It’s recommended that children have a dental check-up every 6 months to protect their teeth and reduce the risk of tooth decay. That means you’ll see your family dentist at least twice a year as your kids grow up.
But how do you pick a great family dentist? One who your children feel comfortable with so that it’s not a battle to get them there? One who is skilled at putting your children at ease and showing them how to care for their teeth? One whose skills can support your family as needs and seasons change?
Let’s take a look.
Searching for a dentist
Most people will find local dentists online, using Google or asking for recommendations in local Facebook community groups. For practical reasons, you probably don’t want to travel too far. However, it can be worth considering travelling further if you’re looking for higher quality services or a dentist who understands how to help anxious patients. At Dent8 Dental we have patients travelling to our clinic from all over Queensland, interstate, and overseas.
Ideally, you’re looking for a dentist who can support your children as they grow from toddlers to teenagers and who can care for your own teeth too.
Capability in children’s dentistry
Your child should have their first dental check-up between age 1-2 (when they have approximately 6 front teeth visible). You can help your child prepare for this by playing dentist at home – getting your child to open their mouth while you count their teeth for example.
Look for a dentist who’s good with kids. That involves adjusting their practice to suit children and emphasising their comfort.
At Dent8, we examine young patients in a playful manner so they associate the dentist with having fun. We believe a good family dentist should spend time helping young children feel at ease.
During your child’s first dental appointment, we aim to:
- Make coming to the dentist enjoyable – that begins with a playspace in the waiting room
- Help your child feel comfortable in the dentist’s chair – we let them explore the dental instruments and press a few buttons on the chair (with our guidance)
- Help your child feel comfortable with the dentist looking in their mouth – we let them know what we’re about to do so that there are no surprises.
We also devote time to dental education, helping you and your child learn how to brush teeth properly.
Finding a great children’s dentist can make a world of difference as your children grow up. It helps your children experience the benefits of preventive dental care without triggering dental anxiety. Our strategies are based on early intervention and preventative care.
Learn more about children’s dentistry at Dent8
Teen dentistry skills
Braces may be required during adolescence to straighten your teenager’s teeth and improve their smile.
A good family dentist will identify features such as crowded or gapped teeth and refer your child to a quality orthodontist.
At Dent8, though, we offer an in-house service for patients wishing to use Clear Aligners, an invisible alternative to metal braces.
We continue to support your teen throughout their orthodontic treatment. That may include teaching them how to brush and floss teeth with braces or aligners and the importance of avoiding decay causing foods and drinks.
Provision of dental care for adults
While it’s tempting to focus on your kids when looking for a family dentist, don’t ignore your own dental needs.
Adults, too, should have a dental check-up every 6 months or more frequently if your dentist recommends it.
You may find that old fillings have broken down and need to be removed and replaced.
If the old fillings contain dental amalgam, we offer safe amalgam removal to protect your health. We can also provide root canal treatment in cases of toothache or infection. We offer the provision of beautiful, custom-made crowns to support your teeth. We offer a full range of treatments for replacing missing teeth, including implants, bridges and the removal of dentures.
You may also find that your smile is no longer quite as white as it once was. Teeth appear to become more yellow with age and may pick up stains more readily. We can provide personalised advice on whitening your teeth, taking into account any crowns or other features of your teeth.
A commitment to holistic dentistry
Dent8 was built around the concept of holistic dentistry. That means we:
- Avoiding using toxic materials
- Follow safe practices in removing old fillings
- Relieving dental anxiety so that nervous patients feel able to manage dental care often without the need for general anaesthetics
- Promote overall health through good oral health – untreated chronic dental infections, for example, can adversely affect your heart, kidneys and brain or lead to sepsis. Poor oral health has been shown to adversely affect diabetes, heart disease and can be associated with premature birth.
Varied payment options
Dental care can be expensive. Your dentist understandably needs to be paid for the services they provide but a good family dentist should offer a range of payment options to help you manage the cost of care.
At Dent8, if you’re using private health insurance, we can process your claim using HICAPS meaning you only need to pay the gap fee.
We also offer Zip Pay, Afterpay and dental payment plans for a range of services, enabling you to pay for your treatment in instalments.
Come and see us
If you’re looking for a family dentist in Brisbane, then look no further! We’d love to help you and your family to experience the benefits of good dental care and improved oral health.
Please book an appointment today.
Disclaimer
All information is general and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
