At Smiles, special health care needs dentistry goes beyond excellent clinical expertise. It revolves around cultivating a sense of deep safety, building bonds of trust and fostering empathy, compassion and kindness. As an inclusive pediatric dental home, our goal is to make every visit a positive and empowering step towards optimal oral health. By collaborating closely with parents and support groups, and offering mindful, adaptive care accommodations, dental experiences can be softened and tailored to each of our special friends’ needs.
Special Health Care Needs Dentistry ·
Special Health Care Needs Dentistry ·
Special Health Care Needs Dentistry ·
Special Health Care Needs Dentistry ·
Special Health Care Needs Dentistry ·
Special Health Care Needs Dentistry defined:
Special needs dentistry, also known as Special Health Care Needs Dentistry, focuses on providing comprehensive dental care to individuals who require additional accommodations and special attention due to physical, developmental, behavioral, or medical conditions. This group includes children, adolescents and adults who are under the care of a caregiver.
Special care for special smiles:
We believe that open hearts lead to open conversations. Understanding the specifics of your child’s needs before their visit will help you and our team plan for a smooth interaction. A pre-appointment phone call will allow us better understanding of what preparations are helpful in creating a welcoming environment for your child. We invite you to bring any supportive toys or devices that your child enjoys, including their favorite toothbrush and familiar toothpaste.
Special services for special families:
It all starts with a tailored plan that fits your child’s specific needs. Individual plans are built with mindful consideration of your family’s lifestyle and routines. Many of our special friends benefit from more frequent visits to promote a bond of trust and familiarity with the dental experience. Oral hygiene education and facilitation are a major part of these visits. Cleanings and images can be comfortably introduced with a parent’s assistance. Preventative services such as fluoride and silver diamine fluoride remineralizing therapies are also achievable. Gentle restorative procedures can be completed with our Solea Laser unit and sedation options are available for more involved care.
Sedation Suite:
Special health care needs include physical, developmental, mental, sensory, behavioral, cognitive or emotional conditions that require specialized approaches to ensure comfort and well-being. Part of these approaches is facilitating necessary care with safe and effective sedation options. Ranging from minimal sedation with nitrous oxide to oral sedation and deep sedation or general anesthesia, our sedation solutions ensure that excellent dental care is paired with a gentle and compassionate approach.
The role of parents and caregivers:
Dental health care for children with special needs requires specialized knowledge as well as awareness and attention, adaptation and accommodative measures beyond what are considered routine. A supportive team is essential when caring for a child with special health care needs. Please consider us your partners when it comes to your child’s oral and dental wellness. We are happy to collaborate with other providers that help care for your child such as caregivers, healthcare professionals and of course, with you.
The Circle of Special Health Care Needs:
The Smiles approach to Special Needs Dentistry:
Hover or tap to reveal steps
1
Enhanced Communication: We engage parents and caregivers in discussions to gain insights on each child’s uniqueness. Using simple language, visual aids, or augmentative communication devices can help kids with special needs interact with our team.
2
Behavioral Encouragement Techniques: Introduction and desensitization visits to build trust, familiarize kids with our dental home and foster positive reinforcement and cooperation.
3
Adapted Office Environment: Our office is a street level, free standing building with available parking and a wheelchair ramp. Our space was entirely renovated according to the American Act of Disability (ADA) guidelines.
4
Sensory-friendly options, quite rooms and colored or dim lighting is readily available.
5
Specialized Training: Board-Certifed pediatric dental care in a State-of-the-art facility.
6
Collaboration with Other Professionals: We collaborate closely with physicians, therapists, and social workers to provide comprehensive care.
1
Enhanced Communication: We engage parents and caregivers in discussions to gain insights on each child’s uniqueness. Using simple language, visual aids, or augmentative communication devices can help kids with special needs interact with our team.
2
Behavioral Encouragement Techniques: Introduction and desensitization visits to build trust, familiarize kids with our dental home and foster positive reinforcement and cooperation.
3
Adapted Office Environment: Our office is a street level, free standing building with available parking and a wheelchair ramp. Our space was entirely renovated according to the American Act of Disability (ADA) guidelines.
4
Sensory-friendly options, quite rooms and colored or dim lighting is readily available.
