Oral health care should begin at an early age. Early visits to the dentist office can help children create a positive relationship with their dentist and often promotes positive lifelong oral hygiene habits. Our Santa Monica, CA family dentist office invites patients of all ages to become part of what we consider to be our extended family. We consider ourselves a partner in your overall health care and strive to provide a welcoming, compassionate dentist office environment with personally tailored dental care.
We focus on enhancing and maintaining the natural smile through patient education and conservative, bio-emulative dental treatments. As a family dentist, we grow with you and your children through all stages of oral development. We offer dental services that will address almost any dental concern your family may have throughout the next ten years.
Our Family Dentistry Services
As the first tooth emerges, children should begin visiting the dentist. Dr. Dall’Olmo offers unique services for young children and helps to teach them effective oral hygiene habits. Early visits to the dentist office can allow our dentist office to track the progression of your child’s oral development. Life-long visits to the dentist promote early detection and intervention of developing dental concerns.
Tooth decay is an oral health epidemic among children, and early intervention could help prevent childhood cavities. We offer sealants to help protect teeth from developing decay. Sealants are a painless procedure and can be applied to hard-to-reach areas of the teeth preventing tartar and plaque buildup.
Pediatric dental care can help prepare your child for a lifetime of healthy and happy smiles.
Dentistry for Teens
The teen years present new and often more complex oral health concerns. Teenagers should visit the dentist every six months for a professional dental cleaning and oral health exam. Keeping their teeth clean can reduce the need for additional dental procedures. Crooked teeth are a common concern for this age group, and Dr. Dall’Olmo takes a sensitive approach to the needs and oral health concerns of teens.
Invisalign for Teens
Teens can be very concerned with their appearance and may resist traditional braces options. Dr. Dall’Olmo offers Invisalign as a clear braces alternative to traditional metal braces. Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to realign crooked teeth and correct malocclusion.
Teens can discreetly use Invisalign and, in about 1 year, enjoy a straighter, healthier, and more aesthetic smile. Aligners are custom designed to address the personal orthodontic concerns of each patient. Made of hard-soft plastic, Invisalign does not irritate the gums or discolor the teeth. Aligners are removable for eating, brushing, and flossing and for those once-in-a-lifetime big events.
Mouthguards
Dr. Dall’Olmo creates custom-fit mouthguards for athletes of all ages. Mouthguards are an especially important accessory for youth and teen athletes. Sports-related injuries are the number one cause of tooth loss in adolescents and can lead to the need for costly advanced dental procedures. Custom-fit mouthguards can prevent tooth loss and other damage to the teeth and gums.
Custom mouthguards provide superior protection to over-the-counter options. Custom mouthguards have been shown to help athletes perform better. The custom, secure fit allows athletes to focus on the game and not on keeping their mouthguard in. It also makes it possible for children and teens to easily drink while wearing the oral appliance, reducing the risk of losing or misplacing the mouthguard when it is removed.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
In the late teens or early 20s, wisdom teeth start to form in the mouth. Most of the time, our mouths aren’t big enough to handle another set of molars. We want to ensure they don’t cause more problems with your smile. Wisdom teeth can get impacted under the surface, causing pain or the possibility of infection. When teeth erupt, they make the mouth cramped and can make your smile crooked. If you’ve previously had orthodontic treatment to straighten your smile, wisdom teeth can reverse the effects.
Most of the time, we recommend removing wisdom teeth. With your regular dental visits, we’ll monitor the progression of the development of your wisdom teeth. This helps us ensure that we can take care of your wisdom teeth before problems progress.
Family Dentistry FAQs
At what age should you start going to the dentist?
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that a child should start going to the dentist when their first tooth appears or by their first birthday. When your child is between the ages of 3 to 6, the dentist will probably take the first X-rays to check for cavities and other potential issues.
Is Invisalign suitable for teenagers?
Yes. Invisalign is suitable for teenagers. It is a great option for teenagers because it is discrete and comfortable. It is also an effective way to correct minor alignment issues.
Why do dentists recommend night guards?
Dentists may recommend a night guard to help protect your teeth from grinding and clenching, which can lead to wear and tear on the teeth. Another reason is that it can help to alleviate jaw pain and tension headaches.
How long does a custom mouthguard last?
A custom-fitted mouthguard can last from 6 months to 5 years. It will all depend on the severity of your bruxism. It will also depend on how well you clean and maintain your teeth.
What is the main goal of Pediatric Dentistry?
The main goal of Pediatric Dentistry is to provide oral health care for children from infancy through adolescence. This includes preventive care, routine dental exams and cleanings, and treatment of dental decay and other oral health problems. A good pediatric dentist will educate children on how to maintain good dental health.
How many times should a child visit the dentist?
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that children visit the dentist twice a year, starting at age one. Those early dental visits will help establish good dental health habits and allow the dentist to monitor the child’s development.