Best Child Dentist in Pune | Pediatric Dentist in Pune

How often to visit for a dental checkup?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a dental check up and cleaning every six months for most children. Some children need more frequent dental visits because of increased risk of tooth decay, unusual growth patterns or poor oral hygiene. Our child/pediatric dentist in Pune, Dr. Sneha Patil will let you know the best appointment schedule for your child.

Importance of child's oral health

Taking care and pride in oral care is something that should start at a young age in an effort to create good habits that last a lifetime. After the teeth have been erupted, it is important to begin brushing and flossing the teeth. Children do not have the dexterity to brush their teeth effectively until about age 7. Until then, it is important as a parent to help them brush their teeth twice a day, for two minutes. Angle the toothbrush towards the gum line and brush in small circular rotations along each surface of the tooth. As your child’s fine motor skills begin to develop, it is natural for them to want to try and brush their teeth on their own. It is important to continue helping them brush to ensure all surface areas have been covered, and then offer to let them try!
This is what our pediatric dentists in Pune recommend to kids and their parents.

What about the check ups and cleanings?

Checkups and cleanings should start with when the child’s first tooth comes in and continue regularly every 6 months, unless directed otherwise by your dentist. At each checkup, we will go through what to expect at the visit. Sometimes, X-rays will be necessary and at other times, they may not be. So, in case you visit our clinic, an examination by our pediatric dentist in Pune is required at each checkup, to ensure healthy and proper oral growth and development. So, visit our dental clinic in Pune, for the ultimate care of your child's teeth.

Topical Fluoride Application

Topical fluoride applications are especially beneficial for children who are growing up in an area without fluoridated drinking water or without the proper means for good oral care and hygiene. But even for children with access to fluoridated water and oral care, a topical application can still be helpful. A topical fluoride treatment isn’t a stand-alone application, but a regular part of your child’s dental care of daily brushing and flossing and semi-annual dental cleanings and checkups. Topical fluoride enhances the care they already receive to help produce stronger enamel for future healthy teeth.

SEALANTS

Sealants are a protective coating put on the grooves of the teeth to help prevent cavities. The grooves on the top of the molars are harder to get clean, and sealants help prevent bacteria building up in the grooves causing decay and the need for a filling.

FILLINGS

Fillings are used to save a tooth that has been impacted by a small amount of decay. When a tooth is impacted by decay, the dentist uses his or her drill to remove the bacteria and builds the tooth back up with filling material.

CROWNS

A crown is used to save the natural tooth after it has been impacted by a large amount of decay. A crown, or commonly called a cap, sits on top of the base of the natural tooth and serves as the chewing surface of the tooth. A crown is used to restore in the hopes of not having to pull the tooth. Both white crowns and metal (stainless steel) crowns are available.

SPACE MAINTAINERS

Space maintainers are placed in the mouth to hold a place for the permanent teeth below the gum to come in properly and to prevent crowding. It is important to prevent crowding, because crowded teeth are harder to clean and care for, which can lead to the need for extensive dental work.

CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

At Sparkle, our child dentist in Pune welcomes children with special needs. Dental care is important for everyone, and we will make any accommodations that we can to ensure a child with special needs has a positive experience at the dentist. Sedation options are available for children that have trouble controlling their movements; the friendly environment of the office is engaging, and our private operatory rooms allow for a soothing private experience for children that feel overwhelmed.

Teeth whitening is used to correct discoloration of the teeth by removing the brown and yellow staining. The term "teeth whitening" can refer to a number of techniques to improve the brightness of the patient's teeth. Among them are chemical whitening, mild acid whitening, abrasive teeth brightening and the newest technique, laser teeth whitening.

Teeth Bleaching

Teeth bleaching is chemical process used to lighten the color of the patient's teeth. The procedure can be performed entirely in the cosmetic dentist's office or it can be performed by the patient in their home, using a materials provided by the dentist. The home method is often used because it saves the patient from having to make an office visit for each treatment.
Before the patient embarks on the home teeth whitening regimen, the cosmetic dentist creates a custom mouth tray for the patient. The custom tray is a critical component of the treatment. It ensures that the correct amount of whitening solution is used and that the patient's teeth are properly exposed to the whitening solution. The custom made mouth tray provides for a better fit than a one-size-fits-all mouth tray to help increase the margin of patient safety.
The steps in the home teeth whitening regimen are fairly straightforward. The cosmetic dentist's office provides the patient with the materials and instructions and also answers questions the patient may have about the routine. Your dentist's office can also provide you with off-site supervision should you have any questions once you've begun. A home whitening session can last for two to three hours, during which time you will have the tray and solution in your mouth. Depending upon your needs and desired results, your dentist may instruct you to keep the tray in your mouth overnight. Typically, you will follow your home teeth whitening regimen for two to three weeks, after which time you will return to your cosmetic dentist for a follow up visit.

How long does teeth whitening last?

Teeth whitening is not a permanent procedure. Results can last for one to or more years, depending upon your personal habits. In most cases, the whitening procedure is very effective and the patient is pleased with the results

Teeth Whitening Costs

Generally speaking, the price of teeth whitening increases with the number of in-office treatments required by the patient. Dental insurance does not typically cover the cost of the teeth whitening procedure.

Types of Teeth Whitening Procedures

There are a few teeth whitening procedures available that correct discoloration of the teeth by removing the brown and yellow staining. While each work effectively, there are advantages and disadvantages to each procedure dependent upon your objectives and commitment to the processes. The type of procedures available should be discussed with your cosmetic dentist, and a they will recommend the most appropriate teeth whitening procedure for you.

BRIGHT SMILE TEETH WHITENING (In-Office)

Using a specail light with a whitening gel, this is an in-office bleaching system. It is often followed up with an at-home bleaching kit if needed.
The translucent bleaching gel is applied to the teeth and a specail activating light source is used to activate the crystals to absorb the energy from the light and penetrate the teeth enamel to increase the lightening effect on the teeth. The length of time in the cosmetic dentist's chair depends on the degree of discoloration you have, but two hours is common.
Advantage: One visit is usually all it takes for a bright smile. The tooth whitening treatment typically costs 7000/-.
Disadvantage: The sudden change of color is likely to be noticed by those around you immediately

LASER BLEACHING (In-Office)

Using a laser with a whitening gel, this is an in-office bleaching system.
The translucent bleaching gel is applied to the teeth and a laser light is used to activate the crystals to absorb the energy from the light and penetrate the teeth enamel to increase the lightening effect on the teeth. The length of time in the cosmetic dentist's chair depends on the degree of discoloration you have.
Advantage: One visit is usually all it takes for a bright smile.
Disadvantage: The sudden change of color is likely to be noticed by those around you immediately. This is the more expensive of the procedures available, but also the quickest.

CUSTOM FIT TRAY BLEACHING (In-Home)

A custom fitted tray is worn over your teeth. A small amount of the bleaching gel is placed in the tray and worn for a brief amount of time each day. This is a common technique because it's easy to use and costs less. Impressions are taken of your mouth and a thin custom made plastic tray is made which you take home and wear for about one to two hours per day. While some results may be seen in a couple days, it usually takes one to two weeks to see the full whitening of your teeth. This procedure is sometimes used in conjunction with the in-office laser bleaching if you have severe discoloration (dark grey or purple) or internal teeth staining.
Advantage: A gradual whitening of your teeth over time will be less noticeable to others that you're undergoing this procedure. The cost is relatively low.
Disadvantages: This procedure will require two to four visits to the cosmetic dentists office.

Before & After Photos: Tooth Whitening

Before Tooth Whitening

After Tooth Whitening

Before Tooth Whitening

After Tooth Whitening

Today we have exciting new biomaterials that can give your smile a lift without invasive treatments.
Ultra-thin porcelain veneers or composite veneers can correct chipped, weakened, or discolored teeth. No more yellow or stained teeth; no more gaps or embarrassing chips. And veneers can return real structural integrity to damaged teeth, while leaving them looking as good (or possibly better) than the originals.
Veneers are custom made to fit over your natural teeth, with a finish more translucent to blend in with surrounding teeth. So people won't notice your tooth, they'll simply see your beautiful, natural smile

