At NY Center for Aesthetic and Laser Dentistry in Manhattan, our dedicated dental team provides exceptional children’s dentistry services, prioritizing a positive and comfortable experience for our young patients. With state-of-the-art facilities and a focus on their safety and well-being, we offer routine checkups and specialized treatments and foster lifelong oral hygiene habits to maintain their beautiful smiles.
Experience our outstanding children’s dentistry services, where expertise and compassion meet for your child’s dental care.
X-rays
Dental x-rays are essential diagnostic tools that provide valuable information not visible during a regular dental exam. For children, x-rays are crucial in monitoring the development of their teeth and jaws. They help in detecting cavities, assessing the position of teeth, and identifying any issues with the roots or bones.
At our Manhattan practice, we use state-of-the-art digital x-rays, which emit minimal radiation and provide high-quality images. Regular x-rays are an integral part of your child’s dental care plan and help in the early detection and treatment of dental issues.
Pulpal Therapy
Pulpal therapy, often referred to as a “baby root canal,” is a procedure used to treat infection or damage in the pulp (the innermost soft tissue) of a tooth. This therapy is essential for children when decay or injury affects the pulp. Pulpal therapy helps save the tooth and maintain the integrity of your child’s developing mouth.
There are two main types of pulpal therapy: pulpotomy and pulpectomy. A pulpotomy involves removing the diseased part of the pulp, while a pulpectomy involves removing all of the pulp. The choice of procedure depends on the extent of the infection or damage.
Restorations
Dental restorations for children involve repairing or replacing damaged or missing teeth. These are essential for maintaining the function and appearance of your child’s teeth. Common restorative procedures for children include fillings, crowns, and space maintainers.
Fillings are used to repair teeth affected by cavities or minor fractures.
Crowns are used when a tooth is extensively damaged.
Space maintainers are used to keep space open for a permanent tooth when a baby tooth is lost prematurely.
Our practice in Manhattan uses materials that are safe and aesthetically pleasing for children’s dental restorations.
Extractions
Sometimes, a tooth may need to be extracted due to extensive decay, infection, or crowding. While tooth extraction is considered a last resort, it is sometimes necessary for the overall oral health of the child.
Our team ensures that the extraction process is as painless and stress-free as possible for your child. We provide appropriate sedation and use gentle techniques. After the extraction, we give detailed post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
Space Maintainers
Space maintainers are dental devices used to keep space open for permanent teeth to erupt properly when a child loses a baby tooth prematurely. They are crucial in preventing neighboring teeth from shifting into the space, which could cause crowding or impaction of permanent teeth.
Our Manhattan practice offers custom-made space maintainers to ensure a perfect fit and comfort for your child.
Lip Tie and Tongue Tie
Lip ties and tongue ties are conditions where the tissues connecting the lip to the gums and the tongue to the floor of the mouth are too tight or thick. This can restrict the movement of the lip and tongue. In children, this can affect feeding, speech, and oral hygiene.
- LightScalpel Laser Treatment: Our practice offers a minimally invasive procedure for tongue tie release and lip tie correction using the LightScalpel laser. This laser technology allows for precise cutting with minimal bleeding, pain, or swelling. It’s a quick procedure with a fast recovery time.
- Frenectomy Without Anesthesia: In many cases, especially with infants, a frenectomy can be performed without the need for anesthesia. The procedure is quick and causes minimal discomfort. Our skilled team ensures that the child is comfortable and calm during the procedure.
We offer expert evaluations and treatments in our Manhattan office—call us today to learn more!
Why Are Tongue Ties and Lip Ties a Problem?
Tongue ties and lip ties can cause various issues in children, including difficulties in breastfeeding, speech problems, challenges in maintaining oral hygiene, and even social issues due to restricted tongue movement. Addressing these ties early can prevent complications and improve the child’s quality of life.
Breastfeeding and Tongue Ties
Tongue ties can significantly impact a baby’s ability to breastfeed effectively. A tongue-tied baby may have difficulty latching onto the breast, which can lead to inadequate milk intake and discomfort for the mother. Releasing the tongue tie through a simple procedure can improve the baby’s ability to breastfeed successfully.
For babies with tongue ties or lip ties affecting breastfeeding, a laser frenectomy can be a life-changing procedure. The laser allows for a nearly bloodless procedure, and it’s so quick that anesthesia is often not necessary. This can significantly improve a baby’s ability to latch and feed.
Myofunctional Therapy
Myofunctional therapy involves exercises that target the muscles of the face and mouth. It is used to correct improper muscle function and habits that can affect speech, breathing, and oral development. This therapy is particularly beneficial for children with tongue ties, lip ties, or other oral muscular issues.
What is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is a program of specific exercises that focus on improving the strength and coordination of the tongue, lips, and facial muscles. The therapy is used for treating various orofacial disorders such as tongue thrust, improper swallowing, and breathing through the mouth. It plays a significant role in improving speech, chewing, and overall oral health.
Myo Munchee and Myobrace
Myo Munchee and Myobrace® System are appliances used in myofunctional therapy.
Myo Munchee is a flexible rubbery device that children chew on to strengthen oral muscles.
Myobrace® is a series of appliances that help to correct poor oral habits that are the underlying causes of crooked teeth and improper jaw development.
Simple No-Pain Extraction
At our Manhattan practice, we prioritize your child’s comfort during tooth extractions. We use modern techniques and sedation to ensure a painless experience. Our team is skilled in performing extractions with minimal discomfort and ensuring a calm environment for your child
BPA-Free Composite Fillings
We are committed to your child’s safety and health. Our practice uses BPA-free composite fillings for dental restorations. These fillings are not only safe but also aesthetically pleasing as they can be matched to the natural color of your child’s teeth.
Zirconia Crowns for Kids
Zirconia crowns are a durable and aesthetically pleasing option for restoring decayed or damaged teeth in children. They are made from zirconium dioxide, a very strong material known for its durability. Zirconia crowns are tooth-colored, making them an attractive option for visible teeth.
Zirconia Crowns vs. Stainless Steel Crowns
While stainless steel crowns are known for their durability, they are metallic and not tooth-colored. Zirconia crowns, on the other hand, are tooth-colored and blend seamlessly with the natural teeth, making them more aesthetically pleasing. Both are durable, but zirconia crowns are often preferred for their natural appearance.
ALF Arch Expansion
ALF (Advanced Lightwire Functional) Arch Expansion is a gentle method used to widen the dental arch in children. It uses a light, flexible appliance to create space for the teeth to align properly. This method is not only effective in correcting bite issues but also promotes proper development of the jaw and airways.
Invisalign for Kids
Invisalign for kids is an orthodontic treatment that uses clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth. It’s a popular alternative to traditional braces as it’s virtually invisible and allows for easy cleaning and eating. Invisalign can be an effective solution for children with mild to moderate orthodontic issues.
NightLase for Kids to Treat Snoring
NightLase is a non-invasive laser treatment for reducing snoring in children. It involves using laser energy to tighten the tissues of the soft palate and throat. This can reduce the sound and effects of snoring, leading to better sleep quality for your child.
Schedule Your Child’s Dental Services Appointment Today!
Secure your child’s smile with our comprehensive dental services. Schedule an appointment at our Manhattan pediatric dental office today. Call us or book an appointment online. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional care for your child’s oral health.
