Orthodontists and Pediatric Dentists Near Farmingdale, NJ

We offer the following services at our pediatric dental practice near Farmingdale, NJ:

Preventive and Diagnostic Care – Preventive care encompasses all of the necessary dental treatments that keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy. These services include routine oral evaluations, dental cleanings, sealants, fluoride treatments, digital radiographs, and oral hygiene instruction.

Orthodontic Services – Tender Smiles 4 Kids provides pediatric dentistry and orthodontic treatment under one roof, making coordinating the two a breeze. We offer Phase 1 and Phase 2 treatment, including metal braces, clear braces and Invisalign.

Restorative Dentistry – Restorative dentistry repairs teeth that have been damaged or decayed, restoring their strength and function for improved oral health. We take a conservative approach to restorative dentistry, offering dental fillings, the Icon procedure for cavities, pulp treatment, and dental crowns. When restorative dentistry is not feasible, we also provide gentle tooth extractions.

Laser Dentistry – Tender Smiles 4 Kids is one of the few pediatric dental practices in Farmingdale, NJ to offer both hard and soft tissue lasers. Dental lasers make appointments less stressful and more comfortable for our patients. Hard tissue lasers prepare teeth for crowns and dental fillings, while soft tissue lasers are used to treat lip and tongue ties (frenectomies).

Cosmetic Dentistry – Cosmetic dentistry isn’t commonly performed on children, but when a tooth sustains damage from an injury or dental trauma, we can use safe aesthetic treatments like bonding to restore their appearance and prevent embarrassment.

Special Needs Dentistry – All of our team members, from our doctors to our office staff, are trained in providing compassionate care to patients with special needs. We’re committed to making your child’s visit to our practice a positive and comfortable experience.

Sedation Dentistry – When pediatric sedation dentistry is needed, our options include nitrous oxide, IV sedation, conscious oral sedation, and general anesthesia in a hospital setting.

What is the difference between a dentist and a pediatric dentist?

A pediatric dentist is essentially a pediatrician for the teeth—we specialize in treating children and patients with special needs, which means we have more experience dealing with the unique needs and personalities of children. After graduating from dental school, pediatric dentists go on to receive an additional two to three years of education and training.

How often should children see the dentist?

Children should see the dentist just as often as anyone else—every six months for comprehensive oral evaluations and dental cleanings.

When should children start seeing a dentist?

Your child should start seeing the dentist around the age of 12 months, or within six months of the eruption of their first tooth (whichever comes first). This is our recommendation and the recommendation of the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. 

What age should kids get braces?

Children should first see an orthodontist for an evaluation by the age of 7, but it’s unlikely that they’d get braces at this time. While they may need Phase 1 orthodontic treatment, which can include space maintainers, habit appliances, or palate expanders, getting braces is part of Phase 2 treatment and isn’t recommended until the permanent teeth have erupted.