Practice Features | Early Orthodontics | New Technology | General Anesthesia | Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Practice Features
Dr. Minutillo and his team want every aspect of
your child's visits to our office to be as pleasant and enjoyable as
possible. We make appointment reminder telephone calls and send recall cards
to remind you of your child's upcoming appointments. Our reception area is
complete with puzzles for younger children and a video room with games for
the older children. Our treatment areas have televisions and nitrous oxide
laughing gas to help calm the fears of children who experience anxiety
during a visit. Dr. Minutillo also provides treatment under
general anesthesia
in his office or at one of the area hospitals where he is on staff.
Early Orthodontics
The American Association for Orthodontists
recommends that every child have an orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7.
Early detection and treatment gives your child the edge: a much better
chance for natural and normal development. By working with the natural
growth instead of against it, we can prevent problems from becoming worse,
and give your child a lifetime of healthy smiles!
Early treatment should be initiated for:
- Habits such as tongue thrusting and thumb sucking
- A constricted airway due to swollen adenoids or tonsils
- Mouth breathing or snoring problems
- A bad bite
- Bone problems ( i.e. narrow or underdeveloped jaws )
- Space maintenance ( for missing teeth )
Phase One - Functional
(Growth) Appliances and/or Limited Braces - Ages 5 to 12
In the first phase, the doctor is interested in
the position and symmetry of the jaws, future growth, spacing of the teeth,
breathing and other oral habits which may, over a period of time, result in
abnormal dentofacial development.
Treatment initiated in this phase of development
is often very successful and some times, though not always, can eliminate
the need for future orthodontic treatment.
Phase Two -
Braces - Ages 12 to 14
In the second phase, the doctor will be looking
at how your child’s teeth and jaws fit, and more specifically work,
together. Your child’s teeth will be straightened and their occlusion (bite)
is properly aligned. Attention will be given to the jaw joint, (TMJ), the
facial profile and periodontal (gum) tissues. By undergoing the first phase,
we can usually reduce the amount of time needed for braces.
Facts: Early Treatment is Important to
Consider!
Facial Development -
Seventy-five percent of 12-year-olds need orthodontic treatment. Yet 90% of
a child's face has already developed! By guiding facial development earlier,
through the use of functional appliances, 80% of the treatment can be
corrected before the adult teeth are present!
Cooperation - Younger
children between the ages of 8 and 11 are often much more cooperative than
children of ages 12 to 14.
Shorter Treatment Time -
Another advantage of early Phase One treatment is that children will need to
wear fixed braces on their adult teeth for less time.
To Correct Underdeveloped or Overdeveloped
Jaws - Almost 55% of children who need orthodontic
treatment due to a bad bite have underdeveloped or overdeveloped upper or
lower jaws. Functional appliances and/or limited braces can reposition the
jaws, improving the child's profile and correcting the bite problem - within
7 to 9 months!
New Technology
Dr. Minutillo's office is a state of the art
pediatric dental center. We utilize an intra oral camera so you and your
child can see what is going on inside their mouth! Our high tech
sterilization techniques ensure the safety of your child's treatment. Our
fully computerized facility allows for more efficient and convenient visits
to our office.
We have televisions at every chair and cartoons
for your child to enjoy. We feel our modern practice and state of the art
technology enhance the outstanding care we strive to provide our young
patients.
General Anesthesia
More information on General Anesthesia coming soon...
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Some children are given nitrous oxide/oxygen, or what you may know as laughing gas, to relax them for their dental treatment. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is a blend of two gases, oxygen and nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is given through a small breathing mask which is placed over the child’s nose, allowing them to relax, but without putting them to sleep. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, recognizes this technique as a very safe, effective technique to use for treating children’s dental needs. The gas is mild, easily taken, then with normal breathing, it is quickly eliminated from the body. It is non-addictive. While inhaling nitrous oxide/oxygen, your child remains fully conscious and keeps all natural reflexes.
Prior to your appointment:
- Please inform us of any change to your child’s health and/or medical condition.
- Tell us about any respiratory condition that makes breathing through the nose difficult for your child. It may limit the effectiveness of the nitrous oxide/oxygen.
- Let us know if your child is taking any medication on the day of the appointment.
