Crowns vs. Bridges: Which Option is Best for Restoring a Damaged or Missing Tooth?

If the tooth is damaged or gone completely, your dentist might mention a crown or a bridge. Both are strong, natural-looking ways to restore your smile. They just serve slightly different purposes. Knowing which one you actually need can save you time, money, and a lot of confusion.

Let’s Start with Crowns

If your tooth is damaged but still hanging in there, a crown might be your best bet.
Crowns act like helmets for your teeth, and they cover the entire visible portion, protecting it from further damage while restoring its shape and strength.

We usually recommend a crown when a tooth is:

  • Cracked or fractured
  • Severely decayed
  • After a root canal
  • Misshapen or discolored

Crowns can be made from porcelain, ceramic, or other durable materials that blend beautifully with your natural teeth. When placed properly, they can last 10–15 years or more with good care.

A crown fixes your tooth, and it also prevents small cracks or decay from turning into extraction-level problems.

What About Bridges?

Now, if you’re missing a tooth (or a couple of them), that’s where bridges come in.
A dental bridge quite literally “bridges the gap” between two healthy teeth. It’s made of one or more artificial teeth called pontics, held in place by crowns on either side.

Bridges are ideal when you have:

  • One or more missing teeth in a row
  • Strong supporting teeth on both sides
  • No need (or desire) for an implant

They restore your bite, your smile, and your confidence. Because when you’re missing a tooth, it’s not just about looks. Can we all agree to that? It affects how you chew, speak, and even how your jaw aligns over time.

How to Decide Between the Two

Here’s where your dentist steps in. But a few rules of thumb help:

Situation Best Option
Damaged but intact tooth Crown
Missing tooth with healthy neighbors Bridge
   

If we can save the tooth, we usually go with a crown. If the tooth is gone, a bridge often fills that space beautifully.

And yes, sometimes it’s a combination. A bridge supported by crowns on either end is one of the most common restorative treatments we do.

Longevity and Care

Crowns and bridges both last for years, but they need the same care as natural teeth. Brush twice a day, floss around them, and keep up with checkups.

We’ve had patients walk in worried about replacement after 10 years, only to find their restorations still solid. Regular maintenance really does make all the difference.

The Bottom Line

Whether it’s a crown protecting what’s left or a bridge filling what’s gone, both options help restore comfort, function, and confidence.

At Bravo Dental, we’ll walk you through what your tooth actually needs. No guesswork, no one-size-fits-all solutions. Just the right care for your smile.

Book your appointment today!

How Early Orthodontic Care Sets the Stage for Lifelong Healthy Smiles?

We had a mom come in recently with her 8-year-old, worried about some crowding. “Isn’t she too young for braces?” she asked.
Good question — and a common one.

The truth? Orthodontic care is not always about braces and aligners. It’s more about timing. Catching little shifts and bite issues early can make a huge difference later on. Sometimes, early orthodontic care (what we dentists call “interceptive treatment”) helps guide how teeth and jaws develop and can even prevent the need for major corrections down the road.

Why Early Evaluations Matter

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic checkup by age 7. Around that time, kids start getting their permanent teeth. That’s when orthodontists can spot early signs of:

  • Crowding or spacing issues
  • Overbite, underbite, or crossbite
  • Jaw growth imbalances
  • Habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting that affect alignment

When these problems are caught early, treatment can be simpler and most of the time even shorter and easier, because a child’s bones are still growing and easier to guide.

What Early Orthodontic Care Looks Like

No, it doesn’t always mean braces right away. For many kids, it starts with small, preventive steps:

  • Space maintainers to guide tooth eruption
  • Habit appliances to stop thumb sucking or tongue thrusting
  • Partial braces or aligners to correct developing issues
  • Monitoring growth every few months

Sometimes, the first phase of orthodontic care simply helps the permanent teeth come in straighter, making phase two (if needed later) quicker and easier.

The Long-Term Payoff

Parents often ask, “What’s the benefit of starting early if we’ll need braces later anyway?”
Here’s the thing — early orthodontic care can:

  • Improve bite and jaw alignment
  • Make cleaning teeth easier, reducing cavity risk
  • Prevent uneven wear and future dental problems
  • Boost speech and chewing function
  • Build confidence early on

And yes, when done early, it often reduces how long braces or aligners are needed later.

The Emotional Side No One Talks About

We’ve seen it countless times: a child who was self-conscious about crooked teeth starts smiling wider after early orthodontic treatment. Parents notice the change first — posture, confidence, laughter. It’s not just about straight teeth; it’s about how they feel when they show them.