Composite Veneers (Direct veneers)
Composite are glass filled resins that are bonded to the teeth. The materials have improved dramatically in the past twenty years in terms of durability, esthetics, wear and use. They are used to repair fractured teeth, close small gaps between teeth, lighten teeth and to enhance the smile.
"Ceramic Veneers (Indirect veneers) Ceramic veneers, alternatively termed dental veneers or dental ceramic laminates, are wafer-thin shells of porcelain that are bonded onto the front side of teeth so to create a cosmetic improvement for a tooth, ceramic Veneers retain their beautiful luster and vitality, as they are much stronger and more durable than plastic composite bonding. Sometimes composites will stain or shrink with age, but veneers will not. The best part is that there are no age group limitations. Everyone can benefit, young and old alike.

INDICATIONS
Veneers can be used to provide an aesthetic solution in many situations:

Spaces between teeth.
Severely Discolored teeth.
Malposition or slightly crooked teeth
Odd shaped cracked or chipped teeth
Fractured teeth with a fair amount of tooth structure left.
Teeth with multiple fillings which have compromised the aesthetics of the smile.

What is involved in getting a veneer?

The process of having a veneer made for your tooth involves a few short visits to your dentist. The procedure is simple and relatively painless.
Your Dentist will first analyze your smile to determine which teeth require veneers.
Depending on how much tooth shaping is required, you may or may not require anesthesia.
Step by step procedure to put dental veneers

Teeth Before Veneer

Teeth prepared for veneers

Veneers prepared in laboratory

Veneers separated from cast

Veneers bonded to tooth surface

Ceramic veneer technique is an offshoot of the basic science of cosmetic dental bonding. we have had materials available to us for decades that are capable of creating a tenacious bond with tooth enamel, ceramic veneer technique utilizes the bonding capability of these materials to securely attach a thin shell of porcelain (the porcelain veneer) to a tooth, Although porcelain is inherently brittle, however when it is firmly bonded to a sturdy substructure (a tooth) it becomes very strong and durable.

ADVANTAGES OF VENEERS

The biggest advantage of a veneer is that too little tooth material is removed and hence won't weaken the tooth structure. It is also rightly called as "CLONED ENAMEL".
They look and feel completely natural. A beautiful result is achieved in just a few days time, and can last for many years. The texture and finish of porcelain veneers make them highly resistant to external staining. Due to their durability, looks and comfort, veneers have become one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments available today. Veneers today are widely used by people in the entertainment field and show business to obtain a beautiful smile.

POST TREATMENT CARE

Look after your veneers well. Brush and floss as you regularly do. Use non abrasive toothpaste to help maintain the shine and gloss of your veneers. Normal diet will not harm your veneers. Avoid any shearing force on these teeth [like biting sugarcane].
Regular check ups will ensure your veneers are in excellent shape. Well maintained veneers should last you for many years and give you a long lasting and beautiful smile.
Professional Care

If a porcelain crown or bonding does get looking lackluster or starts staining, there are polishing techniques that can bring the luster back.
When you have porcelain veneers, we recommends extra maintenance polishing appointments - two extra appointments per year - to keep the shine at its maximum, especially at the critical bond area between the tooth and the veneer.

Home Care
Here's your list of "do's" and "don'ts" for home care:

The biggest "no-no" is heavy, frequent alcohol consumption. If you consume large quantities of alcohol daily, the alcohol tends to dissolve bonding or the composite luting material that holds the porcelain to the tooth. Within a period of a couple of years, you could completely ruin the dental work. So, watch your alcohol consumption. Moderate amounts won't have a noticeable effect. Beware, also, of alcohol-containing mouthwashes. Read the list of ingredients on any mouthwash.
Don't subject your teeth to sharp impacts or hard objects. Don't bite pins, nails, or staples. Don't grind your teeth. If you tend to grind at night, get a night guard to protect your teeth. If you engage in contact sports, wear an appropriate athletic mouth guard.
Floss and brush your teeth carefully. While the porcelain or bonding work is immune to decay, the part of your teeth not covered by the cosmetic work is still susceptible to tooth decay. You can still get cavities with veneers or bonding or crowns. Keep it clean and it will stay decay-free and protect your investment.
Watch snacking! This is very important. Between-meal snacking is the single biggest factor in promoting decay. Many dental professionals don't even understand this, but this has been solidly established by scientific studies. If you are a constant snacker, you feed your plaque bacteria all day long, regardless of your excellent brushing habits. The best thing you can do to prevent decay, the deterioration of your teeth and the dental work, is to limit your eating to your basic three meals a day and maybe a couple of snacks.

