Regular Dental Checkups for Kids 6-8 Years Old

Written by: Dr. Chantal Kengo, Specialist Pedodontist

In the health sector, the well-proven rule is, it is better to prevent than cure, and this of course, is just as relevant when it comes to oral health.

So for all of us, and particularly children, regular dental checkups are the key to healthy teeth.

As a matter of fact, children aged 6 to 8 undergo an important change in terms of mouth development and teeth growth. They move from having baby teeth to having a mix of baby and adult teeth. And these adult teeth will then stay in the child’s mouth forever.

This major mouth transformation of the child will most of the time create position problems and cavities for which professional attention will be needed.

The major changes

• The child will replace his 8 front teeth; the 4 upper and the 4 lower baby incisors with permanent incisors.
• The child will also undergo the growth of 4 molars behind his baby molars (2 up and 2 down). These teeth are called: the 6-year-old molars. Molars are the teeth located at the back of the mouth.

Dr. Chantal Kengo, Pediatric Dentist

Why Regular Checkups?

Regular checkups should take place every 6 months and during this key childhood period, they will allow the Pediatric Dentist:

1. To prevent wrong bites (malocclusions)
   Indeed, the 8 new permanent incisors are much larger than the baby ones. That will create a lot of position problems as these new teeth won’t have enough space for all of them to fit properly.
   The Pediatric Dentist will therefore intercept these wrong positions in order to prevent malocclusions.
2. To prevent cavities
   The 6-year-old molars arrive silently and without pain, as they don’t replace any teeth. They are very prone to damage and as a matter of fact, children may not include these teeth (the teeth are too far back) in their brushing routine if they are not taught to do so.

A visit to the Pediatric Dentist will make the child and his parents aware of the new teeth and teach them how to effectively clean and brush them. The Pediatric Dentist will eventually apply sealants and fluoride on these new teeth for protection.

Life After Orthodontics: Do I Really Need Retainers?

Written by Dr. Argiro Kechagia

So you’re finally nearing the finish line of your orthodontic treatment. How can you make sure you can keep and maintain your brand new smile?

Our Specialist Orthodontist Dr. Argiro Kechagia talks about the six most commonly asked about dental retainers. What are they for and do you really need them? Find out today!

1. What are orthodontic retainers for? 
The retainers are a part of the last phase of orthodontic treatment and are very important since they are responsible in maintaining and holding the alignment of the teeth, and the improvement of the bite after the completion of active orthodontic treatment.  

Teeth that have moved orthodontically have an inherent tendency to return to their original malocclusion positions.

The need of retention is very important to maintain the stability of the occlusion achieved by the orthodontist and the patient, and the retainers are doing exactly this.

2. Are there different kinds of retainers? 
There are two different kind of retainers and they are both frequently used:

Fixed retainers 
Fixed retainers are usually wires bonded to the back surfaces of lower anterior teeth for aesthetic and prolonged retention. These may be fabricated directly in the mouth or indirectly from an accurate stone model.

Removable retainers 
 Retainers that are made from stainless steel wire and acrylic (Hawley and WrapAround retainers)  Clear vacuum formed retainers. These retainers are comfortable and aesthetic because of their invisible appearance.

Dr. Argiro Kechagia
Specialist Orthodontist at Dr. Michael's Dental Clinic

3. How often and how long do I have to wear them?
It is recommended that all the patients have retention maintenance for at least 1 year. Most of the orthodontists use a removable retainer for the upper arch, as most of the relapse occurs in the first 6 months following braces removal, the maxillary retainer is worn full time for the first 6 months. After the first 6 months, the patient can go to night wear only and gradually reduce this if there is no pressure areas when seating the retainer. The lower retainer is usually a fixed retainer, which it should be left in place for a longer period even a lifetime.

Always remember that the answer to the question of long-term stability is long-term retention.  