What Parents Can Do Now

If your child is around 7 years old, it’s the perfect time for an orthodontic evaluation. Even if everything looks fine, that first check creates a roadmap for growth. And if small adjustments are needed, they’ll be easier (and cheaper) to handle now than in the teen years.

A Healthy Smile Starts with Early Action

At Bravo Dental, we believe every confident smile starts with a strong foundation, and that foundation begins early. Our team makes orthodontic care comfortable, clear, and family-friendly, whether your child needs braces now or later.

Schedule your child’s orthodontic evaluation today. Let’s set them up for a lifetime of healthy, confident smiles.

How Thumb Sucking Affects Your Child’s Teeth and May Lead to Braces

A toddler fast asleep, thumb in mouth, looking completely peaceful. We’ve all seen it somewhere. For many parents, it’s an adorable sight. And in the early years, thumb sucking is normal and usually harmless. Babies are born with a natural sucking reflex and  it helps them feel secure.

But here’s the thing: if the habit sticks around too long, it can start to affect how teeth and jaws grow. And sometimes, it’s the reason kids end up needing braces later.

When Does Thumb Sucking Become a Problem?

Most kids naturally stop sucking their thumb between ages 2 and 4. If it continues beyond that, especially once the permanent teeth begin to come in, that’s when dental changes can start to show.

We have seen parents bring in their child around 6 or 7 and say, “He still sucks his thumb at night — could that be a problem?”  The answer is yes, if the habit is strong or frequent enough.

What Changes Can Happen to the Teeth?

Prolonged thumb sucking puts pressure on the teeth, jaw, and roof of the mouth. Over time, it can cause:

  • Protruding front teeth (commonly called “buck teeth”)
  • Open bite, where the upper and lower front teeth don’t touch
  • Crossbite, which affects how upper and lower teeth fit together
  • Changes in jaw growth that may require orthodontic treatment later

These shifts aren’t just cosmetic, but they also make chewing, speaking, and even breathing harder.

How Does This Connect to Braces?

Early habits can set the stage for orthodontic needs. If thumb sucking pushes teeth out of alignment, braces (or clear aligners, depending on age) are often needed to bring everything back into place. In some cases, an orthodontic appliance may be recommended to help stop the habit and guide teeth back on track.

Helping Your Child Break the Habit

Stopping thumb sucking isn’t always easy, especially if it’s your child’s comfort tool. But the earlier you address it, the easier it usually is. A few strategies that help:

  • Positive reinforcement – Praise or small rewards when your child avoids sucking their thumb.
  • Distraction and comfort – Offer stuffed animals, blankets, or other comfort items instead.
  • Gentle reminders – Avoid scolding; calm redirection works better.
  • Dental guidance – Sometimes hearing it from the dentist (instead of mom or dad) makes a bigger impact.

When to Check in with the Dentist

If your child is 5 or older and still consistently sucks their thumb, it’s worth bringing up at their next dental visit. We can check for early signs of bite issues and give you tools to help break the habit before permanent teeth fully settle in.

The Bottom Line

Thumb sucking in toddlers? Normal. Thumb sucking in older kids? A habit worth addressing. Because while it may start as something harmless and even cute, long-term thumb sucking can shift teeth, affect jaw growth, and often lead to braces.

At Bravo! Dental, we’re here to support both you and your child with gentle guidance, prevention strategies, and orthodontic care if needed.

Book a visit today and let’s set your child up for a healthy, confident smile.

Spotting Trouble: Signs Your Dental Crown Needs Attention

We see this a lot in our office: someone had a crown placed years ago, and it’s held up beautifully. Then, one day, they notice a little sensitivity, or the crown feels different when they chew.

Here’s the truth: dental crowns can last for many years, but they don’t last forever. And knowing the early warning signs can save you from bigger problems (and more expensive fixes) down the road.

So, What Should You Watch Out For?

Crowns are meant to protect and restore your natural tooth, but sometimes they need a little attention themselves. Here are the red flags you should watch out for:

1. Sensitivity or Pain

If you feel sudden sensitivity to hot or cold, or pain when biting down, something is not right. It could mean:

  • The crown doesn’t fit as snugly as it should anymore
  • Decay has formed underneath
  • Or the tooth nerve is irritated

Not every ache means problems, but it’s worth a dental check to keep everything in place.

2. Visible Chips or Cracks

Crowns are strong, but years of chewing (and sometimes a popcorn kernel in the wrong place) can cause damage. A chipped crown might still “work,” but it leaves your tooth underneath vulnerable.

