Choosing the right expert to care for your family’s dental and orthodontic needs is important. Children often need more than standard dental checkups. They need a team that understands growth and development, comfort, prevention, and long-term oral health.
An experienced pediatric dentist and orthodontist can help make dental visits positive while supporting your child’s smile as they grow. Specialized care matters because children, teens, and adults all have different needs. A pediatric dentist focuses on children’s dental health, while an orthodontist evaluates tooth movement, bite function, jaw alignment, and smile development.
At Union Orthodontics + Pediatric Dentistry, families can receive pediatric dental care and orthodontic treatment in one convenient place.
What Makes a Great Pediatric Dentist?
Specialized Training in Pediatric Dentistry
A pediatric dentist specializes in caring for infants, children, and teens. This training helps them understand baby teeth, permanent tooth development, growth patterns, dental habits, and childhood behavior.
Children may feel nervous during dental visits, especially if they are new to the experience. A pediatric dental specialist uses child-centered communication and behavior guidance to help children feel safe, comfortable, and supported during care.
Parents can learn more about Dr. Mike and his pediatric dental background on the Meet Dr. Mike Hong page.
Qualities Parents Should Look For
For many parents, the top priority is finding a pediatric dentist who is compassionate, gentle, and patient. A preventive approach is also important. Oral hygiene guidance, regular checkups, and professional cleanings can help reduce the risk of cavities and other dental concerns.
A great pediatric dentist should offer:
- Gentle communication with children
- Preventive dental care and education
- A welcoming environment
- Experience with infants, children, and teens
- Guidance for parents and caregivers
- Personalized care for each child’s needs
How to Choose the Right Orthodontist
Why Orthodontic Specialization Matters
An orthodontist has advanced training in tooth movement, bite correction, jaw alignment, and facial growth. This expertise is important because orthodontic treatment affects both appearance and function.
A healthy bite can support chewing, speech, oral hygiene, and long-term dental stability. Orthodontists treat simple and complex concerns, including crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and jaw growth issues.
An orthodontist also creates personalized treatment plans based on each patient’s age, goals, and orthodontic needs. Families can learn more about orthodontic care for different age groups on the Orthodontics for All Ages page.
Factors to Consider
When looking for an orthodontic specialist, consider clinical expertise, treatment experience, and the technology used for diagnosis and treatment planning. Modern digital imaging and bite evaluation can help improve accuracy and create a better patient experience.
A skilled orthodontist will explain treatment options clearly. These may include braces, clear braces, clear aligners, early orthodontics, or adult orthodontics.
Benefits of Pediatric Dental Care and Orthodontic Treatment in One Practice
Coordinated Treatment Planning
Having pediatric dentistry and orthodontic treatment available in one practice can be helpful for families. The pediatric dentist can focus on your child’s oral health, while the orthodontist monitors growth, alignment, and bite development.
When a child shows early signs of crowding, bite issues, or jaw development concerns, the care team can discuss next steps sooner. This coordinated approach may help families better understand treatment timing and long-term smile goals.
Convenience for Families
Convenience is another major benefit. Families may appreciate simplified scheduling, a consistent care team, and dental and orthodontic care in one location. Children may also feel more comfortable when they are familiar with the office, team, and overall environment.
Streamlined coordination can reduce stress and make dental visits easier for busy parents.
New families can visit the New Patients page to learn more about what to expect when getting started.
Orthodontic Care for Children, Teens, and Adults
Early Orthodontic Evaluations
Children should have an orthodontic evaluation at the appropriate age, or sooner if a dentist or parent notices concerns. Early visits allow the orthodontist to monitor jaw growth, tooth eruption, spacing, and bite development.
Early evaluations can help determine whether treatment is needed right away, should be delayed, or is not needed at the time.
Teen Orthodontic Treatment
The teen years are a common time for orthodontic treatment. Braces and clear aligners can help move teeth into better positions and support healthy bite development. Treatment during this stage can often be effective because the mouth and jaw are still growing.
Families with older children can review the Tweens & Teens page for more information about care during these stages.
