One of the greatest benefits of having a nice smile is that it can lead to a big boost in confidence. We know how important healthy self-image is for children and teenagers and want to help them get bright, attractive smiles that they’ll want to show off. Help your child get the confidence to take on the day. Make a kids dentistry appointment with us in our convenient Mound and Chaska, MN dental offices.
Many children aren’t thrilled about going to the dentist, and some are even anxious or afraid of dental appointments. Our team always treats younger patients with sensitivity and compassion, because we want them to feel relaxed and safe while in our care. We also believe in providing gentle dentistry, which helps children feel comfortable throughout their appointment. At our family dental care practice, we believe that kids who grow up with positive dental experiences are more likely to maintain a lifetime of great oral health. We offer the following dental treatments for children:
Dental Health Habit Counseling & Appliances
Thumb sucking is a common behavior for infants and toddlers. If this habit continues on for long, it can lead to crooked teeth or even misalignment. When there’s constant pressure against the upper front teeth from the thumb, it can make those teeth shift toward the lip or develop incorrectly. This in turn can affect your child’s bite alignment as well as jaw and bone growth. If your child still has a thumb sucking habit when they are past the age of three, we recommend that you come in for a professional evaluation. If we notice a concern, we’ll give you some suggestions on how to gently help your child break the habit.
Custom Mouthguards
Does your child play sports? West Lakes Dentistry can create a plastic mouth guard that will protect your child’s teeth, gums, and lips from injury during contact sports. We custom make these athletic mouthguards from soft material for maximum comfort. Ask us about our athletic mouthguard program and special pricing!
Dental Sealants
We can use dental sealants to fill in the grooves on the chewing surfaces of your child’s back teeth. This prevents food particles from getting stuck in the crevices and eventually causing cavities. The process of applying a dental sealant is fast and painless. This simple procedure can protect your child’s teeth for years! Ask our family dentists about sealants for your child at your next appointment.
Both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry advise that children have an established dental home by the time they are one year old. Our family dental clinic makes sure to use kid-friendly vocabulary when explaining dental care to help them understand why it is important without making it seem like scary business. If it makes them feel more comfortable, your child is also welcome to touch the dental tools we use so they can see that there is nothing to be worried about!
To make your child’s visit to West Lakes Dentistry even more fun, we have TVs in every treatment room, a special kids’ play area, and a treasure chest full of toys that younger patients can pick a surprise from after their appointment!
