At Innovative Pediatric Dentistry, we believe every child deserves a smile that’s strong, healthy and full of confidence. This past November, we celebrated the four dental superheroes of preventative dentistry for kids – dental sealants, dental x-rays, fluoride treatment and orthodontics. These heroes are all about protecting little smiles and promoting a lifetime of good oral health.
1. Protective Dental Sealants – The Shield Against Cavities
Protective dental sealants are among our favorite tools in the fight against cavities. Fast, effective, and affordable, sealants act like a powerful barrier against tooth decay in kids’ back teeth.
When you visit us for sealants, a Naperville pediatric dentist applies a thin, BPA-free coating to the chewing surfaces of your child’s first permanent molars (6-year molars), second permanent molars (the 12-year molars) and, sometimes, premolars. The sealants then keep food particles, acids, and bacteria from working their way into the pits and grooves of the teeth and causing decay.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
- According to the CDC, sealants can reduce cavities in the back teeth by 80%!
- The application process is painless and quick. In just a few minutes, your child’s teeth will be protected for years.
- By helping prevent cavities, sealants save parents and kids time and money on future treatments.
2. Dental X-Rays – Seeing Beyond the Surface
X-rays are an essential part of preventative dentistry for kids. They allow the dentist to see in-between the teeth and below the gums, ensuring emerging issues aren’t missed. They also let us evaluate how your child’s teeth and jaw are developing. Remember, dental x-rays represent a far smaller risk than an undetected and untreated dental problem!
At Innovative Pediatric Dentistry, we have state-of-the-art technology to ensure that dental x-rays are safe and comfortable. We use child-sized digital intraoral sensors and the low-dose NOMAD x-ray device, which is handheld, portable and doesn’t require the dental assistant to leave the room. Instead of waiting for film to develop, the images show up instantly on our screens, which means less time in the chair for squirmy little ones.
Benefits of Digital Dental X-Rays
- The high-speed NOMAD machine minimizes radiation exposure. Not only does it emit significantly less radiation than conventional x-ray devices, it’s also more accurate, reducing the need for retakes.
- Digital images allow our pediatric dentist in Naperville to catch dental issues early when they’re easier, faster, and more affordable to treat.
- Small, kid-friendly sensors replace traditional bitewings, ensuring a painless and comfortable experience.
3. Fluoride Treatment – The Enamel Strengthener
Fluoride treatments are another hero in dentistry for kids, especially for little ones who might not be getting enough fluoride through their drinking water. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens enamel, making teeth more resistant to cavity-causing acids. It can even help reverse very early tooth decay by depositing lost minerals back into teeth.
Benefits of Fluoride Treatment
- Fluoride strengthens enamel, creating a barrier against decay and acid attacks.
- It can repair weakened areas of the tooth, promoting remineralization and reducing the risk of cavities.
- For children whose permanent teeth are still developing, fluoride treatments offer a lifetime of benefits by integrating into the enamel for future protection.
4. Orthodontics – The Smile Shaper
Last, but not least, in our superhero lineup is orthodontics! As part of Innovative Dental Partners, our office is connected to Innovative Orthodontic Centers. This makes it easy to coordinate kids’ care between their dentist and orthodontist.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends kids have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. However, if we spot a problem earlier, we can refer your child to Innovative Orthodontic Centers. Most kids won’t need treatment right away. They’ll simply visit the orthodontist for occasional growth and development checkups until the time is right to start braces or Invisalign® in the early teen years.
If certain red flags are identified, though, intervening early while a child has a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth can allow us to guide jaw growth. Early orthodontics for kids makes space for the permanent teeth to erupt as straight as possible and intercepts or prevents facial and jaw irregularities. This can help kids avoid the need for more extensive treatment later, including extractions and jaw surgery.
Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment
- Orthodontics straightens teeth and aligns the jaw. This helps prevent chewing and speaking difficulties, pain, uneven enamel wear and bone loss.
- Straight teeth are easier to clean, reducing kids’ risk for tooth decay and gum disease.
- Orthodontic treatment boosts confidence, creating beautiful, functional smiles that last a lifetime.
As the #1 orthodontist Invisalign provider in Illinois, Innovative Orthodontic Centers is redefining early orthodontics for kids with revolutionary, metal-free treatment options, including Invisalign First, Invisalign With Mandibular Advancement and the Invisalign Palatal Expander System!
Give Your Child a Superhero Smile!
This past November, we were thankful for these dental superheroes that strengthen, protect and enhance growing smiles. From dental sealants and dental x-rays to fluoride treatment and orthodontics for kids, Innovative Pediatric Dentistry is here to provide expert, gentle care for every stage of your child’s dental journey.
Schedule an appointment today with a trusted dentist for kids in Naperville, IL!
