Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Dentistry And Orthodontics
At Richmond Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we’re proud to have served the children and families of Richmond, VA for over 100 years and we are here to answer your frequently asked questions! As a bispecialty pediatric dental and orthodontic practice, we love being able to serve our community with smiles. We also want to answer your frequently asked questions and want you to feel as knowledgeable as possible about you or your child’s treatment—and to feel confident about your journey with us. Below, we have answered some frequently asked questions about both pediatric dentistry and orthodontics.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Dentistry
We recommend that you bring your child for their first dental visit with us after their first tooth erupts or by their first birthday.
We are always happy to talk about ways to improve your child’s dental health during your visits with us. We believe that patient education is important for a lifetime of excellent dental health. At home, we recommend supervising your child’s brushing and flossing, even if they are old enough to do it themselves. Make sure they are brushing their teeth with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day, two minutes each time. They should also floss once a day, preferably at night. Eating a healthy diet, and one that’s lower in sugar, is an excellent way to have not only better dental health, but better overall health, as well. Lastly, make sure you are bringing your child to their regular check-ups with us every six months.
At Richmond Pediatrics Dentistry & Orthodontics, our goal is to help your child feel as comfortable as possible during their visits. From their very first visit with us, we teach your child that visiting the dentist can be fun and doesn’t have to be scary! However, we understand that despite our best efforts, some children will still be afraid of the dentist. We recommend letting your child bring their favorite toy or stuffed animal to their appointments. Watching fun educational videos or reading books about the dentist can help familiarize your child with the dentist, which can help our office feel less scary.
We have tips for you! Try playing a song while they brush their teeth. Brushing your teeth at the same time as your child can also help. Pretend to brush your child’s doll or stuffed animal’s teeth or and use a fun, child-friendly flavor of toothpaste. Overall, make sure to give your child lots of praise and encouragement.
Most children will grow out of sucking their thumb. It only becomes a problem over time. If your child is over the age of three and still sucking their thumb, we recommend bringing them in for a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontics
At Richmond Pediatrics Dentistry & Orthodontics, we recommend that your child has their initial consultation with us at age seven. By this time, your child should have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, which will allow our orthodontists to determine if your child has any early orthodontic issues that we need to address.
Our orthodontists treat those of all ages! No matter how old you are, if you want to start treatment at the same time as your child or teen, you’re more than welcome to. During your consultation, we will discuss your best options.
It does take a little more effort to keep up with your oral hygiene when you have braces. An electric toothbrush can help, and angle it at a 45 degree angle. You can also get special floss that makes it easier to get in between the wires of your braces. If you’re still having trouble, follow up your routine with a mouthwash or try using a waterpik.
Everyone is different, which means that every orthodontic case is different, too. Depending on your case, you could spend more or even less time in treatment. We recommend speaking to your orthodontists in order to get an accurate timeline.
Yes! If you want to keep your results after treatment, you should always wear your retainers at night. This will keep your teeth from shifting over time.
We treat patients of all ages beginning as early as 7-years-old. At Richmond Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we believe you are never too old to achieve the smile of your dreams! In fact, more adults than ever before are investing in their smile and beginning orthodontic treatment with 1 in 3 adults wearing braces right now.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends your child first visit us for an orthodontic checkup by the age of 7. This is a great time for our expert orthodontists to take a look at your child’s mouth as they have a mix of permanent and baby teeth. Plus, at Richmond Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, your initial consultation is complimentary!
Nope! Referrals are welcome, but we are happy to schedule an appointment for you or your child without one. We believe anyone interested in improving their smile or has an orthodontic problem, you should have access to top-notch care and we are happy to be your trusted provider.
Absolutely! Our friendly front desk team is happy to answer your call, provide you with additional information about our practice and help schedule a complimentary consultation. With four convenient locations serving the Richmond community’s orthodontics needs, we are here for you—just give us a call at (804) 740-7281.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sedation Dentistry
At Richmond Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we aim to help all our patients and their families feel confident in the decisions they make regarding their child’s health. Our team will go over the risks with you prior to the procedure, so you can ask questions and seek any clarification you may need. Dental sedation, like any medical procedure, carries a certain amount of risk for your child. Nonetheless, your child’s safety and comfort remains our utmost priority. Our office closely follows the sedation guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and has all the necessary monitoring equipment.
You or the child’s guardian make the decision on the treatment plan as recommended by your pediatric dentist. You can count on our help with the decision. Our team will review your child’s medical history, assess their X-rays and provide you with guidance as to whether your child would benefit from dental sedation. Rest assured that when sedation is needed for your child, your family will be cared for by a highly trained and experienced team of specialists.
It depends on your type of insurance plan; however, many insurance policies do not cover dental sedation. Our team at Richmond Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics will go over any insurance and financial information with you at your child’s appointment and answer any clarifying questions you may have.
Your child’s health and safety is our top priority, and that doesn’t change when you leave our office, which is why we have created detailed post-operative instructions for dental sedation. You will find that guidance and explanation here.
There are many reasons dental sedation may be beneficial for your child. Treating children with special needs, an extreme fear or severe anxiety of going to the dentist, or those undergoing procedures where it may be helpful in reducing pain or comfort or to help manage a child’s behaviors are all goals of sedation dentistry.
Helping Richmond Smile
Comprehensive Pediatric Dental and Orthodontic Care
At Richmond Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we strive to deliver radiant, healthy smiles to families across Richmond, VA. Our kind and caring team is committed to providing professional, high quality service in an environment that is relaxing and fun. Our goal is to make your dental and orthodontic journey with us an amazing experience. Get started today!
