Dental and Orthodontics Q&A
By Doctors Tina Garza, DDS, and John Garza, DDS, MSD
When should I bring my child for their first dental visit?
A child’s first dental visit should be by the age of one, or within six months of a tooth erupting, whichever comes first. On their first visit, we will check to make sure the baby teeth are coming in correctly and check for cavities. We will also go over best brushing and oral hygiene practices with the child’s parents.
When should my child be seen by an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic exam with a board-certified orthodontist by the age of seven. The orthodontist will check the position of the adult teeth that are growing and will check for future issues with crowding, spacing, or bite problems. Some tooth alignment issues are easiest to fix when the patient is younger and still has baby teeth.
How often do I need to see the dentist for a cleaning?
You should see the dentist for cleaning twice per year. Heavy dental plaque can form within six months that require special dental tools to be removed to prevent gingivitis. Also, when you come in for your teeth cleaning the dentist will also check for cavities which can form in as little as six months. If you have dental insurance, your insurance covers free cleanings twice per year. You should take full advantage of this benefit.
Are electric toothbrushes or traditional manual toothbrushes better?
We recommend using an electric toothbrush. The advantages of an electric toothbrush include a timer to remind you to brush for two minutes, rotating, oscillating, or sonic vibrations that clean very effectively, and even pressure sensors.
Are there options to straighten my teeth besides braces?
Yes! We can straighten your teeth using Invisalign clear trays. They don’t have metal and are removeable so you can take them out every day to brush and floss.
I stopped wearing my retainers and my teeth are starting to shift. What can I do?
Schedule a free consultation with us to discuss using Invisalign clear trays to straighten your teeth. We can discuss the options that are available for your case. This may include a replacement similar to your current retainer or one of the many other retainer options available.
North Meadow Dental & Orthodontics offers free orthodontic consultations with our board-certified orthodontist. If you don’t have insurance, North Meadow Dental & Orthodontics offers a discounted cost of $99 for an exam, x-rays, and cleaning.
North Meadow Dental & Orthodontics,
11840 FM 1488 Road, Suite B1
Magnolia, TX 77354. 281-766-3060