North Penn Pediatric Dental Associates, LLC

Highly effective in preventing decay on the biting surfaces of your chewing teeth, dental sealants are a simple procedure in which a tooth-colored acrylic “coating” is painted onto the surface of the tooth. This effectively “seals” the deep grooves, acting as a barrier and protecting enamel from plaque and acids. Sealants protect the depressions and grooves of your teeth from food particles and plaque that brushing and flossing can’t reach. Easy to apply, sealants take only a few minutes to seal each tooth. Sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing and can last several years before a reapplication is needed.

The first “regular” dental visit should be no later than your child’s first birthday. We will gently examine your child’s teeth and gums. X-rays may be taken to reveal decay and check on the progress of your child’s permanent teeth under the gums. We may clean your child’s teeth and apply topical fluoride to help protect the teeth against decay. We will make sure your child is receiving adequate fluoride at home. Most important of all, we will review with you how to clean and care for your child’s teeth.

A dental filling is a common dental procedure used to repair a tooth that has been damaged by decay or cavities. During the process, the dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth and fills the space with a filling material, which can be made of various materials like amalgam, composite resin, porcelain, or gold. The purpose of a dental filling is to restore the tooth's structure and function while preventing further decay. It helps to restore the tooth's appearance and strength, allowing you to chew and use the tooth normally.

A tooth extraction is a dental procedure where a tooth is removed from its socket in the bone. It's typically done for various reasons, such as severe decay, damage, or overcrowding. The process involves loosening the tooth in its socket and then carefully removing it. Dentists may perform extractions for wisdom teeth, baby teeth, or permanent teeth, depending on the situation.

Dental bonding is a cosmetic dentistry procedure used to improve the appearance of teeth by applying a tooth-colored resin material to the tooth's surface. This resin is then bonded (adhered) to the tooth using a special light, creating a strong bond that can reshape, repair, or enhance the tooth. This procedure is commonly used to: Repair Chipped or Cracked Teeth: Dental bonding can effectively restore teeth that have small chips or cracks. Close Gaps Between Teeth: It can be used to fill in gaps or spaces between teeth, providing a more uniform appearance. Cover Discolored Teeth: Dental bonding can mask stains or discoloration on the tooth's surface, improving its color and overall aesthetic. Change Tooth Shape: Dentists use bonding to alter the shape or length of teeth for a more harmonious smile.

Inlays and onlays can be made of porcelain, gold, or composite resin. These pieces are bonded to the damaged area of the tooth. An inlay, which is similar to a filling, is used inside the cusp tips of the tooth. An onlay is a more substantial reconstruction, similar to the inlay but extending out over one or more of the cusps of the tooth.

Braces are available in a variety of styles, including metal, plastic, and ceramic. They all have the same goal: To correctly align your teeth and jaws for enhanced aesthetic appeal and for better oral health.

Metal braces are popular with children and teens and are smaller and more comfortable than ever before. Traditional metal braces feature two main components: the brackets that are placed on each tooth and the archwire that is threaded through them. As the wire applies pressure to one side of the tooth, the jawbone on the other side gives way. This causes the tooth to move and new bone to grow behind it. Elastics (rubber bands) are used in conjunction with braces, exerting a constant force to move teeth. Elastics must be worn at all times and changed every day in order to maintain the proper force.

Lingual braces work just like traditional metal braces but are placed behind teeth instead of on the front. This allows them to be completely hidden, so no one knows that you are wearing them. Typically, anyone who could have traditional metal braces is also a good candidate for lingual braces.

Clear braces are a popular choice for adults and teens that would like a discreet alternative to traditional metal braces. Options include clear aligners such as Invisalign® and clear ceramic braces, which use tooth-colored ceramic brackets and wires instead for a nearly invisible look.

After the active orthodontic treatment period is complete and your braces have been removed, you will be given a retainer. This marks the beginning of the retention phase, during which a retainer is used to hold teeth in their new positions while the jawbone, gums and muscles adapt. You must wear the retainer as instructed, otherwise your teeth may revert to their former positions, and the benefits of having had braces will be lost.

Appliances are used during various stages of the orthodontic process, either to retain the new position of teeth, or in some cases to influence the growth of the jaws for a better bite alignment. Appliances may be fixed or removable.

Designed to widen your upper jaw, a palatal expander applies outward pressure on your upper molars to slowly expand your palate.

Spacers are plastic rings that are inserted between back teeth before you have braces, providing space for your teeth to shift. If a spacer comes out, call our office to see if you need a replacement. Do not chew sticky foods with or floss teeth that have spacers in them.

Rubber bands are used with fixed metal braces. They must be worn at all times and changed daily per our instructions.

For a severe overbite or underbite, headgear is sometimes used to continuously pull on your teeth, restricting further growth forward.

Designed to complete the final tooth necessary movements, positioners are usually the last step in the orthodontic process.