Pediatric Dentistry
Braces and Aligners straighten the teeth, making it easier for the patient to bite, chew and speak. Braces can correct misaligned teeth, prevent speech problems; improve chewing capacity.
1) Traditional braces are available in ceramic or metal, with silver or coloured modules (the small pieces that hold the wires in place on the teeth)
2) Self-ligating braces are available in ceramic or metal; modules are not required.
3) Lingual braces are placed behind the teeth; they are available in ceramic and metal.
4) An aligner is a transparent plastic sheath that fits over the teeth to reposition them.
A Filling is a material that fills the opening that’s left after a decayed portion of a tooth has been removed. Fillings fall into three categories: amalgam, composite and GIC.
1) Amalgam Fillings use an alloy (mixture) of mercury and other metals (such as silver, copper or tin) that is carved and contoured after placement in the tooth.
2) Composite Fillings use a composite made of minute glass or ceramic particles that are mixed into a gel-like substance. The colour of the substance is similar to that of a tooth. After it is applied to the tooth, the composite is hardened using a light that causes it to solidify almost instantly.
3) GIC Fillings use a gel-like composite (mixture) made of minute glass particles. After it is applied to the tooth, it sets within five to 10 minutes. The composite bonds to the tooth and releases fluoride into the tooth for a period of time.
An Extraction is performed to remove a decayed or severely damaged tooth that cannot be saved. It may also be performed to relieve crowding of teeth. In some cases, (for example, when the tooth is impacted) an extraction must be performed surgically.
Dental Sealants help prevent cavities. A sealant is a plastic material that is applied where decay occurs most often.
Space Maintainers hold the space for a permanent tooth after a child has lost a milk tooth due to decay or an accident. The space maintainer keeps adjacent teeth from shifting into the empty space.
Habit-breaking Devices help children stop thumb sucking or tongue thrusting, which can have an impact on their oral health and their speech.
Expansion Plates expand the arch of the mouth to create more space for crowded teeth.
Headgear and Twin Blocks can guide the development of the jaws or teeth if they are not properly aligned.
The pulpotomy involves the surgical removal of an inflamed pulp chamber that has become infected with bacteria.
