Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
Children may be apprehensive about dental treatments. However, choosing a pediatric dentist may help children relax and enjoy their dental treatments. Children who begin dental treatment early also become accustomed to seeing the dentist and exhibit less fear and apprehension. Visits with an orthodontist do not need to be initiated until the child reaches the age of seven. All children should see an orthodontist at least once to determine if any problems exist.
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Significance
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Pediatric dentists and orthodontists cater to young children. Pediatric dentists focus on preserving teeth health while orthodontists focus on correcting teeth placement to improve function and appearance. About 80 percent of all orthodontic patients are children.
Function
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Pediatric dentistry aims to prevent tooth decay, detect and treat dental problems and educate parents and children about tooth care. Pediatric dentists also repair injured teeth.
Orthodontists use braces to correct the position of teeth and other appliances to treat jaw problems. Some specific problems that may be treated include overbites, underbites, gaps between teeth and overcrowding of teeth.
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Features
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Pediatric dentists complete a regular four-year dental program, but then also complete an addition two or three more years in order to specialize in pediatric dentistry. Orthodontists also complete dental school, but also complete another two to three years of specialized orthodontic training.
Recommendations
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Children should visit a dentist for the first time shortly after their first birthday. From that point on, children need regular check-ups every six months.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist for an initial screenings at the age of seven. From that point, the child's dentist and orthodontist can work together to improve the health and appearance of teeth. If required, braces will probably be put on until after all permanent teeth have come in.
Considerations
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Pediatric dentists often have cheery, child-friendly offices. Some even have indoor playgrounds and activity centers. The fun atmosphere helps put kids at ease about going to the dentist and may even cause children to want to return the dentist regularly. Staff members at pediatric dentistry offices spend extra time making children feel comfortable and welcome at their offices as well.
Orthodontists offices also usually have kid-friendly environments because children make up the majority of their patients.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Brushing teeth image by Bradlee Mauer from Fotolia.com
