A lot of time and consideration goes into choosing a healthcare provider, especially if they treat your entire family. After all, they could be in your lives for years to come, so it’s critical to find an experienced professional who is also compassionate and dedicated to quality work. If you are a new parent or actively looking for a family dentist in the Waterville and Winthrop, Maine, area, Smile Solutions of Maine is ready to build that long-term relationship with you and your loved ones. We treat our patients as we would treat our family members.

What is a Family Dentist?

Family dentists provide an array of quality treatments when it comes to oral health. They also cater to the entire family by offering the convenience of scheduling appointments together. This versatile environment is ideal for families due to their ability to have several specialized dental professionals under one roof. From pediatric dentistry for the little ones to preventative services like teeth cleaning– this allows the entire family to maintain a healthy smile. Even with New Patient Examination, we will do our best to see couples, family members, and kids on the same day.

Family Dentist Vs. General Dentist

As you research family or general dentists, it’s important to note that both practices aim to enhance and maintain optimal oral health, and dentists are trained through accredited dental schools. With family dentistry, dental professionals have experience with patients of all ages and provide dental services throughout life. General dentists are essentially the term for professionals who treat patients no matter the practice, including cosmetic dentistry and other services. However, if they don’t provide pediatric services, their business is not called family dentistry. We are proud to say that we have been very successful in treating kids conservatively, especially baby teeth that have caries and need to be maintained.

Benefits of Using a Family Dentist

Family dental offices act as a one-stop shop for the whole crew and are equipped to deal with the specific needs of young children. It is beneficial, both medically and comfort-wise, to stay with the same healthcare professional throughout your life. Additional benefits of seeing a comprehensive family dentist:

They Understand Adolescent Tooth Development

Family dentists not only understand how teeth change but also the craniofacial development that occurs throughout adolescents. This allows for a more comprehensive perspective when treating children, whether that’s for preventative maintenance or recommending orthodontic care. Experts say that a child’s first dental visit should be within one year of age or around the time their first tooth comes in. Seeing a children’s dentist early could prevent future complications.

They Provide a Gentle Approach

It’s challenging enough to get a child to brush their teeth every day, let alone sit in a dental chair while someone pokes around in their mouth. Family dental clinics will help establish a positive perception of the importance of oral hygiene that will influence how they care for their teeth in the future. They have experience talking with children and understanding their needs. 

You’ll Receive a Customized Treatment Plan

Everyone’s anatomy and preferences are different. For instance, some individuals are more sensitive to the kinds of toothpaste or other products dentists use. An established relationship will ensure the dentist knows what the patient prefers and allow the patient to feel comfortable speaking up. Because they know your mouth inside and out, they can spot misalignment or overcrowding more quickly and help you decide on a treatment plan. Tackling the problem as soon as it starts will make the process easier.

What Services Do Family Dentists Provide?

Since family dentists focus on families and kids of all ages, they provide another level of customer service in addition to:

  • Fluoride treatments are crucial in preventing adolescent cavities.
  • Routine dental cleanings are recommended twice a year for people of all ages.
  • Identifying tooth decay and conservative treatment to arrest caries at times without the traditional drill and fill. Emergency dental care for children and adults, including tooth extraction.
  • Cavity treatments are one of the most common services that restorative dentists provide for children.

Smile Solutions of Maine Can Meet Your Family’s Needs

We have a dedicated team of dentists who can serve your entire family and build trusting relationships with your children. Smile Solutions of Maine has over 40 years of experience in the Waterville and Winthrop, Maine, area. Call today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph Dumont, Dr. Peter G. Vayanos, or Dr. Jay R. Wietecha.