OptiSmile offers exceptional quality when providing professional and friendly care for your children’s teeth. Our qualified staff use the latest dental technology to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatments tailored to your child’s needs. Not only do we strive to manage your child’s overall dental health, but we are also determined to create a safe, welcoming and comfortable environment that puts children at ease. With OptiSmile, you can be sure of an excellent first dentist experience for you and your child.
Your little one will be exposed to a gentle first dental experience, including the chair, the equipment, the smells, the sounds and the friendly faces that will be greeting them each time.
As dentists we are compassionate about oral health, so during your child’s first visits, we will be focused on teaching the importance of proper oral health and teaching good brushing and flossing techniques for strong, healthy teeth.
OptiSmile understands that each customer’s financial needs are unique, which is why we provide a variety of payment options for our customers. Additionally, our policy of providing cost breakdowns prior to services allows customers to plan with certainty and strategically allocate their funds according to their personal financial situation.
The Sea Point office of our dental practice is situated in one of the most beautiful parts of the world: Cape Town’s stunning Atlantic seaboard. From the office’s windows, your child can relax with panoramic views across the coast – a pleasant distraction during treatment that can help ease anxious children.
Paediatric dentistry is an age-defined speciality that provides primary, comprehensive preventive and therapeutic oral health care for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special needs. Children’s dentistry encompasses a variety of disciplines, techniques, procedures and skills that share a common basis with other specialities but are modified and adapted to the unique needs of children and teenagers.
While the initial visits to the dentist should not require treatment, future visits may involve fillings and fissure sealants. In cases where a lot of restorative work is needed, and your child isn’t able to sit still for long periods, we might recommend sedation or general anaesthetic to make the experience as untraumatic as possible.
Parents want their children to have the best oral health possible, including scheduling regular dentist trips. Children must get a dental checkup at least once a year to ensure optimal oral health. Dentists can spot early signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other potential dental problems that could lead to more severe issues during these visits.
Regular dental cleanings can help children avoid painful cavities and costly restorations in the future. During a dental cleaning, a professional hygienist gently removes plaque from teeth surfaces and floss between them; this helps remove bacteria that cause decay. Dental cleanings also allow an assessment of a child’s overall oral health and make recommendations for further care if needed. So make sure to schedule your little one for their next dental cleaning.
Fissure sealants are an effective way for children to protect their teeth from cavities. Sealants are a transparent plastic layers painted onto teeth to provide an extra barrier of protection against food particles and bacteria, which can lead to tooth decay. They help guard against cavities and are incredibly easy and relatively painless to apply, making them an ideal choice for young children. Fissure sealants can last up to 5 years, allowing your child’s teeth to remain safe throughout those crucial developing years.
When it comes to root canal treatment, most people think of adult teeth. However, pulpotomies and pulpectomies are treatments that can help keep baby teeth healthy. These procedures involve removing the inflamed or infected nerve tissue from the inside of the tooth, avoiding extraction and allowing an eventual adult tooth to erupt. Although pulpotomies and pulpectomies can be more involved in baby teeth due to their larger diameter nerves and smaller crowns. Pulpotomies and pulpectomies remain key components in maintaining proper oral health in paediatric dentistry. In many cases, these simple procedures can keep primary teeth until they naturally fall out, allowing young children to confidently enjoy their favourite smile-inducing foods.
Seeing a dentist for teeth extraction is sometimes necessary during childhood. Some families feel anxious about the experience, but there’s no need to worry as long as you pick a reputable, experienced dentist. With gentle care and attention, a skilled dentist can help make sure children get an efficient and comfortable treatment that helps pave the way for larger, healthier adult teeth.
When it comes to your child’s dental health, it is crucial to think beyond regular brushing and flossing; fillings specific for baby teeth are often an essential part of the equation. The unique structure of baby teeth makes them more prone to decay than adult teeth, including that children can often have poorer oral health habits. Therefore, when cavities occur, your child must receive a filling. OptiSmile’s quality fillings are designed for maximum strength and minimal discomfort for your child; this ensures optimal dental health.
OptiSmile’s Dentists are an excellent resource for paediatric oral health education. We’ll offer comprehensive tips and tools to teach kids and their parents about dental hygiene habits, including brushing techniques and the prevention of cavities. We’ll also provide specialised instructions on proper flossing and the use of mouthwash to help keep young teeth healthy. With OptiSmile, parents can ensure that their children are armed with the skills needed to maintain optimal oral health from a young age.
Orthodontic treatment using Invisalign is an effective and healthy way to align children’s teeth properly. It is a revolutionary system of removable, clear aligners that provide comfort, and it’s tailored to the unique needs of each child. The aligners fit securely over the teeth, gradually shifting them into the desired positions over time. This process makes it possible to straighten teeth without requiring traditional metal braces with wires, bands and brackets, allowing kids to maintain their normal activities without risking damage or discomfort from the metal braces. Additionally, because the aligners are nearly invisible on the outside, children can feel confident about their smiles during treatment, aiding in the avoidance of bullying associated with conventional braces.
Take a look at our most common questions about paediatric dentistry. If you have further questions, please reach out to us for help.
We recommend scheduling a child’s first dental visit by their first birthday.
Our pediatric dentists are experienced in dealing with children with anxiety and can explain treatment procedures positively and pleasantly to avoid negative feelings toward dentistry. Our doctors and staff will explain everything in detail and answer any questions you or your child may have. We advise parents to ask their children about their feelings and refrain from using words that could cause unnecessary fear, such as “needle” or “drill.”
We will record your child’s dental and medical history, complete a comprehensive examination and discuss any findings with you. We will also review the importance of maintaining a good dental health program with you and your child to ensure a healthy and beautiful smile for life!
Ensuring your children have healthy teeth and proper oral hygiene is essential to their overall health. To protect your children’s teeth, it is vital to establish good dental habits and visit the dentist regularly. Brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, flossing daily, replacing toothbrushes every three months, and eating foods that are high in calcium can help you keep your children’s teeth strong.
Additionally, it is important to limit sugary snacks and juices to reduce risking the development of decay. Also, avoid sharing utensils or cups with them as this could increase the risk of products like cold sores transferring between family members.
