Pediatric Dental Crowns
Pediatric Dental Crowns are usually used to treat severe dental caries (cavities).
We offer white and silver crowns should your child need dental restorations including:
- Stainless steel crowns (also called silver crowns): These crowns are strong, and durable. They are used in areas of the mouth usually where aesthetics is not a concern, such as molars (the back teeth) that are out of sight and use a lot of force to chew.
- Pre-veneered stainless-steel crowns: Have a white facing adhered to the metal surface that makes the teeth look more natural. Pre-veneered crowns are usually used on the front baby which show more. Sometimes the stainless steel can show through, especially near the gum line, or the esthetic coating can come off.
Root Canal Therapy / Pulpotomy
Endodontics, or a Root Canal, is a treatment of the center of the tooth that is inflamed, infected, or dead. The center of the tooth, called the pulp, is a soft substance that consists of nerve, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
Symptoms of the infection include visible injury or swelling of the tooth and sensitivity to foods, temperature or pain in the tooth and gums. If you experience any of the symptoms, contact our dental office to schedule an examination.
Tooth Colored Composite Fillings
Harmful bacteria on the tooth can lead to decay. We can remove the decay and fill the area. Fillings can also be used to repair cracked or broken teeth and teeth that have been worn down. Tooth-colored fillings are made of a white composite resin. This protects the tooth from infection and further decay.
When decay is left untreated, it can worsen, causing further infection and even more severe pain. The infected tooth may eventually require a root canal or extraction. We can help you decide whether composite resin fillings are right for you. Composite resin not only restores your teeth but also gives a natural-look.
Space Maintainers
Space Maintainers are dental appliances designed to hold space in a child's mouth when a baby tooth is lost prematurely. They prevent neighboring teeth from drifting into the vacant spot, ensuring that the permanent tooth has enough room to erupt in the correct position. Without a space maintainer, the loss of space can lead to crowding, misalignment, or more complex orthodontic issues.
Purpose of Space Maintainers
- Guidance for Permanent Teeth: They ensure proper alignment and spacing for permanent teeth eruption.
- Prevention of Orthodontic Problems: Reduce the likelihood of future treatments like braces.
- Preserve Oral Function: Help maintain chewing and speaking functions in the developing jaw.
Types of Space Maintainers
- Fixed Space Maintainers
- Band and Loop: A metal band is fitted around a neighbouring tooth, with a wire loop extending to hold the space.
- Crown and Loop: A stainless-steel crown is placed over a tooth with a loop to maintain the space.
- Distal Shoe: A device placed under the gums to guide a permanent molar's eruption.
- Lingual Holding Arch: A wire connects the lower molars across the inside of the lower teeth.
- Transpalatal Arch: Similar to a lingual arch but used for upper teeth.
- Removable Space Maintainers
- Retainer Style: Similar to orthodontic retainers, sometimes with artificial teeth for esthetic.
- Customizable Options: Usually for older children who can manage them responsibly.
Benefits of Space Maintainers
- Promotes proper dental alignment.
- Reduces the need for complex orthodontic treatments.
- Maintains esthetic and oral function during tooth loss.
Tooth Extractions
If you think you may need a tooth extraction, you most likely are experiencing pain and should get in touch with our dental office ASAP. Forever Smiles will help you with your dental needs and make sure you are as comfortable as possible.
Some of the signs and symptoms that people tend to experience when they require tooth extraction include, but are not limited to: pain, bleeding, swelling, abscess, etc.
But what causes these symptoms to arise in the first place? Trauma could have occurred due to overcrowding or an impacted tooth. Other reasons you may need a tooth extraction include severe decay, an infection, and damage to the tooth that is beyond repair.
Orthodontics (Braces)
It is a specialty of dentistry that diagnoses, prevents, and corrects crooked and/or crowded teeth, closes gaps in the teeth, and corrects misaligned bite patterns of the jaw. It can also change facial growth patterns, known as dentofacial orthopedics. Abnormal alignment of the teeth and jaws is very common.
Types of Braces
- Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces and are more comfortable today than ever before. Made of high-grade stainless steel, metal braces straighten your teeth using metal brackets and arch wires. With metal braces, you have the option of adding colored elastics (rubber bands) for a more unique and colorful smile
- White (Ceramic) Brackets
Ceramic braces are made of clear materials and are therefore less visible on your teeth than metal braces. For this reason, ceramic braces are used mainly on older teenagers and adult patients who have cosmetic concerns. While they are visually less prominent, they do require more attention to oral hygiene as ceramic braces are larger and are more brittle than their metal counterparts. For these reasons, ceramic braces tend to be used more on upper front teeth than on lower teeth.
- Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable acrylic trays that straighten your teeth like braces. Not only are the aligners invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment, plus brushing and flossing are less of a hassle. The aligners are comfortable and have no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment.