Orthodontist 
Gardena, CA

We are proud to offer orthodontics options ranging from traditional metal braces to the latest Invisalign invisible braces for children, teens, and adults  at Brite Kids Dental.  There’s no minimum age for your child to begin orthodontic treatment, but our dentist and the American Association of Orthodontists recommend that your child should receive their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven.

Pediatric Dentist  Gardena, CA

Brite Kids Dental focuses on dental care for children of all ages, from infants to young adults. Taking care of all your kids’ dental needs.  We provide routine x-rays, oral examinations, teeth cleanings, tooth extractions, sports mouth-guards, and screenings. Plus preventive care such as dental sealants, fillings, crowns and other repairs for tooth decay.

Sedation Dentist  Gardena, CA

Sedation dentistry is the use of a mild sedative (calming drugs) to manage special needs or anxiety while your child receives dental care. Sedation also may be used when several procedures need to be done at the same time, when the safety of a child may be compromised, or if your child has a strong “gag” reflex. Your child’s dentist will give the sedation.  Our soothing sedation dentistry helps children with dental anxiety overcome their fear of the dentist by making their experience as pleasant and pain-free as possible.

Emergency Dentist  Gardena, CA

We like to schedule you regularly for all appointments, but we all know emergencies happen and here at Brite Kids Dental we want you to know we are always available for any dental emergency that might come up with your child and their teeth. We always try our best to get you in the office ASAP.  We accept same-day emergency appointments.  Our dental emergency goals are to provide a diagnosis, eliminate pain, and provide comprehensive treatment to make sure that the problem doesn't come back.

Braces / Orthodontics / Invisalign
Gardena, CA

Which Type of Braces Are Right for Me?

At your first free consultation appointment, our doctor will assess your teeth, gums, and jaw to figure out whether your orthodontic issues are minor, moderate, or severe. After this exam, we will talk to you about your smile goals and the financial aspect of the treatment. You will hear our honest advice about which treatments will help correct your oral issues, and answer any questions you may have regarding your treatment plan. 

Most patients that we treat, choose traditional metal braces to straighten their teeth. While metal braces are the most common type of orthodontic treatment, you have several other options available to you. After your first free consultation exam, our doctor will talk to you about which treatment would be right for you based on your unique needs and smile goals.  Our dental office offers a variety of orthodontic options to meet all your needs.  There are different types of braces you can choose from: 

The Invisible Braces

This orthodontic treatment does not use brakets and wires.  Instead, Invisalign & Invisalign for Teens uses clear, plastic aligners that are invisible, removable, and comfortable. Since they are invisible, you can be discreet about treatment. And since they are comfortable, you will often forget you are wearing the aligners.  Similar to mouth guards, the aligners are removable, replaced every two weeks and nearly invisible.

Ceramic Braces : An Alternative to Metal Braces

These are the same size and shape as the traditional metal bracket, but they are made with clear or tooth colored brackets.  Clear bracket braces which are made from ceramic brackets, work the same way as the traditional metal braces do. They are a great choice for patients who worried about how their braces will look, but they can be fragile. 

Hidden / Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are braces that are placed behind your teeth and custom-made to fit your mouth. That way nobody even can see you are wearing braces! 

Traditional Metal Braces

This traditional orthodontic treatment consists of metal wired and brackets.  Because of that, they are the most noticeable option.  Metal braces are not the same clunky and uncomfortable braces as back in the day. Technology has allowed them to become smaller, more comfortable, and more attractive. These braces are strong and effective, making them excellent for more difficult cases.

Find the Right Fit

What's Phase 1 or Early Treatment?

Early treatment may prevent or intercept more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated.  In some cases, our doctor can achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.

What Is the Price for Braces?

There is no set price.  Your cost will depend on how much work your teeth need and your dental coverage.   Another factor that affects the price is the type of treatment that your chose.   Metal braces are cheaper than ceramic, while the invisible aligners are the most costly.   Fortunately, our dental office offers flexible financing so that you can better afford your treatment.