3. A Loose or Wobbly Feeling

If your crown feels like it shifts when you chew, that’s not normal. The adhesive may have weakened, or the tooth structure beneath may have changed. Either way, don’t ignore it. A loose crown is one step away from coming off entirely.

4. Receding Gums Around the Crown

Notice your crown looks “longer” than it used to? Gum recession can expose the edges, creating small pockets where bacteria slip in. That’s how decay under a crown often starts.

5. Bad Breath That Won’t Go Away

Here’s one most people don’t connect: a crown that doesn’t fit properly can trap food and bacteria. Over time, it causes odor and even infection. If brushing doesn’t fix it, it may be the crown.

Common Mistake: Waiting Until It Breaks

We’ve had patients come in holding a crown that popped off mid-meal. Usually, the signs were there weeks earlier and they ignored. Crowns don’t usually fail overnight; they give warnings. Catching the problem early means a simple adjustment, and you won’t need a full replacement.

How Long Should a Crown Last?

On average, crowns last 10–15 years, but with good care, some last 20 or more. The key is regular checkups. We can spot tiny changes you might miss, long before they turn into emergencies.

Protecting Your Crown

Here’s how to make your crown last longer:

  • Brush and floss around it daily
  • Avoid chewing ice or very hard foods
  • Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth
  • Keep up with dental visits

Bottom Line

Dental crowns are one of the best investments you can make in your smile. But like any investment, they need maintenance.

If your crown feels off, don’t wait. Book a visit to Bravo! Dental. We’ll take a look, fix what needs fixing, and keep your smile strong for the years ahead.

How to Maintain Great Oral Health in Your Golden Years

We had a patient in her 70s once tell us, “I just assumed losing teeth was part of aging.”
It’s a common belief. But here’s the truth: your teeth can last as long as you do — if you give them the right care.

Aging changes a lot — joints ache, eyesight shifts, bedtime creeps. But when it comes to oral health, the basics still matter. Sometimes even more.

Oral health is connected to your overall health. Studies have shown that gum disease is linked to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and even respiratory issues.

In other words: taking care of your mouth is taking care of your whole body.

So, What Really Changes With Age?

Your gums, for starters. They tend to recede, which exposes more of the tooth and makes it easier for cavities to sneak in. Medications can dry out your mouth, which takes away the natural protection saliva gives. And years of chewing, grinding, or clenching? They leave their mark.

We also see higher risks of oral cancer and gum disease in older patients. Not to scare anyone — but these are things we want to catch early, not late.

Simple Habits That Still Pack a Punch

The good news: you don’t need a brand-new routine. Just consistency.

  • Brush gently, twice a day. Softer bristles are usually better on aging gums.
  • Don’t ditch flossing. It’s still the only way to clean between teeth.
  • Stay hydrated. If dry mouth is an issue, water and sugar-free lozenges help.
  • Watch your diet. Crunchy veggies, calcium-rich foods, less sugar

And of course: regular dental visits. More than just a cleaning, those visits give us a chance to spot gum disease, early decay, or signs of oral cancer before they become serious.

Restorative & Preventive Options

Even with great care, some seniors may need restorative support — and that’s okay. Today’s dentistry offers comfortable, natural-looking solutions:

  • Dentures and partials for multiple missing teeth
  • Implants for permanent, stable replacements
  • Crowns and bridges to restore strength and function

Paired with preventive care like sealants, fluoride treatments, and regular checkups, these options help you maintain a smile that’s both functional and beautiful.

Confidence at Every Age

Here’s what we remind our senior patients: your smile is part of your story. It deserves attention, whether you’re in your 60s, 70s, or beyond.

A little extra care now can mean fewer problems, less discomfort, and more reasons to smile tomorrow.

Ready for the Next Chapter in Your Smile’s Story?

At Bravo Dental, we specialize in care for every stage of life — including your golden years. Whether it’s preventive care, dentures, or implants, our goal is simple: keeping your smile healthy, comfortable, and confident. And importantly, we have senior dental plans specially designed for you.

Book your senior dental checkup today — because every age deserves a great smile.

Healthy Gums, Healthy Life: Why Gum Care Deserves More Attention This September

When people think about dental care, teeth usually steal the spotlight. White, straight, cavity-free — that’s the goal, right? But here’s the thing: your gums quietly hold it all together. Without healthy gums, even the strongest teeth won’t stand a chance.