4. How do I know when I need new ones? 
With fixed retention, if you feel that the glue has come off on one or more teeth and that your bonded retainer has become loose, go and see your orthodontist as soon as possible.

The removable retainers will need replacement when:
 you wear through the plastic
 part/s of wires or acrylic break off
 they became very loose and your orthodontist is unable to tight them up again
 they just get very dirty like anything else that you wear everyday
 the position of your teeth changes enough that your retainer does not fit properly

In general, if your retainer doesn’t look or fit like it used to, it is time for an adjustment, repair, or replacement. Don’t delay and pay your orthodontist a visit right away.

5. How do I effectively clean my retainers? 
Fixed retention can make cleaning in between teeth more challenging. However, with good flossing procedures and regular hygienist appointments, the fixed retainers can be kept in place until adulthood or indefinitely if necessary.

With removable retainers, both types should be cleaned as follows:
 You can brush your removable retainers with a toothbrush (not the one that you are using to brush your teeth) with either liquid soap or a non-abrasive toothpaste. Just remember to rinse them well.
 Once a week, soak the retainers in denture cleaning solution. Dissolve the tablet and put the retainer in the solution for 10 minutes to 20 minutes maximum. Please only use cold water to soak your retainer.

6. Does my orthodontist still need to check my retainers regularly?
Regardless of the type of orthodontic retainer you have, you should always continue to arrange regularly check-ups with your orthodontist for at least 2 years post treatment.

Dr. Argiro has extensive training and experience in treating children, teens and adults using the latest techniques in orthodontics including lingual braces, invisible braces, the Damon system and mini implants. She is a certified provider of Invisalign, Eon and Incognito braces. She is also trained to manage patients with cleft lip and palate along with oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

To book a consultation with Dr. Argiro, please give us a call at 04-3949433 today. 

Digital Smile Design: Empowering Beautiful Smiles

Written by Dr. David Donelson, DMD FAGD

In today’s society, people desire having naturally beautiful smiles that are in harmony with their physical characteristics and expressive of their personalities. As a doctor that utilizes Digital Smile Design, we must be acutely aware of the many factors associated with developing a smile that goes beyond traditional dentistry. It takes an artistic vision and the ability to harness new technology to become a great designer of digital smiles.

Digital Smile Design is a systematic approach to consistently achieve functional and esthetic dentistry. It allows for diagnosis, communication, treatment planning and execution in a proven predictable way.

The concept is based on analysis of the patient’s facial and dental proportions. By using a series of high resolution digital photos and videos we are able to develop a deep understanding of the relationship of the teeth, gums, and lip with the rest of the face. Facial features that express emotion are analyzed to design the smile. Drawings are made on the digital photos to record measurements that translate to the desired characteristics of the smile. These photos are then used to communicate with the laboratory to fabricate a mold that is used to show the patient their new smile in their mouth.

Dr. David Donelson DMD FAGD

The DSD concept is customized for each individual patient. No two patient’s smiles are alike. The beauty of Digital Smile Design is the emotional response people have from the process of trying on their new smile. The patient becomes the co-author of their smile, allowing them to have input in their desires, expectations, color, shape and ultimately the end result.

The initial appointment for a Digital Smile Design takes about 45 minutes to an hour. The appointment consists of taking high resolution digital photos and videos, as well as impressions for study models. A week later at the follow up appointment the patient will see almost exactly what the end result will look like through the use of a “trial smile”. This is a direct replica of the smile design that temporarily goes over the existing teeth in order to test drive the new smile. At the end of the appointment the smile design is removed from the mouth before the patient leaves the office.

This “trial smile” is unique in that before committing to treatment the patient is able to see before and after photos. It allows for the doctor and patient to analyze the smile and make any improvements if necessary before beginning with treatment. The patient can then accept the case and make appointments to start work on their new smile.

Happy 44th UAE National Day

"As we celebrate the national day, we salute our heroes of the armed forces and stress our pride of the martyrs."
- H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan