Every year, tens of millions of Americans will go to their dentist for a routine checkup and cleaning, and some may even get dental implants fitted in or get some cosmetic dentistry done. Meanwhile, parents will take their children to pediatric dentists, and these pediatric dentists specialize in the tooth care of children under 18 years old. When a family moves to a new city or a new county, they will want to find all local healthcare providers relevant to their needs, and that includes dental options such as cosmetic dentists and pediatric dentists. In fact, dentistry ranks in the top 10 must trusted and ethical professions today, and anyone moving somewhere new will want to find the best local dentists right away (especially if they are due for another checkup very soon). What might pediatric dentists offer, and what does cosmetic dentistry entail?
Finding a Good Dentist
Finding a good dentist usually means looking online, if the client does not have personal references to rely upon. This means entering the client’s city name or even their ZIP code online, along with a phrase such as “best dentists” or “top rated pediatric dentists.” Doing all this will show a whole list of nearby dental practices, and the client may strike out those that are too far, those that aren’t accepting new patients, or those with low average ratings. This creates a shorter, better list of results for reference.
The client will now start touring those dental offices and visit them in person. Going there in person gives the client a fair impression of the office and its staff, and the client may also consult the dentists and dental assistants working there. The patient can review their credentials such as their work history, educational background, and any awards or recognition that they have. If the client is touring pediatric dentists or family dentists, they will want to bring their child along, so that youngster can form his or her own impression. After all, it is important that the child feels comfortable and cooperative when visiting a dentist for care. The family may repeat this process any number of times until they find a dentist that they all like, and sign up as regular patients.
All About Pediatric Dentists and Cosmetic Dentistry
Dental care is just as important for children as it is for adults. Starting at age two or so, a child should be regularly taken to the dentist, where they may get cleaning, checkups, and X-rays taken of their teeth. A child may get sealant put on their teeth to reinforce them, and a child may also have braced fitted on if their teeth are crooked. A pediatric dentist will also teach a child good tooth care methods to use at home, such as diligently brushing their teeth after every meal. Kids should also wear mouth guards when playing sports, and kids will be discouraged from chewing on hard items, such as ice cubes. A child may also be taught about their baby teeth falling out and be told what to expect when their adult teeth grow in. Kids may even get free toothbrushes and toothpaste tubs at the dentist.
Meanwhile, many American adults go in to the dentist for cosmetic dental care, which concerns itself with the appearance and shape of teeth. Tooth whitening is a good example of this, since most beauty standards call for dazzling white teeth. Teeth may get discolored from tobacco use or tartar buildup, so patients may have tooth whitening gels or pastes used on them. Or, they may get porcelain veneers fitted on, which will cover the teeth and restore their white color.
That’s not all. Cosmetic dentistry also deals with the shape of teeth, and missing tooth matter can be replaced. Crowns, for example, are replica tooth crowns that fit over worn down or damaged teeth to protect them and restore their shape and function. A dental bridge is a whole replica tooth that fits into a tooth gap, held in place with covers that fit over the real teeth flanking the gap. This improves their smile and makes eating and speech easier. Elderly patients may get dentures, which replace entire rows of teeth at once, held together with artificial gums.
