
PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY
We recommend routine dental cleanings for several reasons. When we perform a professional cleaning, we remove the buildup of plaque and tartar. We also clean the parts of your child’s teeth that are hard to reach, such as underneath the gums.
After a cleaning, we will polish your child’s teeth so that they shine! We can also apply a fluoride treatment, if necessary, to help prevent tooth decay.
ORAL HEALTH EXAMS
We truly believe that regular dental examinations are important in order for your child to have good dental health and a smile of which he or she can be proud. We start by doing a professional cleaning, removing all of the bad tartar and other buildup on your child’s teeth.
We then do an examination, looking to catch and fix any problems before they become bigger ones. We examine each tooth, looking for any signs of decay, damage, or any other problems, such as signs of infection. We want to correct any problems your child may have before they get any worse.


RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY
Restorative dentistry for kids encompasses procedures aimed at repairing damaged teeth while ensuring their natural appearance and functionality. One common approach involves the use of stainless steel crowns or tooth-colored crowns to restore the tooth’s natural anatomy and provide protection.
Stainless steel crowns are durable, prefabricated caps that are often used to cover primary teeth extensively damaged by decay or trauma. These crowns provide excellent protection and strength, allowing the child to chew and speak normally while preventing further deterioration of the tooth.
Alternatively, tooth-colored crowns (Zirconia), typically made from materials like composite resin or porcelain, offer a more aesthetic solution for restoring damaged teeth in visible areas of the mouth. These crowns are custom-made to match the color and contour of the child’s natural teeth, blending seamlessly with their smile while providing the necessary structural support and protection.
Both stainless steel and tooth-colored crowns are versatile options in pediatric restorative dentistry, allowing dentists to preserve the natural beauty of a child’s smile while ensuring the long-term health and function of their teeth. By utilizing these crowns, dentists can effectively restore the natural anatomy of the tooth while providing essential protection against further damage, enabling children to maintain healthy and confident smiles.
Cavities and Fillings
Dental fillings are used to treat different dental problems like cavities and broken teeth. Teeth are usually filled with a material called composite resin, which is designed to look like natural teeth. Fillings can also be done with biocompatible state of the art resin technology.
Composite resin takes a little longer, though most people still prefer it because it creates natural-looking teeth. It takes more than one layer, and a special light is used to harden the area around the filling.

SEDATION DENTISTRY
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is more commonly known as “laughing gas” It may or may not make your child laugh, but it will keep your child in a relaxed state while still being conscious. It is completely safe to use with no long-term side effects. We will gently put a mask over their face before the necessary treatment and have them breathe through their nose to feel the effects before treatment begins.
Oral Sedation
We also offer oral sedation (moderate sedation) for children who will not tolerate treatment otherwise. For this method, the medication is carefully administered in-office, and Dr. Cataldo will monitor your child throughout the procedure according to guidelines set out for pediatric dentists. The medication will make your child feel drowsy, but like the nitrous oxide, they will still be awake throughout their treatment. It is possible to eventually fall asleep, which is the result of a relaxed patient and not the medication effects.
IV Sedation
Dr. Cataldo is certified to treat your child utilizing deep sedation, also called IV sedation. She works closely with a pediatric anesthesiologist, who will be present throughout the procedure and will monitor your child with Dr. Cataldo, as she completes all necessary treatment.
Please visit www.pediatricsedation.com for more information
SILVER DIAMINE FLUORIDE (SDF)
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a topical medicament used in dentistry to treat and prevent dental caries (tooth decay). It is a clear liquid composed of silver, fluoride, and ammonia. When applied to a cavity or a tooth surface affected by decay, SDF helps to arrest the progression of the decay and promote remineralization of the tooth structure.
The application of SDF is a non-invasive procedure that does not require drilling or anesthesia, making it particularly suitable for pediatric patients and individuals with dental anxiety. It works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria responsible for tooth decay while strengthening the enamel and dentin of the affected tooth.
SDF is especially useful in treating cavities in primary (baby) teeth, as it can halt the decay process and prevent the need for more invasive treatments like fillings or extractions. Additionally, it can be applied to sensitive areas of exposed dentin to alleviate discomfort and protect the tooth from further damage.
Although SDF stains decayed areas black, its benefits in preventing tooth decay and preserving dental health outweigh its cosmetic drawbacks. Dentists may recommend SDF as part of a comprehensive preventive care plan, particularly for individuals at high risk of developing cavities.
Overall, silver diamine fluoride offers a minimally invasive and cost-effective approach to managing dental caries, promoting oral health, and preserving natural tooth structure.


