Children & Early Smiles
We see children from their first tooth to their teens at our Millenia Walk clinic. Care divides into two things that are usually confused: early childhood dentistry — familiarity, prevention and treating baby teeth — and early orthodontics, which is about guiding jaw growth from around age seven. They run on different timetables and are booked separately.
Early childhood dentistryFROM THE FIRST TOOTHShort familiarity visits, prevention, fluoride, habits and diet, and treating decay in baby teeth. Ages 1 to about 6.
Early (Phase 1) orthodonticsAGES ABOUT 7–10Expanders and sagittal appliances to create arch space and correct the jaw relationship while the jaws are still growing.
The two timetables
- Age 1
- First visit. A look, a count, and a conversation with the parent. Nothing is forced.
- Ages 1–6
- Six-monthly visits. Prevention, fluoride where appropriate, and treating decay early — baby-tooth enamel is thin and decay moves fast.
- Age 7
- Orthodontic assessment. Not necessarily orthodontic treatment: often the answer is to review annually.
- Ages 7–10
- Phase 1 treatment where indicated — expansion or sagittal correction, while the palatal suture is still open.
- Ages 11+
- Reassessment for Phase 2: braces or aligners, if still needed.
Also for children
Questions
When should a child first see a dentist?
Around the first birthday, or whenever the first tooth appears. Early visits are about familiarity rather than treatment.
At what age should a child be assessed for braces?
About seven. Enough adult teeth are through to read the pattern of the bite, while enough growth remains to guide it.
Who sees children at Calm Dental?
Dr JD Tan and Dr Joanne Ou see children for general and preventive care. Dr Tan also provides early orthodontic treatment and tongue-tie assessment.
Can I use the CDA Baby Bonus or CHAS for my child?
Yes. The Child Development Account may be used for children’s dental treatment, and CHAS subsidies apply to selected treatments for cardholders.