First Impressions Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics

  • CHOOSING THE BEST DENTIST FOR KIDS

AN INTRODUCTION TO: pediatric dentistry

What is a pediatric dentist?

Much like a pediatrician, pediatric dentists and orthodontists specialize in oral health for children from infancy through adolescence. Beyond the completion of a four-year dental school program, pediatric dentists receive an additional two years of specialized training in children’s behavior, growth, and development. This unique understanding and unparalleled ability to work with – and understand the needs of – all children is exactly why many parents (and general dentists!) turn to us for preventative and restorative dental needs.

We specialize in:
  • Behavior Management
  • Caries Management
  • Hospital Dentistry
  • Oral Hygiene Services
  • Orthodontic Services

Why should you pick a pediatric dentist instead of a general dentist?

We take to heart that children are not simply little adults. When their surroundings are comfortable and their pediatric dentist is an expert, in-tune with them, children truly want to come to the dentist.

At First Impressions, we recognize that no two children are alike. We approach each patient individually, identifying and addressing your child’s specific needs, fears, and personalities. Our pediatric dentists make dental care fun and comfortable, which can help establish a lifetime of good oral health habits. 

Children inspire us and we take that inspiration and translate it into our approach, our surroundings, and our work. The difference begins the moment you step through our doors. Each of our offices have been inspired by children; we intentionally designed the atmospheres of our dental offices to incorporate elements that children relate to and understand. Things like bright colors, fun textures, a play yard, video games, cartoons, books, TV programs, kid-sized equipment, and friendly faces help ease your child’s fears and apprehensions.

Furthermore, by choosing a pediatric dentist from the onset of care, you remove the hassle of being “referred out” to us by a general dentist at the first sign of cavity development or behavioral management needs.

 

When should you make the first dental appointment?

In much the same way your Pediatrician is trying to give your child the best possible start physically in life, we feel the same way about the oral health. Along with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, we recommend that the first dental examination be by 12 months of age. A good motto to help you remember: with the first tooth, or first birthday, it’s time to set up a first appointment.

Are baby teeth really that important?

Cavities at an early age are not uncommon, and the earlier the dental visit, the earlier prevention can begin. Early examination and counseling is the best way to ensure your child gets the best possible dental start, which will hopefully form healthy habits into adulthood.
“Baby teeth” (primary teeth) are just as important as permanent teeth for chewing, speaking, and appearance. In addition, these primary teeth hold space in the jaws for the permanent teeth. Both primary and permanent teeth help give the face its shape and form. Baby teeth can develop decay and infection in the same manner as adult teeth, resulting in pain for your child. If lost prematurely, nearby teeth can tip or move into the vacant space. This can cause space problems for the adult teeth, which may require orthodontic treatment to correct.

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