Invisalign vs. Braces

To make an informed decision, you need to know the difference between fixed and removable appliances. Fixed appliances, like braces, are attached to your teeth and will not be removed until at the completion of your treatment. Removable appliances, like Invisalign’s aligner system, are worn about 20-22 hours a day but you can take them off easily.  Aside from the obvious differences, Invisalign aligners are best at treating mild to moderate orthodontic problems. Fixed appliances are generally needed for more severe and comprehensive treatment.

When is the Best Time to Start Braces/Orthodontics Treatment?

While the age that kids get braces may vary, orthodontic treatment most often begins between 9 and 14. Some orthodontic problems are easier to correct if they’re treated early.  If our doctor thinks your child will need treatment, he will let you know when it will be best to begin treatment. This gives your orthodontist the best chance to:  1) Guide jaw growth  2) Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth 3) Correct harmful oral habits 4) Improve appearance and self-esteem in your child 5) Guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position 6) Create a more pleasing arrangement of teeth, lips and face

Pediatric / Kids Dentistry
Gardena, CA

If you are looking for a pediatric dentist in Gardena, our practice has built its reputation on providing caring and committed treatment to children from six months old and up. We ensure that children receive the oral care they need to keep their teeth and gums as healthy as possible. Our expert dental team is the best answer to the common question, “Where can I find a gentle pediatric dentist near me?

See Us for Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Services

Regular oral health maintenance is an important investment in your child's overall health. To maintain good oral health, we recommend that your child be seen every six months for a continuing care appointment that includes an oral exam, teeth cleaning, flouride treatment, and any necessary x-rays.  Preventive care will help prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease (gum disease). We provide all aspect of kid's dentistry including Oral Sedation, Fillings + Sealants, Pediatric Crowns, White Crowns Stainless Steel Crowns, Pulp Therapy, Tooth Extractions, Frenectomy, Guided impacted tooth surgery, and more.

Our doctor combines cutting-edge orthodontic techniques with his knowledge of the movement and growth of your teeth and jaws, to successfully treat lots of dental issues, like:
Gaps between teeth
Crowded teeth
Cross-bite
Impacted teeth
Overbite
Underbite
Protruding teeth

What Is Pediatric Dentistry?

Dentistry for children is different from that for adults. Your pediatric dentist has undergone the training needed for general dentistry, along with additional coursework of at least two years that is specifically designed to provide the skills needed to work with young patients. Our team of pediatric dentists will provide you with treatment that is tailored to your child’s needs and your budget.

Your Child’s First Visit to a Pediatric Dentist

Your child’s first visit to our office should be scheduled as soon as you see the first tooth erupt through his or her gums. We will evaluate the health of your child’s gums and will look for any problems that might create issues, immediately or in the future. Our team will help to make this first visit to a kids’ dentist as painless and pleasant as possible. We specialize in caring and compassionate dentistry for kids of all ages and will provide the most advanced dental care to your child.

What You Can Expect

Our kids dental care team will typically perform a visual examination of your child’s teeth and gums. If needed, we may also take X-rays of your child’s teeth to determine whether there are any misalignments of the jaw or teeth. This also allows us to check for cavities and other dental problems. Depending on how old your child is, he or she might be able to sit on your lap for the examination instead of in a dental chair.

