Your Friendly Neighborhood Dentist
Spectrum Dental Group is a comprehensive dental practice that gives your children the chance to have a positive, fun dental and orthodontic experience! We strive to create long-lasting relationships and to develop the trust of our pediatric patients through gentleness and reassurance.
Our family dentist and staff are specialized and experienced to put your child at ease while providing the best treatment available. We love children and have the knowledge and experience needed to provide your child with child-friendly dental care. We will treat your child as our own.
Ready to start your child’s journey to excellent oral health? Call Spectrum Dental Group at (949) 788-0088 to schedule an appointment with our pediatric dentistry team in Irvine, CA.
What is Pediatric Dentistry?
Pediatric dentistry is a specialized branch of dental care focused on children’s oral health from infancy through their teen years. It’s more than just cleaning teeth; it’s about creating a foundation for lifelong dental health.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth appears. Early dental visits help prevent dental problems and get your child accustomed to regular dental care. These initial visits also provide an opportunity for parents to learn about proper dental care for their children.
The Importance of Pediatric Dentistry
Early dental care plays a vital role in your child’s overall health and well-being. The benefits of regular visits to a pediatric dentist include:
- Prevent tooth decay and gum disease
- Identify and address dental issues early
- Establish good oral hygiene habits
- Reduce dental anxiety in children
- Monitor oral development and growth
At Spectrum Dental Group, we emphasize preventive care to help your child maintain a healthy smile throughout their life. Our Irvine dental team works closely with parents to create personalized care plans that address each child’s specific needs.
Our Approach to Pediatric Dentistry at Spectrum Dental Group
While waiting to be seen, your child can spend time playing in our Irvine children’s waiting room. Kids absolutely love to walk through the little playroom door where they await a good dental experience.
All amenities are designed with children’s needs in mind.
The restroom wash station is at the perfect height for a little child and our exclusive ocean-themed mural makes for a welcoming environment that your child will enjoy and look forward to. Individual TV screens play a selection of DVDs for your child to enjoy while getting the best treatment possible.
At the end of every visit, your child is treated to our treasure chest, where they choose a reward of their own.
Pediatric Dental Services at Spectrum Dental Group
We offer comprehensive oral health care for young patients to keep your child’s smile healthy and bright:
- Routine Dental Exam: Regular check-ups and cleanings to maintain oral health
- Dental Sealants: Protective coatings to prevent tooth decay
- Fluoride Treatments: To strengthen tooth enamel
- Tooth-Colored Fillings: Mercury-free fillings for a natural look
- Pediatric Dental Crowns: Cover and protect a tooth after treatment of tooth decay
- Emergency Dental Care: Quick response to dental injuries, accidents, or pain
- Orthodontic Evaluations: Phase 1 and Phase 2 for early orthodontic intervention
- Mouthguards: Custom-fit protection for young athletes
- Sedation Options: For anxious patients or complex procedures
Spotlight on Preventive Dental Care
Prevention is the cornerstone of family dentistry. Our preventive care program includes:
- Comprehensive dental exams
- Professional cleanings
- Oral hygiene education
- Nutritional counseling
- Early orthodontic intervention
By focusing on prevention and forming good dental habits, we aim to minimize the need for more invasive treatments in the future. Preventing common dental problems saves your child from potential discomfort and you from unnecessary expenses.
Family Orthodontic Services
A beautiful, healthy smile can boost your kid’s (or your own!) self-esteem and self-confidence. We offer the most advanced orthodontic treatment to provide you and your child with straight teeth and a healthy bite. Having well-aligned teeth can prevent gum disease, tooth decay and tooth loss, speech impairments, problems with chewing, chronic headaches, and neck pain. Ask us for your complimentary orthodontic evaluations to see which treatment is better for you.
- Advanced thermal-activated braces for children, teens, and adults
- Cosmetic tooth-colored braces
- Invisalign clear orthodontic aligners
Sedation Options for Young Patients
Your child’s comfort during dental treatments is our primary goal. While pediatric dentists provide a calm environment, we also have many sedation methods available to help ease your child’s discomforts if our kid-friendly amenities are not enough.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous Oxide
According to the American Dental Association, nitrous oxide is a safe and effective sedative agent that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose to help you relax.
It is not intended to put you to sleep. You will be able to hear and respond to any requests or directions the dentist may have. Your dentist will ask you to breathe normally through your nose, and within a few short minutes, you should start to feel the effects of the nitrous oxide. You may feel light-headed or tingling in your arms and legs. Some people say their arms and legs feel heavy. Ultimately, you should feel calm and comfortable.
The effects of nitrous oxide wear off soon after the mask is removed.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation is a type of anesthesia that is administered orally in syrup or pill form. This is a stronger form of sedation but still does not place the child to sleep. The child may feel groggy or light-headed afterward yet the undesirable experience of stress, anxiety, and memory of treatment are greatly reduced.
IV Sedation
There are times when IV sedation is the best option for a child experiencing high levels of anxiety during dental treatments. This option will only be recommended after strict and careful evaluation of the child and when other methods are not suitable. A board-certified anesthesiologist will be administering the sedation with vigilant monitoring. Our doctor and team can now focus on restoring the child’s oral health without distraction.
Pediatric Dentistry Costs
We believe that quality pediatric dental care should be accessible to all families. The cost of pediatric dental services can vary based on the specific treatment needed and your insurance coverage. Here’s a general overview of what you might expect:
- Routine Check-ups and Cleanings: $75 – $200
- Dental X-rays: $20 – $100
- Fluoride Treatments: $20 – $50
- Dental Sealants: $30 – $60 per tooth
- Fillings: $90 – $250 per tooth
At Spectrum Dental Group, we work with most major insurance providers and offer flexible payment options to help make dental care affordable for your family. We’ll provide a detailed treatment plan and cost estimate before beginning any procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most children should visit the dentist every six months for regular check-ups and cleanings. However, some children may need more frequent visits if they have a higher risk of dental problems. Your pediatric dentist will recommend a check-up schedule based on your child’s individual needs. Regular visits allow for early detection of any issues and help maintain good oral health.
Yes, primary teeth (baby teeth) play a vital role in your child’s development. They help children speak clearly and chew naturally, and they also act as placeholders for permanent teeth. If a baby tooth is lost too early, the permanent teeth can drift into the empty space and make it difficult for other adult teeth to find room when they come in. Taking care of baby teeth is essential for your child’s long-term oral health.
Preparing your child for their first dental visit can help make the experience positive. Talk to your child about the upcoming visit in a positive, excited tone. Read children’s books about going to the dentist or play pretend dentist at home. Avoid using words that might cause unnecessary fear, such as “hurt” or “pain.” On the day of the visit, bring a favorite toy or comfort item to help your child feel more at ease.
For infants, use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe their gums after each feeding. Once teeth start to appear, use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush with a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) to brush twice daily. As your child grows, increase the amount of toothpaste to a pea-sized amount. Always supervise brushing to ensure they’re not swallowing toothpaste and are cleaning all surfaces of their teeth.
Start Your Child’s Journey to a Healthy Smile Today
At Spectrum Dental Group, we’re committed to providing top-notch pediatric dental care in a warm, welcoming environment. Our team of experienced pediatric dentists and friendly staff are ready to guide your child towards a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Don’t wait to start your child on the path to excellent oral health. Call us today at (949) 788-0088 to schedule an appointment at our Irvine office. We’re conveniently located to serve families from Irvine and the surrounding communities of Newport Beach, Tustin, and Costa Mesa.
Remember, early dental care is an investment in your child’s future. Let Spectrum Dental Group be your partner in nurturing your child’s smile. We look forward to meeting you and your little one soon!