Metal free ceramic crowns are distinguished by thieir excellent aesthetics. Light, is not only reflected, there is also real transparency as seen in natural teeth. This effect makes the metal free ceramic crown perfect for use in anterior areas, where by minor form and alignment corrections are also possible.
A further advantage of metal free ceramic crown is the tooth shaded margin, which need not To be placed under the gum line. Thus, the crown margin does not irritate the gingival tissue And prevents gum recession.
It is an extremely biocompatible material with no allergic potential. This can be a real Advantage to predisposed(allergic) patients. With smaller defects, limited to the outer surface, we prefer treatment using porcelain facings (veneers) allowing more of natural tooth to be preserved during preparation.
Progressive development in ceramics brings forth ever stronger materials, such as zirconium Ceramic. Therefore, it is now possible to fit metal free porcelain crowns in the posterior area

There are various types of all-porcelain or all-ceramic crowns. Let's explain the differences between some of them:

Feldspathic porcelain is the standard, traditional porcelain that is used for crowns. Many cosmetic dentists feel that this is the most beautiful porcelain.
The Empress crown - Empress is strictly speaking not a porcelain, but is more like a glass. It can be called a ceramic material. The Empress material is cast rather than baked as a feldspathic porcelain crown is. The fit of Empress is more precise than the baked feldspathic porcelain. However, the color in Empress is mostly baked on the outside. Empress can be very beautiful. For appearance's sake, some expert cosmetic dentists prefer the feldspathic porcelain, and some prefer the Empress.
The Procera crown - Procera is a milled ceramic on the inside with a more traditional porcelain baked onto the outside. The advantage of Procera is its exceptional strength. However, the milled ceramic core is opaque white, so many cosmetic dentists feel that it isn't as natural-looking as the more translucent materials. An advantage of Procera is that it doesn't have to be bonded to the tooth but can be cemented with ordinary crown and bridge cement, a technique familiar to all dentists.
The Lava crown - Lava is similar to Procera, but the milled ceramic on the inside is a more translucent Zirconia, rather than an opaque white material. The Zirconia is shaded, and then the final esthetics of the crown are achieved in the baked-on outer layer. The Lava crown can also be cemented with traditional techniques. However, any crown cemented with a traditional crown and bridge cement is going to be susceptible to a compromise in the appearance if that cement line ever shows.
Zirconia crowns, if they are done right, can be translucent enough to look natural. And if they are bonded to the teeth, instead of being cemented with conventional dental cement, they won't show a black line at the gumline.

RECOUNTOURING OF GUMS & TEETH

Gum surgery involves the grafting of gum tissue to a part of the mouth where gums are receding, due to periodontal disease, aging, or natural wear of gum tissue. Gum Contouring involves the removal of excess gum tissue, either manually or more commonly with a laser, to improve a "gummy" smile.
If a patient is at risk for tooth loss due to receding gums, Gum Surgery may be performed as a preventive measure. Other indications of needing gum surgery include the appearance of very long teeth and weak gums due to periodontal (gum) disease.
Gum contouring may be required to correct a "gummy" smile. A gummy smile is indicated as teeth that appear to be too short and/or gums that appear to be too prominent. This can occur by either an excess of gum tissue over the teeth (Excessive Gingival Display), or by excessive grinding of the teeth, causing the teeth to become shorter and making the gum tissue appear more prominent.
Gum surgery or gum contouring are often performed in conjunction with other procedures such as composite resin bonding, crowns, and veneers.

