Orthodontics

Sucking on thumbs/fingers/pacifiers provide a sense of security for your child. As your child grows, between 2-4 years of age, sucking habits should be discouraged. A continued habit will effect tooth and jaw development.

We will evaluate your child’s bite and how their teeth come together. At this point, we may recommend an orthodontist. Dr. Douglas Thran is a Board Certified Orthodontist that shares our office on Monday’s only. Please reach him at 570-836-6040.

Maintaining Your Child's Smile

           If baby tooth loss should occur prematurely, we would recommend a space maintainer that is custom made for your child. It is a metal appliance cemented on to your child’s teeth to maintain space until your child’s permanent teeth come in. This is necessary to help prevent crowding. We will monitor when it is necessary to have it removed at our office.

           If your child is involved in recreational activities, you should consider mouth protectors. These are clear custom fit appliances worn during sport activities to cushion their teeth from injury. We provide this service for your family.

           The need for sealants will be evaluated at their hygiene appointments. Sealants are barriers placed onto the chewing surfaces of teeth in hopes of preventing decay. We recommend sealants in permanent teeth if pits and grooves are deep and or hygiene is poor.

If Your Child Needs Dental Work

You are welcome to be a silent observer at your child’s visit. If your child is uncooperative, you may be asked to walk away. It is our years of experience that teach us every child will react differently. Please support us and allow us to control the appointment with guidelines and assist us in a lifetime of pleasant dental experiences. 

Nitrous oxide or laughing gas may be available for your child at your request only. It is used to help an anxious child through dental treatment.

We only provide your family with tooth colored, mercury-free fillings. If your child should need fillings, we would prefer that you prepare your child with proper kid-friendly terminology. Please support us by not using negative words.

There may be certain circumstances when we would refer your child to a pedodontist, which is a dentist specializing in treating children. We refer our patients to Drs. Kristin Paoli and Potter Hanyon, located in Chinchilla, and can be reached at 570-587-5541.

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