Practicing and maintaining healthy oral hygiene from a young age is important. For this reason, Dr. Raymond Ribitch and his professional team treat patients of all ages. Dr. Ribitch and his team can provide personalized dental care for you and your family.
Our team enjoys educating patients about oral health and helping young patients learn how to maintain healthy teeth and gums. We offer sports mouthguards, tooth bonding, and Invisalign for older children. Dr. Ribitch and his team want to provide consistent care every step of the way.
Family Dentistry in Mount Pleasant, MI
Learn more about these treatment options:
- Mouthguards: Do you or your child play contact sports? Protect your and your child’s teeth from injury with a custom mouthguard. Dr. Ribitch will work with you or your child to create a comfortable sports mouthguard. He will take a mold of teeth to craft the final custom mouthguard.
- Tooth Bonding: Tooth bonding is a quick and easy solution to cosmetic problems that many patients face. Like porcelain veneers, tooth bonding can repair chipped or cracked teeth. Dr. Ribitch can complete your tooth bonding procedure in just one visit to his office.
- Invisalign: You can get straighter teeth in 3 to 9 months using a series of clear aligners. Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign aligners are comfortable and easily removed and cleaned. Because aligners are made of ultra-thin plastic, they won’t damage teeth or gums. Treatment with Invisalign can also be used in conjunction with other restorative treatments. If you have misaligned teeth or an uneven bite, our professionals can fix these complex dental problems in our Mount Pleasant, MI office.
FAQS: Dental Care for Children
How important are primary teeth?
Primary or “baby” teeth help children speak and chew and also help to form a path for permanent future teeth. Primary teeth need to be taken care of because cavities and infections can be painful and lead to serious health problems, especially in the future.
How do you care for primary teeth?
When your child’s first tooth shows, it can be cleaned with a wet washcloth or gauze. If a toothbrush is used, it should be an infant toothbrush to be the correct size for your child.
Where does decay on the primary teeth occur most often?
The upper front teeth or the upper primary molars found furthest back in the mouth are the most prone to decay. These primary teeth should also be flossed to clean between them.
When should I start using toothpaste on my child’s teeth?
Even before teeth come in, you should use an infant toothbrush or wet washcloth to clean your child’s gums. When teeth come in, you should use a small amount of toothpaste to brush your child’s teeth twice daily.
When do I start bringing my child to the dentist?
You should bring them to the office within six months of their first tooth erupting or before they turn a year old. It’s essential for us to monitor the growth and development of your child’s mouth. We’ll also teach you how to keep your child’s teeth clean and mouth healthy.
What’s the most common dental problem for children?
Tooth decay is what we see most prominently in children. Their diets are usually higher in sugar, and they aren’t as good at brushing and flossing their teeth as adults. Review proper oral healthcare tips with your child and ensure they eat a healthy, balanced diet.
Dental Care for Teens, Adults, and Seniors
Regular care is just as important as you continue to age. We monitor your smile to catch any possible issues before they reach the more serious stages. Wisdom teeth come into the picture in the late teens and early 20s. Our mouths often aren’t big enough to accommodate these extra molars. They can cause your mouth to be cramped, and teeth can shift and move. If the teeth are impacted under the surface, it can lead to pain and infection. Usually, we recommend a wisdom tooth extraction.
You don’t have to be of a certain age to get a straighter smile. We offer Invisalign treatment to adults of any age. Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners to slowly shift your teeth into the correct position. Many people prefer it over traditional metal braces. Treatment is subtle, and it’s hard to tell you’re even wearing aligners. You can also take out the aligners to perform your oral healthcare routine and eat.
The years take a toll on our oral health, just like they do on the rest of the body. Teeth discolor naturally as we age, as the enamel layer wears down and exposes the off-white dentin underneath. Lifestyle habits like smoking and coffee drinking have an impact as well. Professional teeth whitening or other cosmetic dentistry solutions can take years off your smile.
Seniors are also more likely to lose a tooth. Even one missing tooth can greatly impact your oral health and the appearance of your smile. You should replace missing teeth as soon as possible. We recommend dental implants to any eligible patient. They’re the only tooth replacement solution that replaces the tooth root as well as the tooth crown. They help prevent jawbone deterioration and give you back 100% of your bite function.
Schedule a Dental Appointment
Are you seeking a dental practice that provides personalized care for the whole family? Call Dr. Ribitch and his professional team at 989.268.7966.