Parent FAQs
Clear Answers for Your Child’s Dental & Orthodontic Care
What families often ask—and what you deserve to know
Choosing dental and orthodontic care for your child comes with real questions—and thoughtful parents deserve clear, honest answers. This page addresses the topics families most commonly ask about pediatric dentistry and orthodontics, from first visits and preventive care to growth monitoring, braces, and what to expect as your child’s needs change. Our goal is to explain the why behind recommendations, outline how decisions are made, and help you feel confident about each step of your child’s care at Ponte Vedra Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics.
Frequently asked questions
Do 7-year-olds still need a pediatric dentist?
Yes. As adult teeth start coming in, kids still need a dentist who understands growth and development. Our team focuses on monitoring eruption patterns, bite changes, and cavity risk as your child’s smile transitions from “little kid teeth” to a more permanent set.
What should I do if my child has a new adult tooth coming in behind a baby tooth?
This is common around ages 7–9. Sometimes the baby tooth loosens quickly and everything resolves naturally; other times it needs a closer look. We’ll check spacing, gum health, and whether the tooth is likely to align on its own or needs help.
When should we start watching for orthodontic issues?
By age 7, it’s smart to evaluate how the bite is developing. We keep an eye on crowding, spacing, crossbites, and growth patterns, and we’ll let you know if early intervention could make treatment simpler later.
How does dental care change between ages 6 and 18?
Between ages 6 and 18, your child’s mouth goes through constant transition. Baby teeth loosen and fall out, permanent teeth erupt, spacing and crowding shift, and the jaws continue to grow. During these years, we monitor eruption patterns, check bite development, and watch for signs that orthodontic support, spacers, or extractions may be needed. The goal isn’t to treat everything at once — it’s to guide growth thoughtfully, address issues at the right time, and help set your child up for a healthy, well-aligned adult smile.