Child & Teen Services
Healthy Teeth, Happy Smiles
Healthy Teeth, Happy Smiles
Happy Teeth, Healthy Smiles
Dr. Harrington is dedicated to supporting your child’s dental health journey, from general care to orthodontic treatment like braces. As the only dual-trained orthodontic and pediatric dentists on the Central Coast, he offers a unique combination of expertise to ensure your child receives comprehensive, specialized care. Dr. Harrington is here to help your child achieve a healthy, confident smile that will last a lifetime.
Pediatric Dentistry
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Stainless steel crowns are used to restore back teeth that are too badly decayed to hold white fillings. When tooth decay on back teeth has been left untreated, teeth may have extensive damage to the enamel, dentin and sometimes the nerve (pulp). In such cases, tooth-colored fillings are not a viable option, and stainless steel crowns necessary. These prefabricated sliver-colored crowns are fit; then cemented onto the primary (baby) teeth to prevent further damage until these teeth are naturally lost.
Tooth colored fillings are used to restore front or back teeth or where cosmetic appearance is important. Composites are used to repair fractured teeth and/or areas of decay. The shade of the composite restorative material is matched as closely as possible to the color of the natural teeth.
In general, children need X-rays more often than adults. Their mouths grow and change rapidly. X-rays can often show weaknesses in the tooth structure (such as demineralization) that may not be visible with the naked eye. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends X-ray examinations every six months for children with a high risk of tooth decay. Children with a low risk of tooth decay require X-rays less frequently.
During a dental visit, the dental assistant or hygienist will first review your child’s medical history with you. This is to ensure that Dr. Harrington and his staff is\ updated on the general health of your child so that we may review any factors that may concern your child’s dental health. Then your child’s mouth will be examined for overall oral health. Next, your child’s teeth will be thoroughly cleaned to remove plaque and calculus (hard tarter deposits), which can cause cavities and gum disease. After the cleaning, fluoride will be applied to the teeth to help protect and strengthen the weak areas against decay. For a healthy child, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a visit to the pediatric dentist at least every six months to evaluate your child’s oral health and development. However, if your child has special needs or is more predisposed to dental caries, the dentist may recommend more frequent visits to more closely manage your child’s oral health.
Fluoride
Cavities form when there is a weakening in the mineral composition of the enamel of your teeth. Fluoride promotes the remineralization of these decalcified spots, therefore helping to prevent cavities. Low level of fluoride is found naturally in some bodies of water. Municipal water supplies are often fluoridated to a specific standard level. Fluoride can also be found in many household products such as toothpaste, mouth rinses, and even some bottled water. Dr. Harrington will monitor the development of your child’s teeth in order to prescribe the specific amount of fluoride that your child may need. In general, there is a careful balance between too much fluoride and too little fluoride. An excess of fluoride may damage developing teeth leading to fluorosis; while a deficit of fluoride leaves your child’s teeth susceptible to tooth decay. Fluorosis presents in various forms that affect developing permanent teeth by causing white spots to form.
It’s never too early to keep an eye on your child’s oral development. Dr. Harrington can identify malocclusion (crowded or crooked teeth) or bite problems and actively intervene to guide the teeth as they emerge in the mouth. Interceptive orthodontic treatment can prevent more extensive treatment later. Dr. Harrington checks the progress of your child’s bite and jaw development with routine dental examinations. This early assessment of your child’s teeth may prevent extensive orthodontic work in his/her future.
Pulp therapy (pulpotomy) is the treatment of infected nerves and blood vessels in teeth. Pulp therapy generally becomes necessary for two reasons: either as a result of extensive tooth decay (dental cavities) or as the result of tooth injury. Failure to provide the necessary pulp therapy could result in your child experiencing pain, infection, swelling, or loss of the tooth.
Many cavities may be so deep that they extend to the nerve, often causing pain and discomfort. When this happens, the infected part of the nerve must be removed. The remaining healthy nerve will be left intact and medicated. The purpose of a pulpotomy is to extend the life of the baby tooth, thereby avoiding the need for extraction and a space maintainer, until the eruption of the permanent tooth. In other words, the tooth can be preserved for chewing food and maintaining proper space for permanent teeth, as well as helping your child to preserve a healthy, happy smile.
Orthodontics
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Braces
Braces are the most common orthodontic treatment for correcting misaligned teeth and bite issues. They use a combination of brackets, wires, and elastic bands to apply continuous pressure, gradually moving the teeth into their proper positions. Braces can be made from metal, ceramic, or even clear materials, depending on the patient’s preference and treatment needs. Regular adjustments are needed to ensure steady progress toward the desired alignment.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are a discreet alternative to traditional braces. These custom-made, removable trays are designed to gently shift teeth into place over time. Each set of aligners is worn for a specific period, typically one to two weeks, before moving to the next set in the series. Clear aligners are ideal for treating mild to moderate orthodontic issues and offer the convenience of being removable for eating and cleaning.
Palatal Expanders
A palatal expander is used to widen the upper jaw to correct crossbites or to create space for crowded teeth. This device is custom-fitted to the roof of the mouth and gradually adjusted over time to achieve the desired expansion. Palatal expanders are most effective in children and adolescents, whose bones are still growing and can adapt more easily to this type of treatment.
Retainers
Retainers are custom-made appliances used to maintain teeth in their newly aligned positions following orthodontic treatment. There are two main types of retainers: fixed retainers, which are bonded to the back of the teeth, and removable retainers, which can be taken out for cleaning and eating. Regular use of retainers is crucial for preventing teeth from shifting back to their original positions.
Orthodontic Extractions
Sometimes, removing a tooth is necessary to create space for proper alignment, particularly when overcrowding is present. Extractions are often recommended as part of an orthodontic treatment plan to facilitate tooth movement and improve the overall alignment of the teeth and jaw.
Space Maintainers
When a primary tooth is lost prematurely, a space maintainer may be used to keep the space open for the permanent tooth to emerge. These devices help prevent adjacent teeth from shifting into the empty space, ensuring proper alignment and spacing for the developing permanent teeth.
Orthognathic Surgery
For severe jaw misalignments, orthognathic (jaw) surgery may be recommended in conjunction with orthodontic treatment. This procedure involves realigning the jaws to improve their function and appearance. It is typically done after growth has ceased and is combined with braces or clear aligners to achieve optimal results.
Interceptive Orthodontics
Interceptive orthodontic care is an early intervention approach designed to address developmental issues in the teeth and jaw before they become more complex. This may include using appliances like expanders or partial braces to guide teeth into proper positions as they emerge. Early intervention can often reduce the need for more extensive orthodontic treatment later.
Headgear
Orthodontic headgear is an appliance used to correct bite alignment and guide jaw growth. It is typically worn partially outside the mouth and applies additional force to achieve desired results. Headgear is often prescribed for younger patients whose jaws are still developing.
Office Hours
Sunday. . . . . . . . . . . . . Closed
Monday . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday. . . . . . . . . 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday . . . . . . . . . . . 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday. . . . . . . . . . . . By Appointment only
Saturday . . . . . . . . . . . Closed
