment begins.

When you imagine someone wearing braces, you probably picture small metal brackets bonded to the front of the teeth, with a thin wire running through them. This time-tested style remains very popular, but it's no longer the only option available. Clear braces use brackets made of ceramic or plastic which, except for the slim archwire, are barely visible.

Removable clear aligners are alternatives to fixed orthodontic appliances. They consist of a series of clear plastic trays that fit over your teeth exactly; each one moves your teeth a little bit until they are in the desired position. Whether fixed or removable, each type of appliance may have advantages or disadvantages in particular situations. After a complete examination, we will discuss which treatment options are best for you.

Once your orthodontic treatment is completed, it's extremely important to wear a retainer as directed. That's because teeth naturally tend to drift back to their original locations - which is the last thing you want after you've gone to the trouble of straightening them. Wearing a retainer holds your teeth in their new position long enough for new bone and ligament to re-form around them, and helps keep your gorgeous new smile looking good for a lifetime.

You probably know that its never too late to begin orthodontic treatment but when it comes to your youngsters teeth, did you know that earlier may be better than later? According to the American Association of Orthodontists, kids should have an initial orthodontic screening at age 7. What makes early evaluation and potentially, early treatment so important? There are several ways that kids can benefit from early orthodontic evaluation. But its important to recognize that early evaluation isnt necessarily followed by early treatment; in many cases, if orthodontic work is needed, we simply monitor your childs growth patterns until we see that its time for treatment to begin. This gives us an opportunity to get the best results in the most efficient way, and to help prevent future problems.

Although every childs development is different, in most kids the first adult molars have typically started to emerge by around age six. This, along with other developmental markers, lets us get a handle on the basic alignment of the teeth, from front to back and side to side. It may also be possible at this point to determine whether there is adequate room in the mouth for all of the permanent teeth and, if not, to take action.

Treatment for common orthodontic problems typically begins around age 9-14, when all of the baby teeth are gone and many of the permanent ones are in place. But there are some conditions that are much easier to treat if theyre caught at an early age, when a childs natural growth processes are going full speed ahead.

One is severe crossbite, a condition where the upper teeth close inside the lower teeth. To treat this problem, a device called a palatal expander can be used, which gradually and painlessly widens the upper jaw; its especially effective when the jaw itself hasnt fully developed. If we wait too long, a more complicated treatment or even oral surgery might be required to correct the problem.

Another condition that may benefit from early treatment is severe crowding. This occurs when the jaws are too small to accommodate all of the permanent teeth. Either palatal expansion or tooth extraction may be recommended at this point, to help the adult teeth erupt (emerge from below the gums) properly. Even if braces are required later, the treatment time will likely be shorter and less complicated.

Early intervention may also be helpful in resolving several other problems. Protruding teeth, especially in front, can be prone to chipping and fractures; they may also lead to problems with a childs self-image. A severe underbite, caused by the lower jaw growing much larger than the upper jaw, can result in serious bite problems. Orthodontic appliances, including braces and headgear, can be successfully used to correct these problems at this stage, when the childs development is in full swing, thereby increasing the chances that surgery can be avoided.

At one time or another, anyone may pick up a bad habit. But there are some situations where a youngsters parafunctional (detrimental to health) habits can actually influence the development and function of his or her teeth, jaws and mouth. Some examples of these are persistent thumb sucking, tongue thrusting and mouth breathing.

The sucking reflex is natural in early childhood; it usually disappears between ages 2 and 4. But if it persists much later, the pressure of the digit on the front teeth and the upper jaw can actually cause the teeth to move apart and the jaws to change shape. This can lead to the orthodontic problem called open bite, and may impair speech. An open bite can also be caused by the force of the tongue pushing forward against the teeth (tongue thrusting).

Mouth breathing an abnormal breathing pattern in which the mouth always remains open, passing air directly to the lungs is related to alterations in the muscular function of the tongue and face. It may cause the upper and lower jaw to grow abnormally, which can lead to serious orthodontic problems. Although mouth breathing may start from a physical difficulty, it can become a habitual action thats hard to break.

Various orthodontic treatments are available to help correct these parafunctional habits and the sooner theyre taken care of, the less damage they may cause. But these potential problems arent always easy to recognize. Thats one more reason why you should bring your child in for an early orthodontic screening.

For many teens, braces are a rite of passage: Theyre one more example of the changes adolescents go through at this time along with growth in stature, edgier tastes in clothes and music, and an increasing degree of self-awareness. But is there any particular reason why orthodontic appliances and teenagers seem to go together? In a word: Yes.

There are several good reasons why adolescence is the optimal time for orthodontic treatment, though occasionally even earlier intervention is called for. One has to do with the development of the teeth: Theres no set timetable for every kid, but generally by the age of 11-13 the deciduous (baby) teeth have all been lost, and the permanent ones have largely come in. This is the time when we can go to work correcting the problems that cause a bad bite (malocclusion), improper tooth spacing or poor alignment.

