Why Bring Your Child In For A Dental Visit?
Many parents think they must bring their little ones to the dentist only when all the teeth have come in or if there are dental problems. Well, it shouldn’t be the case.
The ideal time for your child to visit our dentists is six months after the first tooth’s appearance. This way, we can check if there are signs of abnormality in the mouth and provide you with information about your child’s dental care needs.
We can also start to educate your child about proper dental hygiene. It will help ensure that they’ll have healthy teeth and a beautiful smile for life.
Dental Treatments for Children
When you visit Happy Dentistry, you’re assured that your child’s teeth and oral health are in good hands. We offer different dental services for children, which include:
Teeth cleaning and preventive care
It’s essential for your child to have regular dental cleaning to prevent issues early on and avoid preventable tooth decay.
Bonding
This is a quick, simple way to repair your child’s teeth that are chipped, crooked or discoloured. Our dentists will sculpt a white resin onto your child’s tooth during the bonding procedure to fix the problem area.
Crowns
These are steel or porcelain caps that replace the teeth’ outer portion. Crowns are used when a damaged tooth needs support. It can restore the tooth’s function and look.
Fluoride treatment
Fluoride can help strengthen your child’s teeth and prevent cavities.
Fillings
This procedure fills a hole or cavity in your child’s tooth. Teeth fillings are necessary if your child has tooth decay or if the tooth’s structure is damaged due to trauma.
Sealants
These are thin dental coatings that will be applied on your child’s back teeth or molars to prevent tooth decay for many years.
Tooth extraction
If your child’s tooth is damaged beyond repair, we might need to remove it. We’ll make this procedure as comfortable for your child as possible.
Emergency dental treatment
If your child is experiencing severe pain, discomfort, or bleeding in their teeth or gums, it would be best to set up an emergency dental appointment with us so we can help your child.
Sleep Dentistry for Children
At Happy Dentistry we proudly support the child benefits dental schedule since the programmes commencement in 2014. The program was previously known as the Medicare Teen Dental Plan (MTDP). CDBS is Medicare funded and provides eligible children aged 2-17 years old with dental services as required.
At Happy Dentistry, we offer sleep dentistry procedures. Our gentle and caring sleep dentists is trained and experienced in providing your child with a stress-free dental care experience.
During the initial consultation, we will take time to learn about your child’s dental care needs and work out a way to provide safe and painless dental treatment.
We use modern equipment to perform sedation or sleep dentistry procedures to calm nervous patients. Talk to our expert sleep dentist if you want a treatment that’s:
Comfortable
the patient can feel at ease even during lengthy, complicated procedures.
Safe
using advanced dental sleep equipment, your child is in good hands with our experienced dentist.
Efficient
free from dental anxiety, a patient can have multiple treatments in one visit and avoid returning to the clinic for several sessions.
What To Expect On The First Visit
The first dental visit is recommended when a child reaches 12 months of age, or within 6 months after the first tooth comes in. Depending on your child’s age, the visit may include a full examination of the teeth, jaws, bite, gums, and oral tissues.
Our dentists will check teeth growth and development. Your child may also have a gentle teeth cleaning if needed. We will teach your child about oral hygiene, proper brushing, and cleaning to motivate them to maintain good dental health.
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (Medicare)
At Happy Dentistry, we proudly support the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS). Commenced on 1 January 2014, it provides access to benefits for basic dental services to children aged 2-17 years. It replaces the previous Medicare Teen Dental Plan (MTDP).
The total benefit entitlement is capped at $1,052 per child over a two calendar year period. The CDBS is means tested, which requires receipt of Family Tax Benefit Part A (FTB-A) or a relevant Australian Government payment. Eligibility is determined each calendar year.
The CDBS provides individual benefits for a range of services including examinations, cleaning, fissure sealing, fillings, x-rays, root canals and extractions. Benefits are not available for orthodontic or cosmetic dental work and will not be paid for any services provided in a hospital.
Not all services provided by us are fully rebated under this scheme. Some gap payment may be necessary for some services.
Children’s Dentistry FAQ
What is children’s dentistry?
Children’s dentistry focuses on the oral health of infants, children, and teenagers, including check-ups, preventive care, and treatment to support healthy smiles as your child grows.
When should my child first see a dentist?
The Australian Dental Association recommends your child’s first dental visit when their first tooth appears or by their first birthday to ensure healthy development and prevent early dental issues.
What happens during a child’s dental check-up?
A check-up includes examining your child’s teeth, gums, and jaw, a gentle clean if needed, fluoride application for protection, and guidance on brushing, diet, and oral care habits.
How often should my child visit the dentist?
Regular check-ups every 6 months are recommended to monitor growth, prevent cavities, and build positive dental experiences for your child.
How can I prevent cavities in my child’s teeth?
Encourage twice-daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, limit sugary snacks and drinks, and schedule regular dental visits. Our team also offers fissure sealants to protect your child’s teeth from decay.
What are fissure sealants for children?
Fissure sealants are protective coatings applied to the grooves of back teeth to prevent food and bacteria from getting stuck, reducing the risk of cavities in children.
Is children’s dental treatment covered by Medicare or insurance?
Eligible children may receive free dental care under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS). We can assist you in checking your child’s eligibility and help with private health insurance claims.
How can I prepare my child for their dental visit?
Use positive language, read books about visiting the dentist, and avoid using dental visits as a punishment. Our friendly team will ensure your child feels comfortable and safe.
Why is children’s dentistry important?
Early dental visits help prevent decay, monitor oral development, and establish lifelong healthy habits, reducing the risk of dental anxiety in the future.
Are You Looking For a Chinese-speaking Children’s Dentist in Melbourne?
We are proud to communicate effectively in both English and Mandarin at our dental practice in Melbourne. We offer our services to international students, families, and anyone looking to improve their dental and oral health across all age brackets.
We Are Here to Help
At Happy Dentistry, we take a patient-centred approach in all our services. We will always prioritise your comfort, health, and safety. We will work with you as you decide to improve your child’s dental and oral health.
Happy Dentistry provides high quality, states of the art children’s dentistry solutions. Our dentists in Melbourne are continually updated with the latest tools and techniques in the field of dentistry.
Accessible Location
Located on Swanston Street, our dental practice is in the heart of Melbourne CBD. Visit us at our Melbourne dental clinic during our opening hours!
Get quality dental treatment for your child to help them attain and maintain a beautiful smile. Please book an appointment today, or you can learn more about our Chinese-speaking dentist in Melbourne.