For those tired of making numerous trips to different offices for dental care for the whole family, it may be time to make the switch to a family dentist. Unlike general dentistry where services are focused on a particular age group, family dentistry provides oral care for people of different age ranges in a family.
For those needing an oral health provider who can deal with the different concerns across family members, there are five key benefits for choosing a family dentistry practice.
With all of the busy schedules between work, school, or extracurricular activities, shuttling family members around town to different dentists can be chaotic and stressful. Opting for family dentistry simplifies everything. There is the convenience of scheduling all of the family members at one time for their routine cleanings. Seeing the same dentist throughout childhood and into adulthood also simplifies the patient/provider relationship and provides continuity of care.
As there are many ages to accommodate in family dentistry, many providers have expanded service options. Depending on the provider, older patients may learn options for tooth loss while teenagers may be evaluated for orthodontic needs. Tooth whitening services may be available, as well as other cosmetic options. If it is important that each member has access to quality services relevant to common age concerns, a family dentist often addresses this through a wide range in areas of expertise.
Though dental hygiene practices are mostly the same for all ages, there are transitionary stages to oral health and tooth development. For families with multiple children, moving from a dentist who focuses on younger kids to one who works with teenagers numerous times can create a slight headache with records, imaging, and patient files. It is easier to have a strong relationship cultivated with one dentist who can oversee the various areas of oral health as family members age. The chart and dental history stay in one place, reducing the chances for information or concerns to fall through the cracks.
It can be challenging to encourage children and teenagers to follow good hygiene practices, but parents have the opportunity to set a good example when everyone goes to the dentist together. Younger children learn there is nothing to fear when visiting the dentist, especially when they see their parents being treated by the same provider. This establishes oral hygiene as a priority, and there is a greater likelihood that children will develop more consistent dental care habits when those habits have been modeled by a parent.
Visiting the same dental office can streamline insurance claims and bill payment. Keeping track of which provider may be in-network or which services are covered across several different providers can be frustrating. When everyone visits the same location, there is less confusion when it comes to the financial aspect of dental care.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
Family Dentist in Killeen, TX
Scheduling appointments with a family dentist can make prioritizing dental care easier. Each age group can receive the appropriate services, making oral hygiene a family affair.
Request an appointment or call Texas Star Smiles & FastBraces at 254-237-1342 for an appointment in our Killeen office.
Few people are thrilled at the thought of sitting in their dentist's chair. While dental anxiety is a real problem for many people, even those who do not experience that level of discomfort still have occasional misgivings or even fears. Finding a family dentist that you are comfortable with can help you get through those…
Tooth extractions are some of the most common procedures that a family dentist performs. In fact, the American Dental Association includes extractions on its list of most frequently reported dental procedures. Because many patients undergo this treatment, it is important to understand when it is needed. Because patients should play a key role in their…
Dental sealants are among the services a family dentist provides to help prevent tooth decay. Dentists perform the application on the back teeth, or molars, used primarily for chewing. These teeth have tiny crevices and uneven places where the bacteria that can cause cavities are often found. According to the American Dental Association, sealants can…