Main Street Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics of Pleasanton Blog

A knocked-out tooth can be a shocking revelation, so if your child comes running to you complaining that they are without one of their teeth, you may be surprised and a bit panicked. However, before you begin to fret about what to do next, remember that it’s best to keep a level head when addressing these kinds of problems. Finding an emergency dentist for children is the first step. After that, you can begin to help your child or teen get the care they need without incurring further damage.

Braces are ideal for straightening smiles because they can treat even the most severe bite or jaw misalignments. This method utilizes metal brackets cemented to your teeth, threaded with an arch wire to exert enough pressure to shift them to their ideal places.

However, the brittle material isn’t invincible and can be broken if your child isn’t careful. Whether they broke their braces by eating something too hard or sticky, or didn’t wear their mouthguard during physical activity, it’s natural to wonder what to do next. Continue reading to learn 3 ways to address your kid’s orthodontic emergency!

You might think that your child’s crooked grin is a mere aesthetic issue, but the truth is that overcrowded teeth are also harder to clean. Your little one is more likely to struggle to brush and floss all sides as thoroughly, increasing their vulnerability to common issues like cavities and gum disease.

Invisalign continues to gain popularity as a clear alternative to traditional braces for straightening smiles. However, many parents and guardians want to know if it’s feasible to treat a single arch instead of both. Continue reading to learn more about why this method isn’t usually recommended!

Once they’ve reached their tween years, most kids are good candidates for Invisalign. They’d have all their adult teeth by then and enjoy a smoother treatment than older patients. Still, you may wonder: Does your child’s teeth-grinding habit disqualify them from aligners? It so happens that your Pleasanton pediatric dentist can address this question for you. With that said, read on to learn whether kids can get Invisalign if they grind their teeth.

Metal braces may seem like they’re just your average orthodontic equipment, but you probably didn’t know that they’ve got a few impressive secrets that make them cooler than you think! Before you judge your wires and brackets for being average, keep reading to find out why they’re anything but!

Traditional metal braces are a tried-and-true way to realign a child’s teeth so they can enjoy a healthier and more beautiful smile for life, but they aren’t known for being low-maintenance. Rigorous oral hygiene, proper braces-cleaning measures, and regular checkups with your child’s dentist and orthodontist are all crucial components of keeping your kid’s orthodontic treatment on track. Here’s how to assemble an excellent orthodontic survival kit so your child has everything they need for proper braces care on the go.

When you think about traditional braces wires, what comes to mind? Do they make you feel a little claustrophobic, or maybe like your teeth are being chained up? Thankfully, getting a straighter smile doesn’t have to feel like a prison sentence for your teeth. Invisalign aligners provide many freedoms that you simply can’t enjoy with traditional braces. Here are a few cool benefits you can expect!

Over the past few years, Invisalign clear aligner trays have become a popular choice for teeth straightening. These see-through trays offer a more discreet option compared to traditional braces and often achieve results in a shorter timeframe. However, before deciding if Invisalign is right for you little one, it’s essential to gather more information. Keep reading to learn the answers to four frequently asked questions about Invisalign treatment.

Did you know that having crooked or gapped teeth can impact your child’s appearance as well as their dental health? They might try to remain tight-lipped or avoid social interactions if they don’t want anyone to notice aesthetic imperfections. On top of that, it’s generally harder to thoroughly brush and floss when they can’t reach all sides of their teeth. They’re at a greater risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease as a result.

If you’re desperate to help straighten your kid’s grin but don’t want to deal with traditional braces, ask your pediatric dentist about Invisalign. These clear, plastic aligners fit over your child’s teeth to gently reposition them. That said, it’s important to care for them properly so they can do their job.

Keep reading to learn 3 tips for keeping your youth’s Invisalign in tip-top shape!

Watching your child’s smile develop over time can be exciting. With each wiggly tooth that falls out, they’re left with adorable gaps until their permanent teeth erupt and fill in each slot. During this process, though, you may discover that your child’s smile doesn’t align quite like it should, and their bite appears “off.” As concerning as this situation can be, there is a way to get ahead of the problem – Phase One Orthodontics. Read on to discover how braces during this early stage in life can help mitigate lengthier treatment in the future while also improving their oral and facial development over time.