Home/General and Preventative Dentistry/Family Dental Care
At Cornerstone Dental, our dentists treat patients of all ages. In addition to state-of-the-art dental treatments for adults, we offer a comprehensive array of pediatric dental care and orthodontics for younger patients. Although many treatments are similar to those performed on adults, our family dental care options tend to emphasize more preventive options to help children and teenagers preserve their healthy teeth and gums for years to come.
Our goal is to not only treat dental issues, but also educate children and adolescents on how they can take care of their oral health and prevent problems that can occur later in life. To help them feel as comfortable as possible, our dental team makes every effort to ensure they receive the care they need in a gentle and friendly manner. We work closely with each pediatric patient and their parents to find the best possible treatment(s) for the child’s needs, so they can achieve optimal oral health and a beautiful smile they can’t help but show off.
More ReviewsCornerstone Dental is an A+ dental office. The receptionists and hygienists are friendly and helpful. Dr. Beckwith has done extensive dental work for me. He explained in detail all of the options available and together we chose which one would be best. Dr. Beckwith is an expert at what he does. A more competent dentist you will not find.
Timothy Boller
November 06, 2017
Nutrition plays a key role in a patient’s oral health. Eating a poor diet—one high in sugars, carbohydrates, and starches—has proven to contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. This is due to these foods leading to plaque formation, which breaks down tooth enamel, eventually causing cavities. Children, and people of all ages, should eat a nutritious diet that balances fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, and lean proteins. Reading food and drink labels and choosing items low in added sugars can also promote good oral and overall health. In addition to choosing healthy foods, patients should practice good oral hygiene and visit the dentist twice yearly for regular cleanings and exams.
Routine teeth cleanings are an important part of maintaining good oral health. We recommend most children and adolescents visit their dentist for a checkup every six months. By regularly getting teeth cleaned and examined, cavities and other dental problems can be caught early, if not completely prevented.
Should any cavities develop, our dentists will place tooth-colored fillings, which are composed of a composite resin. Once the decayed area has been sterilized, this natural-looking filling material bonds to the tooth, restoring its healthy form while being virtually undetectable to the naked eye.
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that has proven to reduce cavities in both children and adults. When performed as a topical dental treatment, fluoride can help strengthen teeth so they are less vulnerable to decay, as well as reverse the beginning stages of decay. Ask our team at your child’s next visit if they are a good candidate for a fluoride treatment.
Another method of preventing decay, sealants are used to create a barrier of protection for the back teeth. Our dentists will apply a thin, plastic coating to the chewing surface of the permanent molars once they have become visible in the mouth. By doing so, food and germs will be less prone to getting stuck in the natural grooves of the teeth.
The most common patients who undergo orthodontics are children and adolescents. During these stages of a person’s youth, the mouth is still developing, and permanent teeth are moving into place. Our dentists recommend children receive an orthodontic evaluation by age seven, at which time a variety of issues may be apparent.
Our dentists are experienced at identifying tooth misalignment and diagnosing malocclusion early on. We offer interceptive orthodontic treatment for those who have problems that could likely lead to more serious issues over time. By addressing these issues as they begin to develop, we can reduce the amount of time needed to correct them in the future, if not completely prevent the complex issues from happening.
As part of Cornerstone Dental’s interceptive orthodontics, our dentists provide treatment in the form of metal braces, ceramic braces, and OrthoFX™ clear aligners. Metal braces are typically the preferred method for correcting tooth misalignment in children due to the solution’s highly effective nature. Similar to metal braces is the ceramic alternative, which offers a more discreet version that is color-matched to the patient’s teeth. OrthoFX™ clear aligners are another viable option for straightening teeth in both children and adolescents. This system is frequently asked about by our young patients, as it treats misalignment without the noticeable appearance of metal wires and brackets that can cause some to feel self-conscious. Patients who opt for OrthoFX™ will receive a custom-made series of aligners that gradually shifts teeth into the desired position.
Although each form of orthodontic treatment can provide excellent results for the right candidates, the most beneficial form for your child will be determined in a comprehensive oral evaluation.
To schedule an appointment for family dental care at our practice, please contact our office today!