That’s why September is recognized as National Gum Care Month — a reminder to give your gums the attention they deserve. Because healthy gums don’t just protect your smile… they protect your life.

Why Gum Health Matters More Than You Think

Gums aren’t just the “pink stuff” around your teeth. They’re the soft tissue that anchors teeth in place, guards against bacteria, and supports your jawbone.

When gums get inflamed or infected (gum disease), it’s often more than bleeding when you brush. Over time, untreated gum disease can cause:

  • Tooth loss
  • Bone loss in the jaw
  • Chronic bad breath
  • Shifting or loose teeth

And here’s the kicker — researchers have linked gum disease to health problems far beyond the mouth, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory conditions.

So yes, gum care really does affect your whole body.

Early Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Gum disease often starts small. You might notice a little bleeding when you floss. Or maybe your gums look puffy and red instead of firm and pink. Common early symptoms include:

  • Bleeding when brushing or flossing
  • Tender or swollen gums
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Receding gums (teeth look “longer”)

If you catch these signs early, gum disease is highly treatable. Ignoring them? That’s when problems escalate.

Everyday Habits That Protect Your Gums

The good news is, gum care doesn’t require anything complicated. It starts with doing the basics consistently — and a little prevention goes a long way.

  • Brush gently twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
  • Floss daily — yes, every day. It’s the only way to remove plaque between teeth.
  • Rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria.
  • Watch your diet — sugary foods and drinks fuel plaque buildup.
  • Don’t skip dental cleanings — professional care removes tartar you can’t reach at home.

Professional Care: Your Best Defense

Here’s what we see a lot in our office: patients wait until they notice pain before making an appointment. By then, gum disease may already be advanced.

Routine dental visits are not always about polishing teeth. They allow us to:

  • Spot gum disease early
  • Provide deep cleanings (scaling and root planning if needed)
  • Give personalized tips for your home care routine

It’s proactive care that keeps your gums and teeth healthy for the long run.

Healthy Gums = A Healthier You

Your gums are the unsung heroes of your smile. This September, take a moment to check in on their health. A little daily care and regular dental visits can prevent serious problems and keep your whole body healthier too.

At Bravo Dental, we’re here to help you protect the foundation of your smile. Book your gum health checkup today and celebrate Gum Care Month with confidence.

Protecting Your Investment: Why a Nightguard is Your Crown’s Best Friend

Protect That New Crown While You Sleep — Here’s How

You finally got that crown done. The shape is perfect, the bite feels right, and your smile? Back to full strength.

Now imagine all that being worn down quietly while you sleep.

If you clench or grind your teeth at night (a condition known as bruxism), your crown could be under serious pressure. The good news? There’s a simple way to protect it: a custom nightguard.

Let’s take a closer look at how a nightguard helps safeguard your crown and your entire smile.

First, Why Are Dental Crowns So Vulnerable?

A crown may look and feel like a real tooth (and it should), but it’s still not invincible. Whether it’s porcelain, ceramic, or zirconia, it’s durable — not indestructible.

Over time, excessive pressure from grinding or clenching can cause:

  • Chips or cracks in the crown
  • Loosening of the crown’s seal
  • Wear on surrounding natural teeth
  • Soreness in the jaw or headaches

Most of this happens overnight when you’re unaware and can’t stop it.

Enter: The Nightguard

A nightguard is a custom-made mouthpiece you wear while sleeping. It cushions your bite and absorbs the pressure caused by grinding or clenching. More like a helmet for your crown.

Why It’s Especially Important After Getting a Crown

We often recommend nightguards for people before problems start, but if you’ve had a crown placed recently (or multiple), it’s even more important.

Here’s why:

1. It Protects Your Investment

Crowns aren’t cheap. You’ve invested in restoring your tooth  and a nightguard helps protect that investment for the long haul.

2. It Preserves Your Bite

Grinding doesn’t just damage your crown. It can shift your bite over time, affecting your jaw alignment and causing pain.

3. It Prevents Future Dental Work

A cracked crown or worn-down opposing tooth can lead to more dental treatment, more time in the chair, and more expense. Nightguards reduce that risk.

How Do You Know If You Need One?

Here are a few signs you might be grinding at night:

  • Waking up with jaw tightness or soreness
  • Headaches in the morning
  • Sensitive teeth without visible decay
  • Noticeable wear on your front teeth or flat edges
  • A history of breaking or damaging dental work

Even if you don’t feel symptoms, your dentist might spot signs during a routine exam. And if you’ve already had restorative work done like crowns or veneers — a nightguard is often recommended as a preventive step.

