Question 1

Do you see children?

Accepted Answer

We routinely see adolescents and teens. Children under 12 are seen on a case-by-case basis. For younger children who need a pediatric specialist, we are happy to recommend one.

Question 2

At what age should a child first see a dentist?

Accepted Answer

The standard recommendation is a first visit by the first birthday or when the first tooth appears. Children that young are best served by a pediatric specialist, and we are glad to recommend one. Call the office and we will point you in the right direction.

Question 3

Why refer young children to a pediatric dentist?

Accepted Answer

Pediatric specialists complete additional residency training in treating very young children, including behavior guidance and the specific needs of primary teeth. Referring is not a limitation on scope so much as a judgment about who does that work best. When a case requires expertise beyond ours, we refer and help coordinate rather than trying to do everything ourselves.

Question 4

What happens at a teenager's visit?

Accepted Answer

A cleaning, a clinical exam of teeth, gums, bite, and jaw joints, digital X-rays when indicated, and an oral cancer screening. Findings are reviewed on screen so the patient can see what we are seeing rather than just hear about it. Sealants, fluoride, and orthodontic evaluation are handled at the same visit where appropriate.

Question 5

Are dental X-rays safe for young patients?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The office uses digital sensors, which deliver roughly 90% less radiation than traditional film, and images are only taken when there is a clinical reason. For growing patients, imaging is also how we track erupting teeth and developing bite problems while they are still simple to address.

Question 6

Do you place sealants?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sealants are a thin resin coating flowed into the grooves of the back teeth, and they are most valuable on permanent molars soon after they come in. There is no drilling and no anesthetic. They are checked at routine visits and reapplied if they have worn.

Question 7

My teenager is anxious about the dentist. What are the options?

Accepted Answer

Nitrous oxide provides mild relaxation, wears off within minutes, and is the most common choice. Oral sedation and in-office general anesthesia with a board-certified anesthesiologist are also available where a case warrants it. Options are discussed before scheduling so there are no surprises on the day.

Question 8

Can teenagers get clear aligners?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Treatment begins with a digital scan and a plan you can review before committing, with no brackets and no monthly wire adjustments. Results depend on wearing the trays 20 to 22 hours a day, so it works best when the teen is genuinely on board rather than being signed up.

Question 9

Do you make sports mouthguards for young athletes?

Accepted Answer

Yes, made from a digital scan rather than an impression tray. For a growing athlete, fit changes as teeth erupt and shift, so replacement is usually needed more often than wear alone would suggest. Guards can be made to accommodate braces.

Question 10

Does insurance cover children's dental care?

Accepted Answer

Most dental PPO plans cover preventive care such as exams, cleanings, X-rays, and often sealants at 80 to 100% for dependents. Orthodontic benefits are usually a separate lifetime maximum and may have an age cutoff. We verify your benefits before the visit and provide a written estimate for anything beyond preventive care.

Children's and Teen Dentistry

What this includes:

Frequently Asked Questions

We routinely see adolescents and teens. Children under 12 are seen on a case-by-case basis. For younger children who need a pediatric specialist, we are happy to recommend one.

The standard recommendation is a first visit by the first birthday or when the first tooth appears. Children that young are best served by a pediatric specialist, and we are glad to recommend one. Call the office and we will point you in the right direction.

Yes. The office uses digital sensors, which deliver roughly 90% less radiation than traditional film, and images are only taken when there is a clinical reason. For growing patients, imaging is also how we track erupting teeth and developing bite problems while they are still simple to address.

Yes. Sealants are a thin resin coating flowed into the grooves of the back teeth, and they are most valuable on permanent molars soon after they come in. There is no drilling and no anesthetic. They are checked at routine visits and reapplied if they have worn.

Yes. Treatment begins with a digital scan and a plan you can review before committing, with no brackets and no monthly wire adjustments. Results depend on wearing the trays 20 to 22 hours a day, so it works best when the teen is genuinely on board rather than being signed up.

Yes, made from a digital scan rather than an impression tray. For a growing athlete, fit changes as teeth erupt and shift, so replacement is usually needed more often than wear alone would suggest. Guards can be made to accommodate braces.

Schedule an Appointment

Practice Hours:

Advanced dentistry.
Ethically driven.