EMERGENCY DENTAL CARE
It is very important to be prepared in case your child has an emergency. Even though we wish that they wouldn’t, emergencies do happen. Being educated and knowing what to do in an emergency can be the difference between losing and saving a tooth. You also need to know your dentist’s phone number.
You need to contact us right away if you are having an emergency! If we are not open, go to the nearest emergency center.
SEALANTS
Tooth sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of children’s teeth, particularly the molars and premolars, to prevent cavities and decay. These sealants are typically made of resin materials and are painted onto the grooves and pits of the teeth, creating a barrier that shields them from bacteria and food particles that can lead to decay. Sealants are painless to apply, requiring no drilling or anesthesia, making them an ideal preventive measure for children who may be anxious about dental procedures. By effectively sealing off vulnerable areas of the teeth, sealants help to reduce the risk of cavities and promote long-term dental health for children, providing added protection alongside regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups.

INVISALIGN OR CLEAR ALIGNERS
Invisalign® is a modern alternative to straighten your teeth without wires or metal. Invisalign® involves a series of custom trays designed specifically for you and the plan your dentist or orthodontist creates to move your teeth. The trays are made from a smooth plastic that covers your teeth and gradually moves them into place.

PHASE 1 ( Braces or Invisalign)
The earlier we catch problems with your child’s bite, the simpler they are to fix. The results are often better than if we wait and will require significantly less work. We may not need to keep braces on your child for as long when they are younger, which means less expense for you.
The American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) recommends that children visit an orthodontist as soon as their dentist notices that there might be a problem, or before they are seven years old. We may not have to do anything at this age, other than monitor the child’s mouth. However, if we continue to watch your child, we can start treatment right away if something arises.
Early intervention can be beneficial. We will watch how your child’s mouth and teeth grow and develop, so if we see something that needs to be done, we can do it as soon as possible. We will also know exactly when to start treatment, if needed.
At the age of seven, the first adult molars start to come in to help establish the back bite. We can start to evaluate your child’s permanent bite formation, both front-to-back and side-to-side.
PHASE 1 (Early treatment) allows us to do the following:
- Make room for the permanent teeth when there is overcrowding
- Ensure facial symmetry
- Reduce trauma when the front teeth are protruding
PHASE 1 (Early treatment) also reduces the need to remove teeth and the time patients must wear braces. According to AAO studies, skipping orthodontic treatment can lead to the following:
- Crossbites can result in unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear.
- Open bites can result in tongue-thrusting habits and speech impediments with proper and timely orthodontic treatment, you may have the following benefits:
- A healthier mouth since crowded teeth can be hard to brush causing cavities and gum disease.
- Fewer broken teeth since protruding teeth are more likely to get broken. or Phas


No matter your age, you deserve a smile that gives you confidence. Braces are not just for children anymore. With the latest advancements in technologies, we can get you the smile you deserve!
Here at [dm-name], we work hard to give you the smile you’ve always wanted. We offer several different treatments that can be effective no matter how old you are. More and more orthodontic treatments are becoming available to give adults the smile that they want.
Orthodontic treatments are not just for your smile. Fixing your teeth can also dramatically change your oral health. When you have crooked teeth or a malocclusion (uneven bite), you may be prone to oral health problems such as gum disease and tartar buildup.
It can be really hard to brush between your teeth when they don’t line up correctly, which will lead to more cavities and decay. Many people who suffer from malocclusions have jaw pain and headaches.
If you want to improve your smile, we always start with a thorough examination and x-rays. We will then discuss your options, including different forms of braces, aligners, and retainers. We will also talk about the treatment plan, what you should expect, and the cost. Finally, we will guide you through your insurance coverage to find out if you can be covered for all or part of your treatments.
It is never too late to have a smile that you love to show off. Contact us today to discuss your options! You won’t believe how quickly you can see a change in your smile with the appropriate treatment.