If you’re a parent, you might be wondering if your child needs a kids dentist or kids orthodontist. When it comes to children’s dental and orthodontic health, choosing the right specialist matters more than you might think.

Kids’ teeth change rapidly as they grow, and different types of dental professionals (e.g. general dentists and orthodontists) are trained to address different needs. So, should you take your kid to a regular dentist, an orthodontist, or a specialized children’s dentist in Philadelphia?

In this article, we’ll break down the roles of each type of professional, so you know exactly who to call if your child needs braces, clear aligners, or general dental care. Let’s get started!

What is a Pediatric Dentist?

A pediatric dentist (also called a kids dentist), has the same foundational training as a general dentist. However, they typically have some extra education that’s focused specifically on treating kids.

After dental school, a kids dentist will usually go through two to three more years of specialized training to understand the particular dental issues that kids have to deal with. Pediatric dentists see young patients from their very first tooth up through their teenage years. After that, they might recommend a general dentist or orthodontist.

Pediatric dentists offer services like cleanings, cavity fillings, and fluoride treatments. However, they can also give kids advice on things like diet and nutrition. They might also educate them about how habits like thumb-sucking can impact their dental development.

Typically, the main goal of a children’s dentist is to create a strong foundation for a child’s oral health long-term. They will closely monitor the growth of baby teeth, the emergence of adult teeth, and even potential orthodontic issues.

How is a Pediatric Dentist Different from a General Dentist?

Aside from extra training, a kids dentist usually has an office environment that’s specifically designed to make children feel more comfortable. Visiting the dentist can be scary for young children, so pediatric dental offices are usually quite colorful and may have toys and books in the waiting room.

Pediatric dentists also have special tools for small mouths. Not only that, but their staff is trained in age-appropriate communication (i.e. they know how to make young kids feel at ease). This is really important because, obviously, you don’t want your kid to feel fear when they go to the dentist.

The American Dental Association recommends that kids see a dentist by their first birthday, so if you’ve recently had a baby, you should probably start thinking about which pediatric dentist in Philadelphia you’re going to take them to.

What Does a Pediatric Orthodontist Do?

Orthodontists specifically focus on aligning teeth and jaws. This might involve putting on braces or recommending clear aligners (like Invisalign). A pediatric orthodontist is an orthodontist who specializes in early treatment for kids (usually around ages 7 to 11).

According to the American Association of Orthodontics, it’s recommended that kids see an orthodontist by age seven, even if they don’t appear to have any orthodontic issues. Early visits will allow the orthodontist to catch problems before they get worse.

A kids orthodontist can use “interceptive treatments,” which aim to guide the growth of a child’s teeth to prevent more serious issues from coming up. For example, a kids orthodontist might recommend that a child wears braces for a short time to correct spacing or bite issues.

What Happens During the First Visit to a Pediatric Orthodontist?

When you first take your child to a kids orthodontist, the visit may feel a bit familiar if you’ve been to the orthodontist for your own dental health reasons. Your child will sit in a dental chair, and the orthodontist or technician will take X-rays or computer images of their teeth and jaw.

These images help the orthodontist assess the development of your kid’s baby and adult teeth. They might also take an impression of your child’s teeth using a soft, putty-like material to create a model. This will help a lot when it comes to planning future treatments.

After this examination, the orthodontist will evaluate your child’s teeth alignment and jaw structure. They might ask questions about chewing or swallowing difficulties or whether your kid’s jaws make any clicking or popping sounds. If the orthodontist finds that treatment is necessary, they’ll discuss options with you.

Why Do Some Kids Need Braces or Clear Aligners?

Braces and clear aligners can be incredibly helpful for kids, even if they mostly have baby teeth. Braces work by applying gentle, continuous pressure to move the teeth into a better alignment.

Some kids might be self-conscious about traditional metal braces, so orthodontists now offer clear braces, ceramic options, and even clear aligners (Invisalign for kids). Invisalign can be a great choice for kids who are responsible enough to wear and keep track of their aligners.

In some cases, other tools (like rubber bands) might be necessary to adjust how a child’s upper and lower teeth meet. Rubber bands help improve teeth alignment by creating extra pressure between certain teeth. Your kid’s orthodontist will let you know if your child needs rubber bands.

Pediatric Orthodontist vs. Pediatric Dentist

If your child’s teeth look healthy and they don’t seem to have any alignment problems, taking them to a regular kids dentist in Philadelphia will probably be sufficient. Of course, the pediatric dentist might notice orthodontic issues, in which case they might recommend a kids orthodontist in the area (like Philly Braces, for example).

If you notice that your child has crowded teeth, crooked teeth, or bite issues, you should definitely take them to a kids orthodontist. An orthodontist will be able to perform a more thorough evaluation of your kid’s teeth and jaw alignment. As previously mentioned, they’ll also be able to recommend braces or clear aligners.

Conclusion

Choosing between a kids dentist and an orthodontist (or even choosing both if necessary) doesn’t have to be complicated. If you’re not sure whether your kid needs orthodontic care, you can always schedule a free consultation with Philly Braces!