Parents want the best for their children in all aspects of life, and that certainly includes their smiles. As a dual-specialty practice, Coppe + Sears can help achieve high quality treatment by offering both pediatric dentistry services as well as orthodontic care in the same office. Having both specialties under one roof allows us to provide seamless dental care from early childhood through adulthood, aligning the teeth and jaws and improving/maintaining oral health. With three pediatric dentists, one orthodontist, and skilled support team, we offer families in Lexington and the surrounding communities the chance to have their orthodontic and pediatric dentistry needs to be met in a cohesive, team-oriented environment.
Pediatric Dentistry
Primary teeth are the placeholders for permanent teeth, and require regular dental care to keep them healthy and strong. Starting dental visits with a pediatric dentist from an early age can set the stage for a lifetime of good oral health. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that a child see a pediatric dentist by their first birthday, or within six months after the first tooth erupts.
Pediatric dentists specialize in dental care for children ranging from infants through the teenage years and beyond. Because they are experienced in treating younger patients, they are well equipped in handling the emotional and developmental issues that children can have surrounding dental appointments. Drs. Mike and Carolyn Coppe and Dr. Stephanie Karapetian have the education, training, and skills to make children feel more comfortable and at ease when they visit our Lexington office. Children appreciate the fun, light-hearted approach we have at the office and ensure positive experiences. Good early experience with the dentist is much more likely to result in a lifetime of good dental habits. Parents of our patients are often amazed that our doctors are able to speak to their (sometimes timid) child in a way that allows us to complete the needed dental procedures, whether that is a cleaning, sealants, or fixing cavities.
Pediatric dentists receive additional formal training that general dentists do not, including 2-3 years of additional training following dental school. This training focuses on subjects such as child psychology, dental growth, and the development of infants, children, teens, and children with special needs. Pediatric dentists have the skills and expertise to correct issues that commonly occur with children’s mouths, such as cavities, tooth decay, delayed loss of baby teeth, dental trauma, and in the case of older children and teenagers, wisdom teeth. They are also qualified to administer sedation to young or fearful patients who may be undergoing more intensive dental treatments.
Our pediatric dental specialists help parents and children establish a good oral hygiene routine early so that children always know the importance of taking care of their teeth and gums. We also teach our patients (and parents!) proper brushing and flossing techniques, and provide fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and routine checkups to minimize tooth decay and ensure a healthy smile.
Orthodontic treatment for all ages
If our team discovers a need for orthodontic treatment through regular dental visits, an appointment will be scheduled with our orthodontist, Dr. Chad Sears. As a dental specialist, his goal is to produce beautiful smiles as well as a healthy bite by straightening teeth and aligning them within the jaws. Orthodontic treatment helps patients of all ages achieve a healthier smile by correcting teeth and jaws that are improperly positioned and treating dental and facial irregularities. When combined with a comprehensive dental health care plan, orthodontics can give patients a smile that looks, feels, and functions better.
Dr. Sears provides a number of orthodontic treatments for our patients, including:
- clear and metal braces
- Invisalign (as a Gold Invisalign Provider)
- jaw growth modification
- orthodontics for severe bite problems
There is no age limit for orthodontic treatment, and Dr. Sears is proud to provide high-quality orthodontic treatment to children, adolescents, and adults at our Lexington office. He can assist patients of all ages in correcting many orthodontic issues, including:
- teeth that are too crowded
- teeth that are spaced too far apart
- missing lateral incisors
- early orthodontic issues
- open bite (the front teeth do not touch)
- deep overbite (the lower front teeth bite into the palate)
- underbite (the lower teeth are in front of the upper teeth)
- overjet (protruding front teeth)
- crossbites (upper teeth too narrow compared to the lower teeth)
- many more bite issues
An experienced orthodontist like Dr. Sears possesses the knowledge, skills, and experience to deliver successful results and the very best smile possible. Orthodontic treatment with Coppe + Sears includes many different treatment modalities to achieve a straighter smile that is not only attractive, but also functional. Straight teeth are easier to clean and maintain, reducing the chances for decay, TMJ pain, and even gum disease. We use state-of-the-art technology to help create the perfect bite, and offer a wide range of solutions to meet every orthodontic need. Children and adolescents who undergo orthodontic treatment with Coppe + Sears can have regular dental checkups with us as well.
Collaboration: Trusted Pediatric Dental and Orthodontic Care with Coppe + Sears
At Coppe + Sears, one of our biggest assets is the combination of both the pediatric dental and orthodontic specialties in one office. These two specialties go hand in hand and depend on one another for collaborative planning and rendering of treatments. There is not a day that goes by where our pediatric dentists and orthodontist do not ask each other for input on patient management and how to handle specific clinical situations.
We understand that children, teens, and adults will all have different dental needs, with each requiring a different level of attention and care. We have many years of experience in treating dental and orthodontic cases from simple to complex at our Lexington office, and are known in our community for providing exceptional care that focuses on patient comfort and efficient treatment results. We work diligently with every patient to ensure only the most appropriate treatment is recommended.
For further information on our pediatric dental or orthodontic services, click here to schedule a consultation, or call 781.861.6120 to speak to a member of our team.