Adult Orthodontic Solutions
Orthodontic treatment is also available for adults. Modern options can help improve smile appearance, bite function, and long-term oral health. Adults often choose treatment to correct crowding, spacing, misalignment, or bite discomfort.
Clear aligners and other discreet options can make orthodontic treatment easier to fit into a professional and active lifestyle.
Complete Pediatric Dental Care Services
Preventive Dental Care
Preventive dental care for children may include routine checkups, professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and oral hygiene instruction. These services help prevent dental concerns and support healthy growth.
Preventive care can also help children build positive habits early, making it easier for them to care for their teeth at home.
Restorative Pediatric Dentistry
Some children may need restorative care, such as tooth-colored fillings, crowns, or emergency dental treatment. A trusted pediatric dentist also guides parents on important topics like brushing, flossing, diet, pacifier use, and thumb sucking.
The goal is to protect your child’s oral health while making each visit as calm, positive, and supportive as possible.
What Makes a Dental Practice Trusted by Families?
Family-Focused Care
A trusted family dental practice provides compassionate care, patient education, and personalized treatment planning in a comfortable setting.
The team should take time to explain findings, answer questions, and recommend care that fits each patient’s specific needs.
Indicators of Quality Care
Strong indicators of quality care include positive patient experiences, consistent treatment outcomes, modern technology, and clear communication. A trusted practice is focused on long-term wellness, not just short-term treatment.
Families can also review the Orthodontic and Pediatric Dentistry FAQs for helpful answers before scheduling a visit.
What to Expect During Your First Visit
Initial Pediatric Dental Visit
A first pediatric dental visit typically includes a thorough oral examination, preventive recommendations, and parent education. The dental team may also discuss brushing habits, diet, fluoride, and ways to support your child’s comfort during future visits.
Initial Orthodontic Consultation
An orthodontic consultation may include digital imaging, a bite assessment, and a discussion of treatment options. The orthodontist will let you know whether treatment is recommended now, should be monitored, or is not needed.
You may also discuss treatment timing, payment options, insurance, and follow-up visits. Families can review financial information before beginning care.
Schedule a Pediatric Dental or Orthodontic Appointment
Choosing the right pediatric dentist and orthodontist can help your family feel confident about dental care at every stage. Whether your child needs preventive dental care, an orthodontic evaluation, or coordinated treatment planning, Union Orthodontics + Pediatric Dentistry is here to help.
Contact the team to schedule a pediatric dentistry appointment or orthodontic consultation.
Locations We Serve
Union Orthodontics + Pediatric Dentistry proudly serves families from:
- Denver Tech Center
- Sterling Ranch
- Aurora
- Centennial
- Denver
- Highlands Ranch
- Greenwood Village
- Littleton
FAQs
How do I choose the right pediatric dentist?
Look for a pediatric dentist with specialized training in children’s dentistry, gentle communication, a preventive approach, and a comfortable environment. Personalized care and parent education are also important.
What should I look for in an orthodontic specialist?
Choose an orthodontic specialist with advanced training, experience treating patients of all ages, modern technology, and clear communication. The right orthodontist should explain treatment options and create a plan based on your specific needs.
Can children get pediatric dental care and orthodontic treatment at the same practice?
Yes. Practices like Union Orthodontics + Pediatric Dentistry offer both pediatric dental care and orthodontic treatment. This can improve communication, make scheduling easier, and create a smoother continuity of care.
When should children first see an orthodontist?
Many children benefit from an orthodontic evaluation around age seven. Some children may need to be seen sooner if a parent or dentist notices concerns with tooth eruption, bite development, crowding, or jaw growth.
What are the benefits of coordinated dental and orthodontic care?
Coordinated care can help with earlier identification of concerns, smoother communication between providers, and a more organized treatment plan. It can also make appointments more convenient for families.
Can teens and adults receive orthodontic care at the same practice?
Yes. A family-focused orthodontic practice can often care for children, teens, and adults. This allows families to receive consistent guidance and personalized treatment options at every stage of life.
