Main Street Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics of Danville Blog

One of the first questions many kids, teens, and parents ask before starting orthodontic treatment is, “How long will braces take?” While it would be nice to have a one-size-fits-all answer, the truth is that every smile is unique. Some patients may only need braces for about a year, while others may need treatment for two years or longer.

The good news is that braces are carefully designed to create healthy, long-lasting results. Understanding what affects treatment time can help families feel more prepared and motivated throughout the orthodontic journey.

As you and your child go about your day, your little one may find themself in need of urgent oral care. Whether it’s a toothache, damage, or a knocked-out tooth, going to the right place can give them the quick relief they deserve. However, is visiting the dentist best, or do ERs handle dental emergencies? Here’s what you need to know so your loved one can feel their best as soon as possible.

Few things are more frightening for a parent than seeing their child fall and knock out a tooth. Whether it happens during sports, playtime, or an accident at home, knowing how to respond can make a big difference in your child’s comfort and long-term dental health. Acting quickly and calmly is key, especially when a permanent tooth is involved.

When you add a little one to your family, you may be excited about the new experiences it’ll bring. You’ll be the first to know about a new human in the world and learn more about them as they progress through life. However, there are many challenges you’ll have to deal with at the beginning, ranging from daily living to your sleep schedule.

One you may not have anticipated was inconsolable crying from your loved one. This may be a sign of colic, but what causes it? A lip- and tongue-tie might be to blame, so here’s what you need to know about the connection between these conditions.

Many people view breastfeeding as a natural and beautiful experience. It’s an intimate moment that marks the beginning of learning more about a new person in the world. Despite this, there are many myths about it that may make you ignore a bigger issue. Instead of feeling guilty about them, you should know the facts. Here are three misconceptions you might’ve heard and the truth behind them.

Learning that your child needs a frenectomy for their lip or tongue tie may make you a bit worried. Although it’s a minor surgery, you may have questions and concerns about it. One question that many parents ask is how long the recovery is afterward. Thankfully, it should be smooth healing, especially if their pediatric dentist used a soft tissue laser. Keep reading to learn what you can expect and how you can help your loved one.

Lip and tongue ties are among the most common physical abnormalities present at birth. These issues, which involve overly thick or short oral tissues that restrict movement of the lip or tongue, are usually diagnosed during infancy. However, they can get missed in some cases, so even as your child grows, you should be aware of signs that they might need a frenectomy, which is the standard treatment for lip and tongue ties. What specific signs should you be on the lookout for? This blog post lists five.

If your child’s once-straight teeth are beginning to look crowded or crooked again, you’re not imagining it—teeth can and do shift over time. While this can be frustrating, it’s also fairly common and often treatable with the right orthodontic intervention.

Experiencing unexpected changes in bite or alignment is a normal part of growth. Understanding what causes these shifts can help you take proactive steps to protect your child’s smile.

Braces are the tried-and-true method for straightening smiles because they have a long history of effectively fixing even the most severe misalignments, regardless of a patient’s age. It consists of metal brackets cemented to the enamel, which are threaded with an archwire that can be adjusted to exert the right amount of pressure to pull your child’s pearly whites into their ideal positions.

However, your kid must care for their orthodontics carefully to avoid injuring them, which can interrupt their treatment timeline. Continue reading to learn about 3 steps you can take if your child breaks their braces!

When you wear braces, there’s always a chance you may need to make adjustments along your way. One important change your orthodontist may recommend is wearing rubber bands (elastics).  Here’s why this happens, and what you can expect from treatment.