How can I whiten my child’s teeth?

Brushing well and visiting the dentist every six months for dental cleanings are the most effective ways for younger children to achieve a whiter smile. Over-the-counter whitening treatments can be too harsh for children, and they aren't recommended for primary teeth.

Why are my child’s adult teeth so yellow?

When permanent teeth first erupt, they often appear to be yellow. This is completely normal as permanent teeth are naturally a shade yellower than primary teeth and this will stand out during the mixed dentition phase. This does not mean your child has poor oral hygiene habits or any other dental issues. Over time, these new teeth will look whiter.

Is it safe for kids to whiten teeth?

While there are no serious risks or side effects from teeth whitening, it can cause painful tooth sensitivity and irritate the gums, especially when store-bought whitening kits are used without the supervision of a dentist. Your child may be a candidate for in-office teeth whitening if all of their adult teeth have erupted. This treatment is safe and effective.

How long does teeth bonding last?

Cosmetic bonding has a three to five year lifespan or longer, although this is dependent on your child's habits and the location of the tooth, as some teeth are more prone to stress and wear than others.

What can dental bonding fix?

Although dental bonding is most commonly used to fix chipped teeth in children, it can also be used to repair cracks, cover stains, close gaps, and improve the appearance of malformed teeth.

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Laser Frenectomies in Gaithersburg, MD

At Dream Smiles Pediatric Dentistry of Gaithersburg we provide laser frenectomies in Gaithersburg, MD to patients with lip and tongue ties from infancy to adulthood. To learn more or schedule a consultation, call us at 301-327-1003.

A frenectomy is a simple procedure designed to release a tight or restrictive band of connective tissue in the mouth known as a frenulum. When the frenulum is too short or thick, it can cause challenges with breastfeeding, speech development, or proper oral function as your child grows. This restriction does not allow normal movement of the tongue and lip and affects about 20% of the population causing a variety of issues.

What Is a Frenectomy?

A Laser Frenectomy is an outpatient procedure that is very quick, minimally invasive, and much less traumatizing to your child than a more involved, traditional surgical procedure. In addition, laser surgery doesn’t require general anesthesia or sedation. Not only is this less time-consuming, but it’s also much safer for your child.

Dr. Jamshidi uses LightScalpel CO2 laser to perform frenectomies in a very safe and efficient manner. The precise cutting, minimal collateral damage, clear and bloodless surgical site, faster recovery time, minimal risk of reattachment, and minimal post-operative pain in comparison with regular scalpel incision or diode lasers makes the LightScalpel the best tool of choice for clinicians performing laser frenectomies.

Symptoms in Infants

Common symptoms of tongue tie and lip tie in infants are:

Poor weight gain
Poor latch
Reflux or frequent spitting up
Frequent gassiness or fussiness
Clicking or smacking noises when eating
Frustration when eating
Inability to hold a pacifier
Prolonged nursing or bottle feeding sessions
Painful nursing
Decreased milk supply
Flattened and/or blistered nipples
Incomplete breast drainage
Plugged ducts or mastitis
Inability to nurse without a nipple shield

If you or your infant have more than a few of the above symptoms, even with good weight gain, your child should be evaluated for tongue tie and lip tie.

baby lying on bed with its hand in its mouth

Symptoms in Toddlers and Older Children

Common symptoms of tongue tie and lip tie in toddlers and older children are speech, feeding and sleep issues as well as airway problems. These problems can appear as struggling with speech or articulation that are not resolving, being a slow or a picky eater, sleeping with an open mouth, grinding teeth or snoring at night, having restless nights waking up tired or hyperactive in the mornings and strong gag reflex.

If you or your infant have more than a few of the above symptoms, even with good weight gain, your child should be evaluated for tongue tie and lip tie.

Benefits of Laser Frenectomies

Minimally invasive and painless: Unlike traditional methods, our laser technology makes the procedure quick and virtually pain-free, with minimal bleeding and no need for stitches.
Faster recovery time: With reduced swelling and discomfort, your child will experience a quicker return to normal activities following the procedure.
Improved oral health: Resolving lip or tongue ties early can enhance feeding, speech development, and overall oral function to support your child’s development.
Safe and precise: Our advanced lasers ensure precision and safety, minimizing risks and maximizing effectiveness for an optimal outcome.

Why Choose Dream Smiles?

Compassionate care in a soothing environment: We understand that visiting the dentist can be stressful for children. At Dream Smiles, our team’s caring and reassuring approach helps ensure your child feels safe and comfortable every step of the way.
Expertise in pediatric care: With years of specialized training and experience, Dr. Jamshidi and our team are uniquely qualified to provide expert care tailored to children of all ages and needs.
Advanced technology: We use the latest laser technology to provide the safest and most effective procedures for your little one’s health and well-being.

Procedures Offered

Tongue-Tie Release (Lingual Frenectomy): Releases a restricted tongue-tie to improve breastfeeding, speech clarity, and oral movements.
Lip-Tie Release (Labial Frenectomy): Addresses a tight lip tie that can impact feeding or oral hygiene, promoting proper oral function and development.
Buccal Tie Release: Targets restricted tissues in the cheek area, enhancing mobility for better speech, feeding, and comfort.

Is Your Child a Good Candidate for Laser Frenectomy?

If your child has difficulty breastfeeding, trouble eating solid foods, speech impediments, or oral discomfort, they might benefit from a laser frenectomy. Consult with Dr. Jamshidi to discuss your child’s specific needs and determine the best course of action for their care.

Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Frenectomies

Is a laser frenectomy painful for my child?

Laser frenectomies are quick, gentle, and virtually pain-free. Most children experience little to no discomfort during or after the procedure.

How long does the procedure take?

Each site release takes about 10 seconds and the entire process usually takes only a few minutes, allowing us to treat your child effectively in no time.

What is the recovery process like?

Recovery is typically very quick, with most children resuming normal activities on the same day. Some swelling or mild discomfort may occur but resolves quickly.

What are the long-term benefits of a frenectomy?

Early intervention with a laser frenectomy can improve breastfeeding, speech clarity, oral hygiene, and overall oral function, providing long-lasting benefits as your child grows.

Are laser frenectomies safe?

Yes! Our advanced laser technology ensures precision and minimizes risks. The procedure is safe, effective, and has minimal impact on surrounding tissues.

How do I know if my child needs a frenectomy?

Signs such as difficulty breastfeeding, problems eating, or impaired speech could indicate a tongue or lip tie. Schedule a consultation with us for an evaluation.

Can this procedure be done for older children?

Absolutely. While the benefits are most noticeable in infants, older children experiencing issues caused by restricted frenulum tissue can still benefit from a laser frenectomy.

How soon can my baby breastfeed after the procedure?

Right away! Breastfeeding often becomes more comfortable for both mom and baby immediately following the procedure.

Call Dream Smiles

At Dream Smiles, we’re dedicated to helping your child thrive with compassionate care and the latest dental technology. If your child is experiencing challenges with feeding, speech, or oral health, call 301-327-1003 or contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jamshidi today to learn how a laser frenectomy can help. We’re here to support your family, every step of the way!

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