Our Lineup of Services
We offer a full range of dental services for children. Some of our most common services are:

• Teeth cleaning is just as important for children as for adults. The pediatric dentist will perform a thorough cleaning of tooth surfaces and between teeth to ensure that teeth and gums remain healthy.
• Fluoride applications have been proven to reduce the occurrence of cavities and tooth decay in children. We perform these applications in our office and recommend regular fluoride treatments to promote the best dental health.
• X-rays are an important tool that allows us to spot problems that might otherwise go unnoticed. These images also form a record of your child’s teeth that will be useful well into their adult lives.
• Depending on the location of a cavity, you can choose from tooth-colored fillings or traditional metal fillings. The appearance of front teeth can often be enhanced by fillings that match the color of the teeth surrounding them.
• Crowns are used to cover teeth that have sustained serious damage through breakage or decay. These caps provide a protective shell that shields teeth from further damage during biting or chewing.
• Baby root canals are similar to those used for adults and are typically needed to resolve infections or abscesses at the root of the tooth. Our team has the expertise your child needs to resolve these issues quickly.
• We create custom mouthguards for children who participate in sports activities.

Call our office today 310-327-7778 to schedule an appointment for an exam or for any of these services.

Understanding the Care of Baby Teeth

Baby teeth need special care. In general, we recommend brushing your child’s teeth as soon as he or she has one tooth and to floss as soon as your child has two teeth in close proximity to each other. Most dental experts recommend brushing twice daily and avoiding sugary drinks or foods before naptime and bedtime. This will reduce the risk of baby bottle tooth decay and will help your baby’s teeth stay healthy.

Dealing with Toothaches

If your child has a toothache, it is important to call our office as soon as possible to make sure your child gets treatment to relieve the pain. Toothaches can be caused by tooth decay, injuries or infections in the gums. We will diagnose the cause of the pain and provide you with the most effective treatment options.

Special Needs

Going to the dentist can be scary for any child, but especially for a child with special needs. Pediatric dentists have two or more years of advanced training beyond dental school that include behavior management and sedation techniques. Pediatric dentists are able to work with parents on the limits and risks of various techniques, and have offices that are designed to cater to all special needs children. Talk to your pediatric dentist about a specialized program of preventative care and treatment that is geared toward your child.

If you are looking for an experienced and reliable dentist for your children, our pediatric dental practice is a great choice. Give us a call today 310-327-7778 to set up an appointment with our expert team.

Sedation Dentistry
Nitrous Oxide "Laughing Gas"
Gardena, CA

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is the use of a mild sedative (calming drugs) to manage special needs or anxiety while your child receives dental care. Sedation also may be used when several procedures need to be done at the same time, when the safety of a child may be compromised, or if your child has a strong “gag” reflex. Your child’s dentist will give the sedation. 

What to know about Sedation Dentistry?

It is important to note that the sedation medication does not control pain or discomfort. Once your child has received sedation, the doctor will give him or her an injection (shot) or injections in the treatment area to keep it pain-free during and after the procedure. The sedation medicine may last up to 6 hours after the treatment is done.

What is Nitrous Oxide?

Often called “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is a very safe, mild sedative that will help your child remain relaxed during dental procedures. Your child’s dentist will give the sedation with the use of a “space mask,” which carries air (oxygen) mixed with the medication. Your child will be asked to breathe through the nose, not the mouth, and will sense a faint, sweet smell. The sedation will take effect in about 5 minutes. The mask will remain in place until the procedure is done. Your child will be awake during the entire procedure and may have a “happy” feeling. When the procedure is complete, the nitrous oxide will be turned off and your child will breathe in pure oxygen for about 5 minutes to clear out any remaining gas. You should limit your child to a very light meal before this procedure, such as toast or a bagel.

Following Sedation

When the procedure is done, you will be called to the room to be with your child as the medication wears off. The length of time it will take the medication to wear off will vary, as some children take longer than others to become alert.  Children coming out of sedation react in different ways. Your child might cry, be fussy or confused, feel sick to his or her stomach, or vomit. These reactions are normal and will go away as the sedation medication wears off.When your child is discharged, he or she still might be groggy, dizzy, or nauseous, and should take it easy for the rest of the day.