Orthodontic problems dont improve with age they simply become harder to treat. Its easier to treat many orthodontic problems during adolescence because the body is still growing rapidly at this time. Whether we use standard braces, or appliances like palatal expanders, we can create an improved appearance and function in a short period of time. In later years, when the bones of the face and jaw are fully developed, many conditions become more difficult (and costly) to treat.

Theres even a social element to getting orthodontic treatment in adolescence. If you need braces, youre not alone! Chances are youll see some of your classmates in our office, and you may even make new friends as you go through the process together. When its done, youll have a smile that you can really be proud of, and benefits that will last your whole life.

What can you expect when you come in to our office for treatment? It all depends on what kind of treatment you need. The first time you come in, we will take pictures and radiographic (X-ray) images of your mouth, and possibly make a model of your bite. Then, well develop a treatment plan. It may involve regular braces, with or without elastics (rubber bands). We might also recommend that you use a specialized appliance for a period of time. Here are some of the most commonly used orthodontic appliances:

Invisalign is a series of removable, clear plastic trays that gradually straighten teeth as theyre worn (for 22 hours per day). Formerly recommended only for adult patients, they now come with special features like compliance indicators to tell how often youve been wearing them that make them appropriate for teens in some situations. Theyre practically invisible but more costly.

Other orthodontic appliances may be recommended in some cases, where major tooth or jaw movement is needed. They can range from small devices that fit inside the mouth to external headgear. But dont worry: Youll get used to them, and theyre temporary but they provide a long-term benefit in a short time.

Theres no one answer that fits everyone: It all depends on what we need to do in your individual situation. Generally, however, the active stage of orthodontic treatment lasts 6-30 months. Afterwards, you will wear a retainer for another period of months. When your orthodontic treatment is complete, the new smile weve worked together to create will be yours for a lifetime.

You know how important it is to brush and floss properly when youre wearing braces but whats the best way to do that? Lets start with the basic brushing tools: Either a soft-bristle brush or a bi-level brush (one that has shorter bristles in the middle and longer bristles at the edges) can be effective. Used carefully, an electric toothbrush can work just as well. But be sure the electric brush is set to a moderate power level, and dont let its vibrations cause the back of the brush to hit the braces!

You should brush with a fluoride toothpaste at least two times per day (preferably after meals), for at least two minutes each time. Remember to brush all of the tooth surfaces: the outside, the inside, and the chewing surfaces as well. Be especially careful to clean the areas between wires and teeth, and between brackets and gums thats where food particles can easily become trapped.

Heres a suggested brushing technique: Beginning at the outside surfaces, place the tips of the bristles flat against your teeth, and use small circular motions to gently polish them clean. For areas between braces and gums, tilt the brush toward the gum line (down for the bottom teeth, up for the top) while keeping up the circular motions. Next, move on to the chewing surfaces of upper and lower teeth, using a firm back-and-forth motion. Finally, finish up by carefully brushing the inside surfaces of the teeth the same way you did the outside surfaces.

If youre having trouble cleaning the areas near brackets and wires, there are some special tools that may help. One is the interdental toothbrush, or proxabrush. It has a small tuft of bristles that stick up all around, like a pipe cleaner. Use it gently and carefully to clean the tiny spaces under wires and around bands and brackets.

Another special cleaning tool is the oral irrigator or water pick. This device shoots a small stream of pressurized water at your teeth, which can help dislodge bits of food that become trapped in nooks and crannies. While its easy to use, an oral irrigator isnt a substitute for a toothbrush or dental floss but when used along with proper brushing and flossing techniques, it can be very effective.

To keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy, you need to floss at least once per day. But how do you get floss under the archwire of your braces? Its not so hard with the help of a floss threader. Using this device is somewhat like threading a needle: You pull one end of floss through the threader, and then push the threader carrying with it the free end of the floss under the archwire. Now grasp the floss on each end and slide it up and down the sides of both teeth, and all the way under the gums until you hear a squeaky sound. Finally, pull it out and use a new section of floss for the next area.

Ever wonder how effective your tooth-cleaning techniques really are? Theres an accurate way to tell, using special vegetable dyes called disclosing solutions or disclosing tablets. As they dissolve in the mouth, these dyes highlight plaque and food debris that brushing has missed. You can then easily remove the dyed spots and youll know for sure if your oral hygiene methods need a little brushing up.

Keeping your teeth and gums healthy now is an investment in your future. It enables you to get the best results from your orthodontic treatment, and starts you toward a brighter smile that can last for a lifetime.

