Pediatric Dentistry

It was previously believed that it is recommended to wait till all the baby teeth/primary teeth fall out to start the braces treatment. If your child has crowding or crooked teeth, excessive spaces between the teeth, deep bite or open bite, delayed falling out of the teeth,The American Association of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends early treatment with dental expanders to prevent more complex orthodontic problems later on.

Dr. Bhandaru recommends starting the dental expander process between the ages of 6 to 12 to help grow not only the jaws but also the airway and help with proper breathing, sleep in addition to creating room for the teeth to erupt.

The benefits of dental expanders are not limited to straight teeth but help improve the airways, breathing ability, reduction in allergies and also better development of the face and jaws.

Children of all ages are good candidates for pediatric dentistry. Dr. Bhandaru can see infants as well as older teens and we can provide the care that they need well into adulthood. By growing with your child, we can help determine their needs and their level of care. It is never too late to get your child in to have an exam and cleaning, but we normally recommend having them come into the office when you notice their first baby teeth coming through the gums.

Pediatric appointments are fun, carefree and quick. Your child will come into our office and have a cleaning done. The cleaning removes any hardened plaque and stains from your child’s teeth. Next, they’ll have an examination done by us. Dr. Bhandaru will check for signs of cavities and other problems. Next, we will recommend treatment as needed and offer preventative options like fluoride (fluoride not only helps prevent tooth decay, it cures beginning cavities.) and sealants if this is something you feel your child would benefit from having.

If your child is ready to begin seeing a new dentist, we welcome you to call our office and schedule an appointment for them to meet us.