5
Specialized Training: Board-Certifed pediatric dental care in a State-of-the-art facility.
6
Collaboration with Other Professionals: We collaborate closely with physicians, therapists, and social workers to provide comprehensive care.
FAQs for Special Health Care Needs Dentistry:
What should I expect for my special needs child’s dental visit?
Allow us to preplan the visit together through a phone call. This way we can all be well prepared to care for your child with trust and comfort. Please share with us your best strategies to help your child relax. Bring along any emotional support objects that your child enjoys. Using our gentle behavioral techniques, we will softly explain and demonstrate how we complete a dental exam and what a dental cleaning is like. The visit moves in small steps and is segmented to allow your child periods of rest and recuperation as they steadily move forward in continued strides.
What adaptive care techniques are available?
With a goal of achieving comfort, we are happy to tailor visits to what best suits your child. The dental environment is full of sensory stimuli. If light, noise levels or textures need to be adjusted, we will plan on doing so. The time of day that your child comes in is also an important factor. Please let us know about your child’s sleep and nap pattern so that we can pair them with a time that ensures freshness and cooperation.
How can I prepare my special needs child for their dental visit?
Healthy oral habits certainly lead to dental well-being but they also help familiarize your child with routine oral care. When you are consistent with brushing your child’s teeth, you will help them to feel relaxed and safe when we complete an oral exam and cleaning. Please bring along any emotional support toys that your child enjoys. Reading books about going to the dentist and sharing our office videos will be helpful in preparing your child for an excellent experience.
🦷💫 Meet Dr. Ivy, with team Smiles board-certified orthodontist and proud Los Angeles native!🌴
After completing her dental degree at UCSF 🎓 and orthodontic specialty at NYU 🗽, she returned home to help kids and teens grow in their smiles 😃, confidence 💪, and self-esteem .
✨ Your child’s smile deserves a one-stop dental home , and we have it! Gentle pediatric care to expert orthodontics, we’ve got it all under one roof at Smiles! 🦷💫
What’s one thing that makes you feel more confident when you smile? 💬 Drop your thoughts below ⬇️💎
Want to learn more about how Dr. Ivy at Smiles can help your child with Orthodontics?
✨ Give our office a call today! ☎️
📞 (310) 837-6453
📧 info@smilesla.com
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90064
Gentle care 💕, bright smiles , and confidence that lasts a lifetime ✨
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #DrIvy #DrIvyOrthodontist #DentalHome #TeamSmiles
@dr.ivyortho
Why does my child have two rows of teeth like a shark?
🦈🦷 Seeing two rows of teeth in your child’s smile? Wondering what’s happening? Swipe to uncover the reason! ➡️✨
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, located in West Los Angeles, we know every smile has its surprises. Our caring team is dedicated to helping your child through each stage with patience and personalized attention, making sure their smile stays strong and happy.
Have questions? We’re just a phone call or message away, ready to support your family with warmth and kindness.
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
📞 (310) 837-6453
✉️ info@smilesla.com
Helping little smiles grow bright and healthy! 💛🦷
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentistWestLosAngeles #SharkTeeth #FamilyDentistry #WestLA #babyteethmatter #babyteethtips
✨ A lot of parents wonder why their child’s newly erupted permanent teeth can appear yellow. Smiles Founder Dr. Reem says this happens because baby teeth, also called “milk teeth,” are naturally very white 🦷💛. When permanent teeth come in, they may appear a bit darker by comparison, but over time, as more permanent teeth come in and baby teeth exfoliate, Smiles tend to brighten to a healthy, pearly white 🌟
Does your child have permanent teeth that yellow? Let us know in the comments below!
💛 At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in West LA, we’re dedicated to nurturing your child’s smile with gentle, expert care every step of the way 🤗.
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
📞 (310) 837-6453
📧 info@smilesla.com
Caring for bright smiles and confident kids with heart and expertise 💛🦷
#SmilesPediatricDentistryAndOrthodontics #PediatricDentalEducation #PermanentTeeth #BabyTeeth #WestLAPediatricDentist #KidsDentist #Oralhealth
My child has a small cavity — do we really need to treat it right away?