At first, having orthodontic treatment may take a little getting used to. It isnt uncommon to experience a bit of soreness when appliances are first put on, or some minor aches as teeth begin moving into new positions. Yet its comforting to know that genuine orthodontic emergencies are rare.

As the teeth start to move, the wire that connects them (archwire) may begin poking near the back of the mouth or irritating the cheeks. You can try moving the wire into a better position with a pencil eraser or a Q-Tip. If the wire wont move, you may be able to cut the end off with a nail clipper sterilized in alcohol but before doing so, please call our office for our guidance or instructions. Often, you can also use tweezers to gently move a misplaced wire or a tie thats causing problems.

When wires or brackets cause irritation, covering the metal parts with wax will often help ease the discomfort. As with any of these types of problems, call our office and well schedule a time to see you.

Its normal for teeth to become slightly loosened during orthodontic treatment that shows theyre moving! Sometimes, this movement may be accompanied by tenderness, especially after braces are placed or adjusted. For minor soreness, you can use your regular over-the-counter pain reliever. A twice-a-day salt-water rinse may also help: Mix one teaspoon of salt in an 8-ounce glass of warm water, and rinse for 30 seconds. A warm washcloth or heating pad placed on the outside of the jaw can also offer some relief.

When you hear the word orthodontics, what comes to mind? Probably a young teenager whose teeth are covered by a latticework of metal. There are indeed many orthodontic patients who fit that description. However, there now exists an increasingly popular alternative to traditional metal braces: Invisalign clear aligners. Dr. Woland is pleased to offer Invisalign for patients who are interested in invisible braces.

As the name implies, Invisalign clear aligners are made of almost invisible polyurethane plastic. Rather than being cemented or bonded to the teeth as metal or clear braces are, clear aligners are completely removable for important social occasions, for eating, and, most importantly, for tooth-brushing and flossing. This advantage can also be a disadvantage: It means you must resist the temptation to take your aligners out more than is advised. Here are some other advantages of the Invisalign system:

Clear aligner technology has been improving over the years and can correct many malocclusions that once would have been too complicated for this form of treatment. Yet there are still some situations for which traditional braces would still be best. We would be happy to discuss this in detail with you.

Invisalign clear aligners work the same way traditional braces do: by applying carefully controlled forces to teeth to move them into a better position. But they are not made of metal; instead, they are made of clear, flexible plastic.

Heres how it works: Specialized computer software helps us design a plan for moving your teeth from their current positions into the best possible alignment. This movement will be broken down into perhaps several dozen stages. For each stage, the Invisalign company will manufacture two plastic mouth trays or aligners, one to fit over your top teeth and one for the bottom. You will wear this first set of trays for two weeks, for a minimum of 20 hours per day. You will then move on to the next set of aligners in your series to accomplish the next stage of gradual movement. You will keep doing this until your teeth are correctly aligned.

In the past several years, two features have been added to make Invisalign a more appropriate orthodontic treatment method for teenagers. Special eruption tabs hold the appropriate amount of space open for molars that have not fully grown in. Invisalign for teens also comes with compliance indicators built into the aligner material, which fade with wear. This allows parents, dentists, and the teens themselves, to make sure the trays are being worn as prescribed. Treatment with Invisalign can only be successful if this is the case.

As mentioned above, one of the main advantages of the Invisalign system is that the trays can be removed for easy cleaning. So please dont neglect to do this! Youll need to brush your teeth after every meal or snack so that food and plaque do not get trapped in the aligners, which could promote tooth decay and gum disease. Your aligners, too, will have to be cleaned regularly; you can do this by brushing them and then rinsing them with lukewarm water.

Also, please keep in mind that while wearing clear aligners is very different from wearing braces, the importance of retaining your post-treatment results is exactly the same. Youll want to be sure to wear your retainer(s) exactly as prescribed after your treatment is completed to protect your investment in a beautiful new smile.

One day in the not-too-distant future, your braces will come off. In a few moments, youll be free of bands and brackets, able to eat what you want and run your tongue over smooth, clean teeth. But, even on this happy occasion, please remember that youre not quite done with orthodontic treatment yet: The next phase, called retention, is just beginning.

Retention is a critical follow-through stage that typically involves wearing an orthodontic appliance called a retainer. Several different kinds of retainers are available, all of which are custom-made just for you. We will recommend the type (or types) that will work best in your situation, and well tell you exactly when and how long you need to wear them.

Teeth arent set rigidly in the jawbone instead, theyre held in place by a network of fibers called the periodontal ligaments. After they have being moved, it takes several months for the periodontal ligament to adjust to the new position. So if you want to keep that new smile and not waste all the time, effort, and money it took to get it its essential to wear your retainer as directed.

