First visits that set the right tone.
From the first tooth onward. Calm, kind, completely unhurried — because the appointments your child has now decide how they feel about dentists for the rest of their life.
Treatments under Pediatric.
Most of it is reassurance and prevention. Some of it is small repair.
First-tooth visits
Around your child's first birthday. Mostly a quick look, a chat about brushing, and a positive first impression.
Routine cleanings
Quick, gentle, with friendly explanations of every tool. Sometimes turned into a "tooth count" game.
Sealants
Thin protective coatings on permanent molars when they come in. Painless, takes minutes.
Fluoride applications
Topical fluoride at checkups for kids at higher cavity risk. Strengthens developing enamel.
Small fillings
When they're needed, done with proper numbing and lots of patience. We always tell kids what's coming next.
Behavior guidance
For anxious kids, we go slowly — sometimes just a tour and a high-five on the first visit. The dentistry can wait until they're ready.
Slowly, gently, in your child's time.
Children's appointments here are not condensed adult appointments. They're paced for a child's attention span and emotional weather. The first visit is sometimes nothing more than sitting in the chair, meeting Dr. Rivera, and counting teeth in the mirror together. That's a good first visit.
We invite parents to come in with younger children — most kids do better with a familiar face nearby. We explain every tool ("Mr. Whistle" is the suction, "Mr. Sparkle" is the polish brush) before we use it. And if your child needs to stop and breathe, we stop. Always.
Meet
Often just a hello-and-look-around for first visits. No pressure.
Show, then do
Every tool gets shown before it's used. "Tell-show-do."
Pause as needed
If they need a break, they get one. The clock is theirs.
End on a win
Sticker, a story to tell at school, a positive last memory.
Dr. Rivera meets kids on their own terms. Slowly, gently, and always at their pace.
Dr. Marcus Rivera
Orthodontics & Pediatric
The reason kids ask when they can come back. Specialises in braces, aligners, and gentle first visits.
Common questions about kids' visits.
Around their first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth coming in — whichever is sooner. We know that sounds early. The visit is mostly for you, honestly: we'll talk through brushing, feeding, and what to watch for.
Yes — modern digital x-rays use about 90% less radiation than older film. We only take them when they tell us something we can't see directly. Most kids don't need their first x-rays until age 5 or 6.
Slowly. The first visit may be no more than a tour. We let them set the pace. For older anxious kids, we sometimes use mild sedation — but only when it's the right call, and never as a shortcut. Most anxious kids end up doing fine with patience alone.
We accept most major plans, including children's coverage. We're happy to check yours before booking so you know exactly what's covered.
With humour and patience. We don't strap, restrain, or rush. If a toddler is overwhelmed, we end the visit early with a positive moment and try again next time. There's no winning by force.
Ready for your next visit?
New patients welcome.