Pediatric Dentistry
We believe in dentistry for the whole family, and that includes your youngest family members.
Our office begins seeing children at a young age to promote a healthy foundation for excellent dental health right from the start, and we also work with parents on techniques and education so that they have the tools to succeed when it comes to oral care for their kids.
Your Child’s First Visit
At your child’s first visit, we will help familiarize them with our dental office so they feel completely comfortable. We will show them their teeth in the mirror, take them for a ride in the chair, and brush their teeth. That way, when it is time for their dental cleanings and other regular care to start, everything is familiar.
Preventive Care
We believe all great dental health begins with an excellent preventive routine. That is why we work with parents to create a successful home care regimen including brushing and flossing, avoiding sugary treats, and eating a good diet to promote healthy teeth and gums.
We complement excellent home care with routine examinations and cleaning appointments. If necessary, we can also offer additional preventive treatments such as fluoride and sealants to keep your child’s teeth healthy and strong.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a plastic coating that we apply to your child’s teeth to prevent decay. If your child is at high risk for decay or has particularly deep grooves in their teeth, we can apply dental sealants to keep food and bacteria from settling in those grooves where brushing and flossing cannot reach.
Dental sealants are less expensive and less invasive than fillings. They can last for up to five years and can be replaced once they wear off.
Gentle Treatments
For most kids, some dental treatment eventually becomes necessary. We are both compassionate and gentle in our approach to treating children.
We know how important it is to make sure they are comfortable and do not experience dental anxiety. That is why when we treat children, we speak to them in terms they will understand and let them know what we will be doing. That way, their treatment is more effective and less scary.
If you would like to schedule an appointment for your child, give us a call. We are pleased to serve your entire family and to provide you with excellent, personalized dental care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry focused on aligning teeth and correcting the bite. Orthodontic treatment is typically recommended for children around the ages of 10 to 13 years when all of their permanent adult teeth have come in.
However, some kids can benefit from early orthodontic treatment divided into phases called interceptive orthodontics, which takes place earlier around the ages of seven to 10 years old. This type of treatment is ideal for children who suffer from:
- Crowded teeth or a narrow jaw
- Severe overbite, underbite, or crossbite
- Complications from thumb or pacifier use
Interceptive orthodontics uses a variety of different treatments that can include placing brackets and wires, using a space maintainer or other oral appliance, or a combination of both. The goal is to utilize the child's growth to make room for adult teeth or correct bite alignment issues during the ideal time. Achieving these goals can often be much harder when growth has ceased. Interceptive orthodontics also makes the following phase of orthodontic treatment, which is typically just brackets and wires to align teeth, much more simple and straightforward.
Your pediatric dentist will watch your son or daughter's oral development so they can discuss any concerns or recommendations for interceptive orthodontics with you in a timely manner.
Years ago, orthodontic treatment was only for kids over the age of 11 or 12. But today’s orthodontists now treat children as young as eight years old. Called interceptive, or phase I orthodontics, braces in early childhood can reduce time in braces later on and correct problems before they become more serious.
Children’s baby teeth have a big impact on the health of their permanent teeth. That’s why it’s so important to catch major issues with baby teeth before permanent teeth erupt!
Since kids can start dental exams as soon as their first tooth comes in, your dentist or orthodontic specialist can track any issues that may warrant phase I orthodontics. A consultation at around age seven with an orthodontic specialist will evaluate your child for these conditions:
- Difficulty chewing or speaking
- Missing or diseased baby teeth
- Wide gaps between teeth
- Severe overcrowding
- Mouth breathing
- Protruding teeth
- Severe bite issues
- Problems with jaw, facial, or teeth symmetry
If your child needs phase I orthodontics, treatment may begin at age eight and may continue in a less invasive, phase II treatment. Dentists use a variety of treatments with young children, which may include both removable and non-removable appliances, such as space maintainers, bands, palatal expanders, and braces.
Meet Our Doctors:
Dr. Lynse Briney
Dr. Lynse Briney is excited to be opening Shine Pediatric Dentistry and to serve the Downers Grove Community. Having her very own pediatric dental practice is a dream come true for Dr. Briney, as it ...