Being fitted for a retainer usually happens on the same day your braces are removed. After your teeth are thoroughly cleaned, we may take another set of X-rays and/or bite impressions, to check how well your braces worked and to see how much your wisdom teeth have developed. Then, well discuss your retainer and start getting it ready.

There are three basic types of retainers available today; each works best in particular situations. The most common is the so-called Hawley retainer a thin, tongue-shaped piece of acrylic molded to fit your mouth, with a wire that holds your teeth in position. The Hawley retainer is simple, durable and easily removed. Its even possible to personalize it by choosing different colors and designs for the plastic arch. It can also be adjusted to correct minor tooth movements.

Another popular style of retainer is the clear aligner-type, which looks similar to the Invisalign tray system. These retainers are custom-made of thin, transparent plastic which is designed to fit precisely over your teeth. Their main advantage is that theyre invisible, with no wire to show. These retainers are also easy to remove, but they may be somewhat less durable than the Hawleys. They arent recommended for patients with certain conditions, like teeth grinding.

Finally, fixed retainers may be an option for some people, especially on the lower front teeth. As their name implies, they arent removable by the wearer but they arent visible either. Like lingual braces, this system uses a wire which is bonded to the tongue side of the teeth. It may remain in place for months, or longer. This type of retainer is sometimes recommended when theres a high risk that teeth could revert to their former position.

After a short time, most people adjust quite well to wearing a retainer. Some may find that they produce more saliva than usual for a day or so after first wearing any type of retainer a normal reaction to a foreign object in the mouth. You may also find it a little harder to talk normally at first, but that problem will soon disappear. Of course, removable retainers should always be taken out when you eat or brush your teeth a big change from braces!

At first, you will probably be told to wear your removable retainer all day, every day. This period of 24/7 retainer use generally lasts from several months to a year. Later, we may say that its OK to wear it only at night. Finally, youll probably need to put it on just a few nights a week.

To stay fresh and germ-free, all retainers need proper cleaning. A Hawley-type retainer can be brushed gently with a regular toothbrush but a brush may scratch the clear aligner types. Denture cleaners, in powder or tablet form, as well as special retainer cleaners, can be used to clean most removable retainers. Fixed retainers are cleaned by brushing and flossing; a floss threader or interproximal brush can also be a helpful cleaning tool when needed.

Finally, remember to always carry and use a retainer case. Youd be surprised how many retainers end up folded in a napkin and accidentally discarded! Also, dont expose your retainer to excess heat by washing it in very hot water or leaving it on a heater: That can cause the retainer to warp and make it unusable. With proper care and conscientious use, a retainer can help you transition from braces to a permanent, healthy smile.

A major benefit of receiving orthodontic treatment in childhood is that its possible to take full advantage of a youngsters own natural growth process to treat or even prevent malocclusions (bad bites). A palatal expander is a device designed to help us do that.

Palatal expanders create more space in a childs mouth by gradually widening the upper jaw. Although this may sound scary, its really quite easy both to do and to tolerate. Thats because the upper jaw actually develops as two separate halves that dont completely fuse together until sometime after puberty. Before that happens, the two bones can gently be separated and stabilized over a period of several months.

Crossbite When a childs upper jaw is too narrow to fit correctly with the lower jaw, the back top teeth will bite inside of the lower teeth instead of outside. This can be corrected by expanding the upper jaw.

Crowding Even before all of a childs permanent (adult) teeth come in, we can tell when there will not be enough room to accommodate them. Widening the upper jaw can create the necessary space without the need for tooth extractions.

Impacted Teeth When a tooth that hasnt come in (erupted) yet and is blocked by other teeth, widening the upper jaw can allow it to erupt into proper position on its own. This most often happens with canine or eye teeth the pointier ones located directly under the eyes.

Expanding the upper jaw has other benefits: It can broaden the smile in an aesthetically pleasing way, it can limit the number of teeth that need to be removed to create space and can also improve breathing. And it can shorten overall orthodontic treatment time (the amount of time your child will need to wear braces).

An expander is custom-made for each individual and fits over several top teeth in the back of the mouth. The appliance has two halves that are connected in the middle with a screw. To activate the device, you simply turn the screw a very small amount each day with a special key. This induces tension at the junction of the two palatal bones, causing them to gradually move apart. Once the desired expansion is achieved, we will leave the appliance in for a few more months to allow new bone to form in the gap and stabilize the expansion. Generally, expanders are worn for 3-6 months altogether.

There can be some soreness or a feeling of pressure for a few minutes after the key is turned, but activating an expander actually causes less discomfort than having braces tightened. Your child may find that speaking and eating feels different at first as the tongue adjusts to the presence of the appliance. It is also completely normal to see a gap develop between the front teeth. This shows that the expander is having the desired effect. When all is said and done, your childs permanent teeth will be beautifully aligned with neither too much nor too little space between them.