Custom vs. Store-Bought: Is There a Difference?

Yes — and it matters.

Over-the-counter nightguards may offer temporary relief, but they often lack proper fit and protection. A custom nightguard is made using impressions of your teeth, ensuring:

  • A precise, comfortable fit
  • Better coverage and durability
  • Fewer issues with slippage or irritation

It’s a small investment for a lot of peace of mind.

Your Crown Needs Backup

At Bravo Dental, we want your crown to last for years. A custom nightguard can help make that happen by protecting your smile while you sleep.

Think you might be grinding your teeth? Let’s talk. Book a consultation and find out if a nightguard is right for you.

Is There a Link Between Bad Oral Hygiene and Oral Cancer?

When most people think about poor oral hygiene, they imagine cavities, bad breath, or maybe gum disease. But there’s another risk that doesn’t get talked about as much, and it’s far more serious: oral cancer.

While not all causes of oral cancer are related to hygiene, maintaining a clean, healthy mouth may reduce your risk. And at the very least, it makes early detection much easier.

Let’s break it down.

What Exactly is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer refers to cancer that develops in the tissues of the mouth or throat — this includes the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, floor of the mouth, and roof of the mouth.

It can start small, even painless, which is why it often goes unnoticed in its early stages. Symptoms may include:

  • Persistent mouth sores
  • A lump or thickening in the cheek
  • Difficulty chewing or swallowing
  • Red or white patches in the mouth
  • Numbness or pain that doesn’t go away

Early diagnosis makes a huge difference — but catching it early depends on your oral health habits.

How Does Oral Hygiene Fit into This?

Here’s the thing: poor oral hygiene on its own doesn’t directly cause oral cancer. But it can contribute to the environment that allows more serious conditions to develop.

1. Chronic Inflammation and Infection

Skipping brushing or cleanings leads to plaque buildup, gum disease, and — over time — chronic inflammation. Ongoing inflammation is known to weaken the body’s ability to fight abnormal cell growth, which may raise the risk for certain types of cancer, including oral cancer.

2. Combined With Risk Factors, It Gets Worse

If someone already uses tobacco or drinks alcohol frequently, poor hygiene amplifies the damage. A mouth already irritated by plaque and bacteria is more vulnerable to the effects of smoking and alcohol — both of which are leading causes of oral cancer.

3. Delayed Detection

One of the biggest concerns with poor hygiene? People simply avoid the dentist. And without regular checkups, early signs of oral cancer may go unnoticed. A tiny sore that seems like no big deal could be something far more serious. Your dental team is often your first line of defense.

Risk Factors You Should Know

While oral hygiene plays a role, other risk factors include:

  • Tobacco use (smoking or chewing)
  • Heavy alcohol use
  • HPV (human papillomavirus)
  • Poor diet and weakened immunity
  • Prolonged sun exposure (linked to lip cancer)

If you fall into any of these categories, regular dental visits are even more important, and your dentist may recommend screenings more frequently.

What You Can Do Right Now

It’s not complicated, and it doesn’t require any fancy routines:

  • Brush twice a day
  • Floss daily
  • Limit tobacco and alcohol
  • Visit your dentist every 6 months
  • Ask about oral cancer screenings, especially if you’re at risk

Taking care of your oral health won’t guarantee prevention, but it gives you the best possible foundation for early detection and long-term wellness.

A Healthy Mouth Can Save More Than Your Smile

At Bravo Dental, we look beyond your teeth. Because we know your oral health is a window into your overall health. We’re here not just to clean your teeth, but to catch the things you might not see coming.

If it’s been a while since your last visit, or if something feels off, let’s take a look. Book your consultation now.

The Role of Sealants, Fluoride, and Mouthwash in Tooth Loss Prevention

Keeping Your Teeth Isn’t Just About Getting Older

Tooth loss isn’t only a “senior” problem. We’ve seen teenagers come in with extractions because of untreated cavities, and adults in their 30s losing teeth from gum disease.

The common thread? Most of it could’ve been avoided with a few simple habits — and three unsung heroes of dental care: sealants, fluoride, and mouthwash.

Sealants: Your Teeth’s Protective Shield

If you’ve ever looked closely at your molars, you’ll notice deep grooves and pits. That’s where food likes to hide and where cavities like to start.

Sealants are basically a thin protective coat painted onto those grooves. Once in place, they keep out food particles and bacteria. Kids get them a lot, but adults with deep grooves benefit just as much.

