Rotten teeth are teeth damaged by advanced tooth decay. In kids, they show up as brown or black spots, holes, or broken pieces on baby teeth. These teeth are common, and they can be treated. However, it is very unnerving when you see a black mark on your toddler’s tooth. You may be wondering if…
If your dentist said “crown” and you’ve been calling it a “cap,” you’re both talking about the same thing. Parents tend to say cap; dentists write crown on the treatment plan. Either way, it’s a small tooth-shaped shell that slips over a weakened tooth and shields it from further damage. The name, then, is the…
Power chain braces are small elastic loops that connect the brackets on your teeth. They help close gaps and move teeth into the right position. Your orthodontist may add power chains when there are still spaces between your teeth. They help bring teeth closer together as your treatment progresses. If your child is getting power…
Does your child’s upper jaw look narrow? Maybe their teeth appear crowded. Maybe their bite does not fit together properly. Or perhaps their orthodontist has mentioned that the upper jaw needs more room. Parents hear the words “palate expander” in these situations. But traditional expanders are not the only option. For some older children and…
Your child should see an orthodontist by age 7, even if every baby tooth still sits in place. This applies to orthodontics for children, kids, and teens alike, since each stage builds on the one before it. Most parents in Scottsdale notice a warning sign first: crowded teeth, an uneven bite, or a jaw that…
Most babies have 4 to 8 primary (baby) teeth by their first birthday. Having as few as 2 teeth or as many as 12 teeth can still be completely normal because every child develops at a different pace. Many parents worry when their baby’s teeth don’t seem to match what they see on growth charts…
You can eat pizza with braces, but choose a soft crust, take small bites, and avoid hard or chewy pieces that could damage your brackets or wires. Getting braces does not mean your child or teen has to stop eating pizza. A soft slice is fine. The main problem is not the pizza itself, but…
The common misconception about orthodontics is that it’s all about straightening teeth. But airway orthodontics adopts a more comprehensive approach by examining how jaw growth, tooth alignment, and airway development affect breathing and sleep. The good news is that your children can receive treatment that promotes better development and growth if breathing issues or airway…
A filling is best for small cavities and minor tooth damage. A crown is used when a tooth is severely weakened, cracked, or heavily decayed. Crowns offer more protection, while fillings preserve more natural tooth structure. Most people only have a basic understanding of crowns and fillings and are unsure how they differ. Dental fillings…
Many orthodontic problems are easier to treat when your child’s jaws are still growing. Phase 1 orthodontics, also called early interceptive orthodontic treatment, helps guide jaw development, create space for permanent teeth, and correct bite problems before they become complex. At Palm Valley Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we provide comprehensive Orthodontic Care for Children across…
The best age to get braces in Scottsdale is usually between 10 and 14 years old, when adult teeth are in place, and the jaw is still growing. Palm Valley Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics recommends an initial orthodontic evaluation around age 7 to identify issues early and plan the right timing for treatment. Every parent…
After tooth extraction, you should avoid using a straw for at least seven to ten days. But if you have just had a tooth pulled, you probably wonder why something as small as a straw could cause so much trouble. Using a straw too soon can undo all the healing your dentist worked hard to…
