Before coming to your your appointment, please complete the COVID-19 Informed Consent Form
Here’s what to expect when you come to the island for the first time…
The initial exam will last approximately one hour. Oral hygiene instructions will be provided by our staff, along with suggestions to help you care for your child’s teeth. In most cases, we will also clean your child’s teeth on this visit and provide an evaluation that will outline your existing dental problems and proposed treatment. Dr. Gema is a pediatric dentist, meaning she has additional training in caring for children’s oral health. Much of your initial exam will be dependent on your child’s age, needs, and comfort level.
When Does Your Child Need Their First Visit
According to the AAPD, your child’s visit should be around his or her first birthday. Primary teeth (baby teeth) are very important even though they will be lost. Proper chewing and eating, space and positioning, and jaw bone development are all dependent on primary teeth.
Preparing Your Child
For an enjoyable and comfortable visit, it’s best not to use any concerning or fearful words regarding the visit. Let them understand that it should be a pleasant visit where the dentist will explain what’s going on and answer any questions.
Before your visit, please take a moment to read through our updated COVID-19 policies and procedures.
Your child’s first trip to see Dr. Marzban for an orthodontic evaluation will feel a lot like a typical trip to the dentist. Your child will sit in a dentist’s chair and we may take X-rays of your mouth and teeth. The X-rays and pictures show the orthodontist where the teeth are positioned and whether there are teeth that haven’t come in yet.
We may also make a mold (or impression) of your teeth by pressing a tray of gooey material into the top and bottom of your child’s teeth. A mold helps the orthodontist decide how to proceed.
Dr. Marzban will examine your child’s teeth, mouth, and jaws. He may ask him or her to open wide or bite together and might ask questions about whether there are any problems chewing or swallowing or whether your child’s jaws ever click or pop. The orthodontist may tell you that your child’s teeth and jaws are fine, or recommend treatment to correct any problems he encounters.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children make their first visit to the dentist by no later than age 1 to establish a foundation for their dental care.
This dental visit allows parents to address their child’s oral health in a number of areas:
If you suspect a problem, or even a cavity already, be sure to bring it up at the visit. A history of cavities in the family — or a habit of falling asleep with a bottle or while nursing — may give your baby a higher chance of developing early tooth decay. Other changes worth a mention include: any white spots on the teeth, ulcers or lesions in the mouth, bluish bruises where a tooth is trying to grow, grinding, or tongue issues.
@islandchildrensdentistry #AAPD recommends the first dental visit by age 1. Early examination and preventive care will protect your childs smile. #pediatricdentistry #kidsteeth #toddlermom #babyteeth #brushyourteeth ♬ original sound - Shawnee Pediatric Dentistry
In order to make your first visit more enjoyable, we encourage you to fill the following online forms.
All the information you provide is secure and will not be shared with any third-party entity.
We want to know more about our patients. Please click here for the Patient Information form.
We need to know your child’s dental history in order to provide the best possible dental care. Please click here for the dental history form.