Gum Procedures

The Gum Contouring procedure involves removing excess gum tissue, usually to correct a "gummy" smile, but can also involve the removal of bone. The gum tissue can be removed manually, but is usually done with a diode laser. If a larger amount of tissue needs to be removed, then an additional gum and bone surgery (called Crown Lengthening) may need to be performed. The gum contouring procedure typically takes between 15 to 30 minutes. The Gum Surgery procedure involves the removal of a tissue graft from the roof of the mouth (palate) and suturing the tissue onto the affected gum area. The affected gum area is locally anesthetized and prepared for the graft. For larger treatment areas, general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation may be preferred. This newly grafted tissue reinforces thin gums or fills in areas where gums have receded. Typically, a dentist will prescribe an antibacterial mouth rinse to be used twice a day for a 2-week period following surgery

Gum Surgery Pros & Cons

Pros: A change in the smile is noticed immediately after gum surgery. Gum surgery may improve the health of the gums and reduce tooth sensitivity. The procedure will also protect the roots of teeth from decay by lessening further gum shrinkage. Recovery and healing time is usually very short.

Cons: Gum surgery procedures

Teeth Reshaping

We can add composite fillings to lengthen your teeth to look better or trim teeth. The more skilful the dentist the better the results.

SMILE MAKEOVER

The color, size, and shape of your teeth all have a profound impact on your appearance.
While it is often the desire of people to improve the look of their smiles, it is the goal of aesthetic dentistry, to do this while still maintaining a "natural" appearance of the teeth. This often requires addressing one or all of the above-mentioned criteria. How is it that alterations in these three characteristics enhance your smile?
Color of Your Teeth
Tooth color is most commonly what people see first. As you get older, your teeth get darker. The reasons for this include normal changes that occur within the tooth and repeated insults from environmental conditions (coffee or tea stains, for example). Generally, then, darker teeth are associated with older age. The easiest way that aesthetic dentistry can correct this is by teeth bleaching. But this alone may not entirely create a natural-looking appearance.
Size and Shape of Your Teeth
Size and shape also are major factors that define the appearance of teeth. The most common cause of changing tooth size and shape over time is tooth wear; and the most common cause of wear is tooth-to-tooth contact, or grinding. Wear on the edges of the teeth can give the appearance of aging because you do not show as much of your teeth when you smile. Another factor that affects how much of your teeth show when you smile is the loss of skin tone as you age. This loss of tone causes your face to sag, thereby showing less of your upper teeth and more of your lower teeth. The aesthetic dentistry treatment to enable more teeth to show when you smile will depend on the cause. If the cause is due to wear of the teeth, dental veneers or dental crowns can be used to regain the lost length and fill out the smile. On the other hand, this may not have a significant effect if the cause is due to the loss of skin tone associated with age. If this is the case, plastic surgery may be indicated as part of the treatment.
Wear on teeth also will make the edges of the front teeth very flat. As this occurs, the edges of the front teeth will form a straight line rather than the more youthful appearance when the two front teeth are slightly longer than the teeth next to them. Also, as they wear, the proportion of length to width will be altered. Teeth will start to appear more square in their shape rather than rectangular.
Basically, any treatment that counteracts the above-mentioned appearance changes has the ability to enhance the appearance of your teeth and smile. The aesthetic dentistry treatment can vary from teeth bleaching to dental crowns or dental veneers. Depending on the severity, other forms of treatment such as braces and gum surgery also may be indicated to enhance the appearance and function of your teeth. It is important to remember that all areas need to be addressed. If treatment for teeth that are worn and dark only involves teeth bleaching, the final result will be whiter teeth that are still worn and short. The teeth will not appear natural, as there will be a conflict between white teeth (youthful) and worn teeth (aged) that do not work together. Instead, it is necessary to correct the color, size, and shape to create a more natural appearance.

Case I : Extreme Makover: Tetracycline Staining changed with Veneers !

Patient had been seen in March 2006 at which time I advised that Britesmile would not change the colour of a tetracycline stained tooth. Veneers were the only option. Patient can remember having yellow bands on the teeth as far back as childhood . Treatment planning was done months in advance using mainly photographs as our guide. Here are the results as completed in November 2006 over a period of 10 days ! In total 16 veneers were done.

Patient reported to the surgery with extremely poor hygiene having not seen a dentist for years. Needless to say he was thrilled with his result !

Patient reported to the surgery with badly worn out teeth due to excessive tooth brushing . Procedure involved doing Porcelain veneers and Composite fillings.