FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Care At
Valencia Smiles Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry

At Valencia Smiles Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, we strive to provide a comfortable and stress-free experience. To help our patients better understand their treatment, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most commonly asked questions we receive at our Valencia office. We’re committed to making sure every patient feels informed, comfortable and confident about the care they receive.

FAQs About Our Practice

Are you accepting new patients?

Yes! Click here to request an appointment at our office in Valencia, CA today.

We are proud to serve families from Valencia, Santa Clarita, Stevenson Ranch, Castaic, Saugus, Newhall, and the surrounding communities.

Yes, we provide gentle sedation options and accommodate patients with special needs to ensure every visit is comfortable and safe.

Yes, we provide urgent dental and orthodontic care for issues like severe pain, broken teeth or dental trauma. Call our office at (661) 294-1800 immediately if an emergency arises.

Pediatric Dental FAQs

What’s the difference between pediatric dentistry and general dentistry?

Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry, with two to three years of specialty training beyond dental school. Pediatric dentists are the experts in oral care for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health care needs.

At Valencia Smiles Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, we make sure to create a friendly, stress-free environment while using gentle behavior guidance techniques to make visits comfortable, and build confidence in our patients. Early positive experiences help build strong lifetime habits.

Valencia Smiles Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry provides everything from routine cleanings and fluoride treatments to dental sealants, minimally invasive dentistry, restorative procedures, gentle extractions, nitrous oxide or other sedation when indicated, special needs care, and emergency dental care.

Your child can see one of our dentists by their first birthday or within 6 months of their first tooth coming in. Early visits help monitor your child’s development and allow them to become comfortable with dental care.

Baby teeth play a significant role in your child’s overall dental health. They help with daily functions and guide permanent teeth into the proper position. Keeping them healthy also helps your child feel comfortable and confident as they grow.

It’s common for infants and toddlers to suck their thumbs, but if the habit continues as they grow, it can affect how their teeth and jaws develop. This may lead to alignment issues or changes in mouth shape.

How can I reduce the risk of cavities when bottle-feeding my child?

To reduce the risk of cavities, try not to let your child go to bed with a bottle containing sugary liquids. Gently cleaning their gums or teeth after feedings can also be helpful. Once teeth begin to erupt, start brushing regularly and continue encouraging healthy daily oral hygiene habits.

You can begin incorporating fluoride toothpaste as soon as your child’s first tooth comes in. Before any teeth are present, gently cleanse the gums with a soft, damp cloth. At the start of brushing, use only a tiny amount for young children, then transition to a pea-sized amount around age three.

Dental sealants are a protective material placed on the back teeth to help guard against decay. By sealing off the tiny grooves in these teeth, they help reduce the risk of cavities forming.

Look for the tooth and pick it up only by the chewing surface, avoiding contact with the root. If you can, carefully place it back into the socket, or keep it in milk while you get to a dentist right away. Prompt action greatly increases the likelihood that the tooth can be preserved.

Support your child’s oral health by helping them build consistent oral hygiene routines, reducing foods and beverages high in sugar and keeping up with routine dental checkups. Healthy eating habits combined with supportive care at home play an important role in maintaining a beautiful smile.

Orthodontic Treatment FAQs

What orthodontic services do you provide?

We provide early (Phase 1) treatment, adolescent and adult treatment, traditional braces, clear aligners like Invisalign®, and post‑orthodontic retention and care.

Absolutely! At Valencia Smiles Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, we offer orthodontic services to patients of all ages. Adult treatment can improve your smile, oral health and bite function. Our team will create a personalized plan to fit your goals and lifestyle, so it’s never too late to achieve the smile you want.

It’s normal to experience temporary mild discomfort when braces are first placed or when starting new aligners. However, modern orthodontic technology is designed to make treatment as comfortable as possible.

Treatment time varies depending on age, lifestyle, type of treatment and the complexity of the case. Most treatments last between 12–24 months, with adjustments scheduled every 4–8 weeks.

Brush and floss regularly, cleaning carefully around wires and brackets. Avoid hard or sticky foods that can damage braces. Regular visits ensure your treatment stays on track.

Brush and floss your teeth regularly. Use a mild soap with a soft toothbrush to clean your aligner or purchase an at-home ultrasonic device if desired. Wear aligners as directed and maintain regular visits to ensure your treatment stays on track.

Yes! We can provide retreatment or refinement to improve the health, function and look of your smile, even if you had braces or aligners before.

Our practices uses modern braces and high tech wires, clear aligners, dental scans (no goopy impressions), and digital imaging to ensure treatments are effective and as comfortable as possible.

We offer traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces and Invisalign® for children, teens, and adults, along with various appliances (like expanders) for more complex situations. Each treatment plan is designed to provide the optimal care for each individual patient.

One Office for Growing Smiles in Valencia, CA

From a child’s first dental visits to braces, Invisalign® and adult orthodontic treatment, Valencia Smiles Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry is here to support your family through every stage of the smile. Experience personalized pediatric dental and orthodontic care in a comfortable, family-focused office in Valencia, CA.