Your Questions About Our Pennington Dental Practice, Answered

Most dental professionals recommend scheduling a child's first visit around age one, or shortly after their first tooth comes in. Starting early gives the dental team a chance to check for early signs of decay, talk through proper brushing habits with parents, and help children get comfortable in the dental chair before any treatment is needed. At our Pennington office, we work to make that first visit feel welcoming and low-pressure, using child-friendly language and a bright, colorful environment designed to ease any nerves.

We treat patients of all ages for orthodontics. Whether you are a teen getting braces for the first time or an adult looking to correct relapse after previous treatment, our orthodontic services cover the full spectrum. We offer traditional metal and ceramic braces as well as Angel Aligners, our current clear aligner system. We also provide airway orthodontics and palate expansion therapy for patients where breathing and bite alignment intersect. Our orthodontist brings more than 35 years of clinical experience to every case.

Angel Aligners are the clear aligner system used at our practice. A series of custom trays gradually shifts teeth into the desired position, and we use iTero digital scanning to capture precise 3D impressions, so there are no traditional putty molds. Clear aligner patients typically come in for checkups on a six-week schedule, which works well for busy families and working adults. Angel Aligners are the standard we have chosen for our clinical approach, and all new aligner treatment at our office is provided under this brand.

Airway orthodontics focuses on the relationship between the structure of the mouth and jaw and a patient's ability to breathe properly. When teeth and jaws are misaligned, it can contribute to mouth breathing, sleep-disordered breathing, and in some cases sleep apnea. Common signs that a child might benefit from an airway-focused evaluation include habitual mouth breathing, snoring, restless sleep, and speech issues. Early intervention, often beginning around age seven, can use expansion therapy to create more room in the airway before these issues become more complex.

We use both zirconia and stainless steel crowns for pediatric patients. Zirconia crowns are tooth-colored and made from monolithic zirconium dioxide, making them a strong and natural-looking option, particularly for front teeth. Stainless steel crowns are a durable, time-tested choice often used on back teeth. A child may need a crown when a cavity is too large for a filling to adequately restore the tooth, or when a tooth has been significantly damaged. Both options protect the tooth until it naturally falls out.

Yes. In addition to pediatric and orthodontic care, we provide a full range of general and cosmetic services for adult patients, including root canals, dental implants, bridges, dentures, teeth whitening, veneers, and tooth-colored composite bonding. All radiographs are digital, which means high-resolution imaging with significantly lower radiation exposure than traditional X-rays. Having these services alongside pediatric and orthodontic care means families can often handle multiple appointments in one location rather than visiting separate offices.

Yes. The practice offers payment plans to help make treatment more accessible for patients who are uninsured or prefer to spread costs over time. Families with more than one child in orthodontic treatment may also receive sibling discounts on orthodontics. Specific terms and eligibility details vary by individual circumstance.

The office is intentionally designed to feel different from the dental offices many adults remember from their own childhoods. The space is bright, colorful, and welcoming, with an airy color palette and decor chosen to put children at ease. Staff use child-friendly language and a compassionate approach to help reduce dental anxiety. The practice manager, Antoinette Slavin, has worked alongside the practice owner for 31 years, meaning patients are greeted by a team with deep roots and a consistent, familiar presence. The goal is for every visit to feel comfortable and positive for patients of all ages.