Why this matters for tooth loss:
A small cavity that’s ignored doesn’t stay small. It grows, weakens the tooth, and can eventually lead to removal. Sealants cut that risk before decay even begins.

And no, it doesn’t hurt. It’s a quick, no-anesthesia kind of appointment. You walk in with vulnerable teeth and walk out with a shield.

Fluoride: Strengthening the Armor

You’ve probably heard about fluoride in toothpaste, but it’s also found in many community water supplies and can be applied in stronger concentrations at your dental office.

It actually strengthens your enamel and can even reverse the very first signs of tooth decay. Think of it as hardening your tooth’s outer armor so acid and bacteria have a much harder time breaking through.

We often suggest fluoride varnish for kids and cavity-prone adults every few months. It’s simple, fast, and works quietly in the background.

Mouthwash: The Backup Guard

Here’s where most people get it wrong — mouthwash isn’t just for bad breath.

The right kind (antimicrobial or fluoride) can help reduce the bacteria that cause gum disease and cavities, and it reaches spots your toothbrush can’t. It’s not a substitute for brushing and flossing, but it’s a great extra layer of defense.

Why the Trio Works Best

Sealants protect the chewing surfaces.
Fluoride makes the entire tooth stronger.
Mouthwash cleans up where the brush can’t.

Used together and paired with regular dental visits — they create a powerful prevention plan that keeps teeth healthy, strong, and in place.

Prevention Beats Replacement Every Time

We’ll be honest — replacing teeth works, but it’s never the same as keeping your natural ones. Implants, bridges, dentures… they all have their place, but they take time, money, and adjustment. A few preventive steps now are so much easier and far less costly.

Let’s Keep Those Teeth Right Where They Are

At Bravo Dental, prevention isn’t just part of what we do — it’s the core of it.
From sealants for your kids to fluoride treatments and mouthwash recommendations, we’ll help you keep your smile healthy for the long run.

Haven’t had a preventive visit in a while? Let’s fix that. Book your appointment today.

Back-to-School Smiles: Essential Dental Check-ups for a Healthy School Year

As summer winds down and backpacks get packed, it’s easy to get caught up in the school supply checklist — notebooks, pencils, lunchboxes, maybe a new pair of sneakers. But there’s one important item that often gets overlooked: your child’s back-to-school dental check-up.

A healthy smile is a key part of your child’s overall well-being, focus, and confidence throughout the school year. Let’s explore why scheduling a dental visit before the bell rings can set your child up for success.

Why Dental Health Matters More Than You Think

Did you know that dental problems are one of the leading causes of school absences? In fact, a NIH study found more than 51 million school hours are lost annually because of illnesses related to dental problems. Cavities, toothache, and gum issues can make it hard for kids to eat, sleep, or concentrate in class. A preventive dental check-up helps catch small issues before they become big distractions.

And let’s be honest — kids are more likely to fall out of their routine during summer. A pre-school-year dental visit is a great reset to get them back on track with brushing, flossing, and healthier eating habits.

What Happens During a Back-to-School Dental Visit?

Here’s what you can expect at a typical check-up:

Dental Exam – Checks for cavities, gum inflammation, and signs of early orthodontic needs.
X-Rays – If needed, to catch issues below the surface or in-between teeth.
Thorough Cleaning – Removes plaque and tartar that brushing might miss.
Fluoride Treatment – Strengthens enamel to protect against cavities.
Oral Hygiene Tips – Kid-friendly guidance on brushing, flossing, and snack choices.

If your child is due for sealants or has a loose baby tooth, we’ll take care of that too!

The Benefits Go Beyond the Smile

Back-to-school checkups do more than prevent toothaches:

Better Concentration: Kids with dental pain have trouble focusing.
Healthy Nutrition: Strong teeth = easier chewing = better food choices.
Confidence: A clean, healthy smile helps your child feel their best — in class, at lunch, and in photos.
Fewer Emergencies: Preventive care means fewer surprise visits during the school year.

Orthodontic Check? It’s a Good Time.

If your child is between ages 7–12, a back-to-school dental visit is a great time to evaluate their bite and alignment. Early orthodontic intervention can prevent bigger issues later and it’s easier to start before the school year gets busy.

Pack Confidence with That Backpack

At Bravo Dental, we believe every child deserves to walk into class with a healthy, happy smile. Our friendly team makes dental visits stress-free and fun — because the dentist shouldn’t be another thing to worry about.

Book your child’s back-to-school dental check-up today and start the year off with confidence!