🦷⚠️ Your child has a small cavity — is it really urgent to treat it? Swipe to learn more! ➡️✨
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, our compassionate team in West Los Angeles understands how even small concerns can feel big when it comes to your child’s smile. We’re here to provide gentle, expert care and support every step of the way, making sure your little one feels comfortable and confident.
If you have questions or worries about your child’s dental health, we’re just a call or message away — ready to help with kindness and care.
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
📞 (310) 837-6453
✉️ info@smilesla.com
Caring for smiles, big and small! 💛🦷
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #pediatricorthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentistWestLosAngeles #PediatricOrthodontistWestLosAngeles #HealthySmiles #CavityCare #FamilyDentistry #WestLA
🦷 From the field to the dentist’s chair: Running back Sean Morris trusts the Solea laser at Smiles
Caption
Big congratulations to Sean Morris (@springplayer), who just committed to Northwestern as their first running back in this class 🏈. Before heading off to chase Big Ten glory, Sean came to Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics for his own victory: a pain-free Solea laser cavity treatment and cleaning.
No drills. No needles. Just comfort and care. That’s the future of dentistry for kids, teens, and even elite athletes.
💬 Would you want your child’s cavities treated without drills or shots? Drop a comment below.
📩 Curious about Solea laser dentistry? Contact our office today.
Contact Information
📞 (310) 837-6453
📧 info@smilesla.com
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Caring, loving, and gentle dentistry for the toughest sports!
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #LaserDentistry #sportsdentistry #painfreedentistry #explorepage #explore #viral #trending #footballstar
@springplayer
@solea
🦷🤔 Do baby teeth really matter if they’re just going to fall out? Swipe to discover why they’re so important! ➡️✨
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we believe every little smile deserves the best care from the very start. Our caring team in West Los Angeles is dedicated to creating a gentle, supportive space where your child’s dental health and confidence can thrive at every stage.
If you’re wondering about your child’s dental milestones, we’re here to answer your questions with warmth and expertise.
📞 (310) 837-6453
✉️ info@smilesla.com
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Building strong smiles, one tooth at a time! 💛🦷
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #pediatricorthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentistWestLosAngeles #PediatricOrthodontistWestLosAngeles #HealthySmiles #BabyTeethMatter #FamilyDentistry #WestLA
Brighter smiles, faster healing, light and care—this is the evolution of laser dentistry.
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, Solea® and Gemini™ lasers help us provide safe, comfortable, and modern dental care for kids and teens. Our latest blog takes you inside the evolution of laser technology in dentistry—from light to healing.
Blog 👉 https://smilesla.com/pediatric-dentistry-orthodontics/light-to-healing-the-evolution-of-laser-in-pediatric-dentistry
Written by our wonderful Dr. Reem, this article traces the journey of dental lasers from Einstein’s early vision to today’s advanced Solea® and Gemini™ systems, showing how this innovation is shaping the future of pediatric care and transforming smiles with comfort and precision.
💬 Curious about the benefits of laser dentistry? Share your thoughts or questions below!
📩 Contact us to see how lasers can make your child’s next visit gentler.
📞 Phone: (310) 837-6453
📧 Email: info@smilesla.com
📍 West LA
💡 From light to healing — intelligent, gentle, and supportive care every step of the way.
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #LaserDentistry #SoleaLaser #GeminiLaser #lightheals #LightHealing #DentalInnovation #LaserEvolution #oralcare #parentsneedtoknow #foryou #explorepage #solealaser
Why do my child’s permanent teeth seem yellower than the baby ones?
👀✨ Why do your child’s permanent teeth look yellower than their baby teeth? Swipe to discover this smile secret! ➡️🦷💛
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we believe every smile tells a story — and we’re here to nurture yours with gentle care and the latest technology. Your child’s smile journey is important to us, and we’re honored to support healthy, confident smiles in a warm, welcoming space right here in West Los Angeles. 🌟😊
Ready to give your child’s smile the care it deserves? We’re here to help with kindness and expertise every step of the way. Reach out anytime — we can’t wait to meet you! 🤗💫
📞 (310) 837-6453
✉️ info@smilesla.com
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Healthy smiles start here! 💛🦷
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #pediatricorthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist# #PediatricOrthodontistWestLosAngeles #BrighterSmiles #TeethWhitening #YellowTeeth #WestLA
