G&G Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics Blog

If your child is scheduled for their first dental appointment, or just curious about the importance of certain steps at their exam, helping them to understand what to expect can make their visit a lot more enjoyable. Thankfully, there are many fun and informative children’s books about the subject to help. If you’re looking for a way to prepare your kids for their next oral health appointment, here are a few terrific titles to try!

You may have noticed in recent years that there’s been a new kid in town when it comes to orthodontic treatment. Clear aligners have soared in popularity due to their discreet appearance, but the reigning champs, traditional braces, are still widely used. While you may have been hopeful that your child could get aligners, there are some cases where those trusty wires and brackets are still the best option. Here are a few reasons why braces might be a smarter choice.

When considering orthodontic treatment, one of the first questions is often whether dental insurance will help cover the costs. Orthodontic treatments like braces or aligners are generally regarded as a significant investment, so understanding the extent of potential insurance coverage is key. Here’s an overview of typical coverage options, limitations, and what to look for when evaluating a dental insurance plan for orthodontic care.

As the cool wind blows and the leaves begin to turn red, orange, and yellow, it means that Halloween is almost here! Every year, the spooky season offers fun, costumes, and candy galore! But as a parent, it’s important to consider how those sweet treats can affect your child’s dental health. Not all candies are created equal when it comes to cavities and other dental damage. If you want to know which sweets to embrace and which to avoid this Halloween, read on!

Braces are the standard way to straighten teeth because they have such a long history of success. If your child is embarrassed by crooked teeth or has a hard time keeping them clean, you might be considering this treatment. However, your youth or teen might hesitate to move forward if they’ve heard horror stories or are unsure what to expect.

Traditional orthodontics rely on metal brackets bonded to your child’s teeth that are threaded with an arch wire. This can be adjusted to exert pressure that gradually shifts their grin over a designated period. Although it’s a great way to realign their smile, there are a few common concerns that many patients experience. Continue reading to learn more about 3 problems your child might run into with braces and how to address them!

Although braces are the tried-and-true solution for straightening smiles, they notoriously make patients of all ages self-conscious about their appearance. The bulky metal brackets tend to stand out and draw unwanted attention to the condition of your child’s grin, and they could develop anxiety about being judged.

Thankfully, there are ways you can help them ease their worry over the way their teeth look. For instance, you can help them choose rubber band colors for their orthodontics that help their teeth look whiter in comparison. Read on to learn more about the different shades that can help their teeth look brighter to boost their confidence and which ones to avoid!

According to Invisalign’s official website, more than 10 million people have successfully used their clear aligners to achieve straighter, more uniform smiles. While Invisalign is a widely popular method for perfecting one’s smile, you might wonder if it can be used alongside existing dental restorations such as bridges, veneers, and crowns. To help you navigate this question, here are some important things to keep in mind when using clear aligners with dental restorations.

Does your child have a crooked smile? If so, braces are a great method of straightening their teeth for a more uniform beam. But did you know they can also affect your child’s gums? It’s common for kids with braces to experience swollen gums, which is usually temporary but can sometimes last longer. So, why do gums sometimes swell with braces, and what can you do about it? Keep reading to find out more about the causes and how you can help your child enjoy a more comfortable orthodontic journey.

Metal braces can get a bad rep, but when all is said and done, they straighten teeth quite beautifully. Still, while you and your teen wait for that momentous occasion, they might get grossed out. Food particles will get trapped in their orthodontics and can be surprisingly difficult to get out!

Besides being icky, dental debris isn’t good for your teen’s oral health. Fortunately, there are ways they can maneuver around their orthodontics to get at stubborn food particles. With some practice and these protips, cleaning braces can be a breeze!

Maintaining good oral hygiene through regular brushing and flossing is crucial for keeping your child’s teeth healthy and preventing dental issues, such as cavities and gum disease. Children, especially, may find it challenging to learn proper dental care techniques, making them more prone to problems. Fortunately, dental sealants can provide added protection to help children maintain a healthy smile. Read on to discover answers to four frequently asked questions about dental sealants.