Friendly children’s dentist in Bulleen
Childhood is one of the most important stages for establishing good oral health. At Smile Style Dental, we believe that visiting the dentist from an early age allows children to build the confidence to tolerate dental treatment, and to become responsible for their own dental health into adulthood.
Our goal is to make every visit calm, friendly and reassuring, so children associate the dentist with a positive experience rather than something to worry about.
Our kids dental services in Bulleen
We offer a range of dental services for children at our Bulleen clinic, from routine preventive care through to treatment for anxious young patients.
Check-up and clean
Regular check-ups and cleans are the foundation of your child's oral health. During these visits we examine the teeth and gums, gently clean away plaque and buildup, and monitor how your child's smile is developing. For most children we suggest a visit around every six months, which also helps them stay familiar and comfortable with our team.
Orthodontics
Orthodontic care can help guide the alignment of the teeth and jaws, and there can be advantages to reviewing your child's development early. Depending on your child's needs and age, our children's dentist Bulleen can assess and plan for orthodontic treatments such as braces or Invisalign as they get older.
Extraction
In some situations a tooth may need to be removed, for example a badly decayed baby tooth or a tooth that is affecting how others are coming through. Where an extraction is recommended, we take the time to explain why, talk through the options and carry out the procedure as gently and comfortably as possible.
Sedation options for anxious children
We understand that some children feel nervous about dental visits. For anxious young patients, or for more involved treatment, sedation options may be available to help your child feel more relaxed and comfortable. Smile Style Dental Bulleen offers sleep dentistry with a qualified sedationist, and we will discuss whether this is appropriate for your child, along with the associated considerations, before proceeding.
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some of the questions we hear most often about our children dental services in Bulleen. If there is anything else you would like to know before your visit, simply contact our team - we're always happy to help.
When should my child first see a dentist?
We recommend a first visit from around 12 months of age. These appointments may involve simply sitting on a parent’s lap in our dental chair or having the baby teeth counted and polished with a soft brush. Early appointments are less about treatment and more about familiarisation, helping your child get used to the sights, sounds and routine of a dental visit in a low-pressure way. Seeing children early also lets us monitor development and offer guidance suited to each stage.
When should my child have an orthodontic assessment?
Orthodontics can be done at any age including during adulthood, but it is often much easier when children are young. So as not to miss the opportunity to begin treatment at the right time, the earlier we see your child the better, preferably before the age of 7 years. This allows us to pick up any problems that may be impacting on your child’s dental development and facial growth, and often involves referral to allied health professionals such our speech pathologist or ENT surgeon for an assessment.
At Smile Style Dental, we believe that early orthodontic intervention can reduce the need for braces, or at the very least, make braces treatment simpler, faster and less costly, due to the adult teeth being in better alignment following the early intervention treatment.
Using our early intervention technique, we can usually avoid the extraction of healthy adult teeth that often accompanies the use of traditional braces.
If you are interested in considering an alternative to braces, or are keen to start your child’s orthodontic treatment before they start high school, contact us for an orthodontic consultation.
Does Smile Style Dental bulk bill children under CDBS?
Yes. We bulk bill services provided under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS).
The CDBS is an Australian Government program that helps eligible families with the cost of common dental services such as examinations, x-rays, cleaning, fissure sealants and fillings.
In general terms, a child may be eligible if they are aged between 2 and 17 years, are eligible for Medicare, and receive (or have a family member who receives) a qualifying payment such as Family Tax Benefit Part A for at least part of the year. Eligibility criteria and benefit amounts are set by the Government and can change.
If you would like to check your child's eligibility or make the most of the program, contact our team or simply fill in this form.
Book your check-up & clean today
If it has been longer than you would like since your last visit, there is no need to feel awkward about it. Wherever you are starting from, a check-up and clean is a straightforward first step, and we will meet you without judgement. We welcome new and returning patients from Bulleen, Doncaster, Templestowe and Balwyn North.
Contact our team today to book your visit!