Welcome to the Kid Zone – the ultimate destination for your child’s dental needs! As a parent, you want what’s best for your child, and when it comes to dental care, that means finding a team of specialists who understand the unique needs of growing smiles. At our office, our pediatric dentists are specially trained to provide the highest quality care for children of all ages – from infancy through adolescence. When you trust Smiles West in Lake Forest, CA, to be the exclusive provider of your child’s dental care, you and your child will be surrounded by convenience, warmth, and fun around every corner!
We know that every child is different, which is why we tailor our approach to each one. Whether your child is a playful toddler or a shy preteen, we will always take the time to get to know them and make sure they are comfortable. We want them to enjoy coming to see us so that they develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime!
We know that finding the right dentist for your child can be daunting, but we promise to make it easy. From cleanings and fluoride treatments to sedation dentistry and orthodontics, we have everything needed to keep your child’s smile healthy and vibrant. Give us a call today to schedule your child’s appointment – we can’t wait to hear from you!
Dental Exams & Cleanings
Dental cleanings and exams for children are important for maintaining good oral health. They help to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth, as well as to check for cavities or other problems. With regular examinations, we can monitor the growth of permanent teeth and jaw development to ensure their smile is progressing perfectly!
With routine visits every six months, our team will work to keep your child’s smile looking and feeling its best!
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride treatments are a type of preventive dental service that helps to protect teeth from decay. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in rock, soil, and many oral hygiene products; it is even found in our drinking water. When fluoride is applied to the teeth, it helps to harden the tooth enamel and makes it more resistant to cavity development.
Our fluoride treatments are applied topically to the teeth in the form of a fluoride gel. The gel is applied using a small brush and allowed to remain on the teeth for a few minutes before being removed. The entire process takes just a few minutes, and it can be done during a regular dental check-up.
Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry can be a great option for children who have anxiety or fear about going to the dentist. It can also be helpful for children who have special needs or have difficulty sitting still for extended periods of time. There are different types of sedation available, and each provides a different level of sedative to accommodate your child during the appointment.
We will work with you to choose the best sedative option for your child based on their needs and the reason for their visit.
Fillings
At our office, we offer tooth-colored fillings, also known as composite resin fillings, in order to restore teeth that have been damaged by small areas of decay or injury. Composite fillings are strong and durable, and they can be matched to the color of your child’s teeth.
If your child has a tooth that needs a filling, we will first clean out the decayed area and then place the composite material. Using special tools, we will shape the material to fill the area and use a special light to set the filling in place. Once this is complete, we will polish the area to ensure a seamless appearance and a comfortable bite.
Extractions
Tooth extractions may become necessary for children when a primary tooth is severely decayed or damaged. In some cases, a primary tooth may need to be removed because it is preventing the proper eruption of the permanent tooth.
- While your child is under local anesthesia, we will remove the tooth by gently shifting it back and forth to loosen it from the supporting ligaments. From that point, the tooth is simply removed from the socket.
- If your child needs to have their wisdom teeth removed, we will perform a quick surgical procedure to access the teeth and remove them from below the gum line.
In either case, we take care to only perform these procedures as necessary to secure the future health of your child’s smile. We understand that any type of dental procedure can be daunting for children, which is why we work hard to ensure that they feel safe and comfortable throughout their extraction procedure.
Space Maintainers
Space maintainers are devices that are used to hold the space in a child’s mouth open after a primary tooth has been lost or removed. This helps to leave the space open for the permanent tooth to emerge and prevents neighboring teeth from shifting into the empty space. By using a space maintainer, children are often able to avoid tooth impaction or the need for complex orthodontic treatment in the future.
Invisalign®
Invisalign is a system of clear, removable aligners that are capable of discreetly straightening teeth – without the use of metal brackets or wires. The aligners are an ideal solution for both teenagers and adults as they use the latest technology to correct misalignment with style, comfort, and convenience.
Invisalign aligners must be worn in accordance with the personalized treatment plan outlined by our providers. Each aligner must be worn for a period of roughly two weeks and up to 22 hours each day. As the patient progresses through each aligner, they get closer and closer to their perfect smile.
Our pediatric dental team can handle everything from routine checkups and examinations to more complex procedures. With the convenience of numerous services available in one location, we are able to offer everything your child needs to flourish. Schedule an appointment with us today!
