In this blog article, Michael Colleran DDS discusses Social Stories™ and how they help provide emotional support to autistic kids with the goal of improving their dental (and other) experiences. A social story about going to the dentist follows specific criteria and story elements to reinforce a safe, detailed description of a dental visit in […]
Zirconia has been used in major medical procedures like hip replacement for many years due to its strength and biocompatibility. It took the dental industry until the early 2000s to catch up, beginning with adult dental procedures such as dental implants, root canals and dental crowns. In 2010, zirconia became available for use in pediatric […]
According to a recent study published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, teeth were the #1 feature that increased a child’s chances of being bullied. A person’s smile and teeth are often the first things people notice, and kids are no exception. Michael Colleran DDS would like to share some ideas that […]
If your child loses a tooth too soon or needs a baby tooth extracted due to decay, Michael Colleran DDS may recommend space maintainers to support their dental health. Space maintainers are custom-made acrylic or metal dental appliances that can either be removable or cemented into the mouth. Their purpose is to keep the space […]
Every kid feels uncomfortable in social situations sometimes, especially when they feel they “look different”—and studies show the #1 reason kids are bullied for their appearance is the way their teeth look. Bullies sense this discomfort and annoy, anger, and confuse kids who already feel vulnerable—and if the child being teased is openly reactive, the […]
The Americans with Disabilities Act defines disability as a “physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.” (Specific examples of major life activities addressed by the ADA include functions such as caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing and learning.) Disabilities may be congenital (present […]
You’ve worn your braces or aligners, kept your checkup appointments, and followed treatment instructions from Michael Colleran DDS. You love your new smile, but it’s not over yet—how long will you have to wear a retainer? There are two types of retainers: removable and fixed. This may not be the news you had hoped to […]
Mail-order braces are a controversial dental topic, and Michael Colleran DDS weighs in today. Direct-to-consumer orthodontics companies make many appealing promises—no dental visits, aligners delivered to your door, and lower costs. But are the risks worth it? Not according to this consumer alert from the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). As of November 2017, the […]
Today, Michael Colleran DDS would like to discuss the unique dental characteristics of those with Down Syndrome. Consistent dental care is important for every person, and your San Luis Obispo dental team would love to help your little one with Down syndrome enjoy optimal oral health and wellness. Get in touch with us today to […]
Orthodontic treatments have been around for centuries, but luckily the materials and methods used have been updated with the expansion of education and technology. If they hadn’t, you might see metal bands or golden wires wrapped all the way around teeth instead of small brackets held in place by wires—or worse, cords made from animal […]
