Shirley first visit for kids

If you notice your child’s smile is starting to show signs of misalignment, such as crooked, crowded, or overlapping teeth, then consider giving us a call. In today’s blog, your Shirley, NY, pediatric dentist and orthodontist talks about what to expect from your child’s first visit to our office.

Examining Your Child’s Smile

During the first visit we want to gain a detailed picture of your child’s smile. To do so, we will sit them down and take detailed digital x-rays. The images will allow us to assess the current state of their oral health, and choose the most appropriate treatment option to address any concerns we may discover. For some, this could be treating tooth decay while for others this could be the first phase of an orthodontic plan to correct misalignment and guide the growth of the smile. During the same visit, our dental hygienist will clean the teeth, removing harmful layers of plaque and tartar and then polishing the smile. Kids then leave with a brighter and healthier smile, as removing plaque lowers the risks of tooth decay and gingivitis. During the first visit, we also discuss proper brushing and flossing so your kids are better equipped to care for their own teeth at home. 

Creating a Treatment Plan

Starting as young as age seven, our team can examine the smile and start a phased approach. The first phase often includes teeth spaces or custom appliances, such as a retainer. This helps guide the growth of the smile and minimizes the severity of misalignment, so your kids require less time in their teen years with braces or aligners. 

Preventive Treatments 

We also provide preventive treatments to help lower the risk of tooth decay. With fluoride treatments, we help strengthen the other layer of tooth enamel. We also have dental sealants, a plastic coating on the rear teeth that prevents food from being stuck between the molars that kids often have difficulty reaching when they brush and floss. If a cavity is discovered, we could treat the issue in one visit with a dental filling. If you have any questions about how we treat little smiles and offer orthodontic care, then contact our team today. We look forward to seeing your little one for his or her first visit, and helping your kids enjoy a lifetime of healthy and beautiful smiles!

Visit Your Shirley, NY, Orthodontist and Pediatric Dentist Today

Our team is ready to help your child on his or her journey toward a healthier and straighter smile with our treatment options. To learn more about our procedures for kids of all ages, then contact Shirley Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in Shirley, NY, by calling (631) 399-1600.