At Home Care and Follow Up Visits

Your child’s nose, mouth, and throat may remain numb for 1 to 2 hours after the procedure.Your child’s gums and mouth may be sore for several days afterward, depending on the dental procedure.  Use caution when your child eats and drinks for about 2 hours after the procedure, watching to make sure he or she does not bite the tongue or the inside of the mouth. Your child should only eat soft foods for the first few hours after undergoing a dental procedure that requires sedation.  Your child is not to return to school or day care that day.  Upon returning home, your child should take it easy for the rest of the day.  Your dentist will tell you when you should schedule a follow-up visit.

Why Do Individuals Request Sedation for Dental Treatment?

Individuals who request sedation dentistry in Gardena want to relieve the anxiety they feel at the thought of being in a dental office. Usually, the more anxious a person feels, the more they can benefit from sedation. People also want to have little or no memory of their dental procedure so the appointment won’t reinforce their dental anxiety. Instead, individuals begin to associate a dental visit with a relaxing experience.

What Are the Different Forms of Sleep Dentistry?

Your dentist is the most appropriate person to help you decide on a sedation method. He or she will access your level of anxiety to determine the level of sedation you’ll need. We’ll take a complete medical history and go over the prescription medication you take so our dentist can choose the safest sedation method for you.

Inhalation Sedation – laughing gas, has a long history of safely calming and relaxing dental patients. You’ll breathe the odorless, colorless gas in through a mask you wear over your nose. You’ll reach your peak relaxation point in only a couple of minutes. Inhalation sedation is safe enough for dentists to use on children.

Oral Sedation – With oral sedation dentistry, or conscious sedation, you take a pill about an hour prior to your procedure starting. Your dentist will prescribe an anti-anxiety medication after reviewing your medical history to make sure you don’t have a medical condition or take medications which would make taking a prescription drug unsafe for you. Your dentist may suggest laughing gas along with oral sedation dentistry.

IV Sedation – IV sedation dentistry offers a deeper level of sedation with a rapid onset. Our dentist will use a very small needle to administer the medication. You will relax and be completely comfortable with IV sedation dentistry. If needles are part of your anxiety, ask your dentist about oral sedation before your appointment.

Deep Sedation – Deep sedation, or sleep dentistry, is the deepest level of IV sedation. You’ll sleep, but you can we waken you if needed. Sleep dentistry is not the same as general anesthesia where your dentist can’t wake you up mid procedure. Most dentists recommend deep sedation for oral surgery or other long, complex procedures.

What Are the Benefits of Choosing Sedation Dentistry?

We offer varying levels of sedation for people who feel a little anxious to people who wouldn’t make a dental appointment unless they received sedation. We feel this is sedation dentistry’s main benefit. People who don’t get regular dental care end up with a higher risk for decay and gum disease. They may begin to avoid situations where they will be smiling which can put a damper on an individual’s professional and social life.

Another benefit is a lack of memory of the procedure which can help individuals who had a bad dental experience in the past. A fuzzy, painless memory with no recollection of time passing can replace a bad experience and reduce the individual’s anxiety on their next visit. Sedation also reduces a patient’s gag reflex. if you’re interested in these benefits, please call now for an appointment.

Do Dental Plans Pay for Sedation for Dental Treatment?

Dental plans rarely cover sedation dentistry insurance unless they deem it medically necessary for a specific procedure. Your insurance company may cover IV sedation dentistry for oral surgery. Check your policy for details about sedation dentistry coverage. If you have a physical or mental disability, your insurance may cover sedation to enable you to cooperate with the dentist. Fortunately, laughing gas and oral sedation are inexpensive so you can pay out-of-pocket expenses if needed, especially when combined with our financing options to make it easier by spreading out the costs.

How Long Do The Effects of Sedation Last?

How long the effects last depend on the type of sedation your dentist uses. Laughing gas wears off very quickly, in about five minutes after your dentist removes the mask. Oral sedation takes longer to wear off depending on the drug used, usually between two to eight hours. IV sedation wears off quicker than oral sedation, depending on the dosage. You still must have someone escort you and drive you home.