CHOOSING THE RIGHT DENTIST FOR YOUR FAMILY
At Hawley Lane Dental, our Stratford dentist office offers convenient dental care for every family member, from infants and children to teens and adults. Our dental office is central for people who live and work in Stratford, Trumbull, Shelton, and Bridgeport, CT. Dr. Kristy Gretzula is committed to helping everyone in your family to maintain their dental health as they grow. Our friendly staff makes time for you, from reassuring nervous toddlers at their first dentist appointment, to helping teens choose the right braces for their lifestyle!
JUMP TO:
- How Is A Family Dentist Different From Other Dentists,
- Top Dental Services,
- What To Look For In A Family Dentist,
- Family Dentist FAQs
WHAT IS A FAMILY DENTIST?
Also referred to as a general dentist, a family dentist has received a college degree and has graduated from an accredited dental school. They have passed licensure exams and are well versed in all areas of dentistry. Family dentists provide care to all members of your family, from young to old.
HOW IS A FAMILY DENTIST DIFFERENT FROM OTHER DENTISTS?
At Hawley Lane Dental we can provide most aspects of dental care for the entire family. All dentists begin their training in dental school following their college degrees. At the end of school, dentists must pass multiple rigorous board exams to receive their doctor’s license. Some dentists will choose to specialize in a particular area such as endodontics, oral surgery, periodontics, or prosthodontics. Specialists will treat focus on just one area of dentistry, such as performing only root canals, while family dentists (general dentists) provide care in all areas of dentistry.
Most families juggle multiple schedules during the week and weekends. Between school, work, daycare, and extracurricular activities, little free time is left. Rather than scheduling multiple appointments at several offices, all family members can be seen at the same time in the same office! Family dentists can save the hassle of extra trips to multiple locations for different family members.
TOP DENTAL SERVICES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY:
A general dentist can treat the needs of their patients no matter their age or stage in life.
1. INFANTS & PEDIATRIC PATIENTS
A family dentist will help your child establish good oral hygiene habits and routines. The office may help with nutritional counseling and give advice on habits such as thumb-sucking. The dentist can monitor growth and determine if a visit to the orthodontist is necessary. Fluoride treatments and sealants are also common practice when treating infants and children.
For more information on our children’s dental services see our pediatric dentist page.
2. ADOLESCENTS & TEENAGERS
Continued oral hygiene practice monitoring and nutritional counseling are vital family dentistry services for teenagers. Fluoride and sealants are also frequently used when treating teens at dental exams. Hormonal changes and growth spurts can affect the gums and jaw, so a local dentist near you will monitor for any abnormalities. They may also provide a sports guard to protect teeth during contact sports.
3. ADULT & GERIATRIC PATIENTS
As the body ages, so do the teeth. Each patient’s needs are determined by many factors. Each individual patient’s overall health, habits, and medications affect the state of their mouth. A family dentist will evaluate for periodontal (gum) disease, TMJ problems, oral cancer, and any other treatment needed to restore and maintain the teeth.
A general local dentist may offer general cosmetic services such as veneers, whitening, or bonding. They will also provide most restorative treatment such as root canals, crowns and bridges, implants, dentures, and fillings.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A FAMILY DENTIST
If you looking for a Stratford family dentist, a dentist in Trumbull, a dentist in Shelton, or a dental clinic in Bridgeport, CT, it’s important to find a dental clinic that makes you feel comfortable receiving treatment and asking questions. While a family dental group does not need to be full of cartoons and characters, it’s important to be child-friendly. How the dental team approaches your child and in turn, how you and your child respond to the dental team will determine a good fit!
Whether you choose a dentist’s office for your whole family or separate adult and pediatric offices, the most important thing is that you and your family feel comfortable. A welcoming environment, clean and updated facilities, and a competent and caring dental team can make all the difference between a positive and negative experience at the dentist.
We invite you to visit our family dentistry office to experience the Hawley Lane Dental difference. To book your first appointment today call 203-377-9300 or fill out our online contact form!
FAMILY DENTIST SERVING STRATFORD CT & THE SURROUNDING AREAS
If you live in or around Stratford, CT, and are looking for a new family dentist in Stratford, CT near you, at Hawley Lane Dental we proudly serve Trumbull, Bridgeport, Shelton, and other surrounding areas with the same commitment we provide to our local patients. Our office is only 10 minutes away from both Trumbull and Bridgeport, yet our comprehensive cosmetic dentistry services make a world of a difference in creating beautiful healthy teeth and healthy smiles. Contact our office, conveniently located near the Target, Big Y, and the Marriott on Hawley Lane right off Route 8 and the Merritt Parkway for easy access, to book your appointment today.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY:
“My family highly recommends Hawley Lane Dental. Everyone at the practice is so personable and caring. I trust that I am receiving the very best care for my teeth and gums.
I have an inflexible schedule and they are very helpful with evening and Saturday appointments when it comes to scheduling. The practice is located in a large shopping center, so parking couldn’t be easier (close to Target, Big Y, etc).
The dental hygienists make every visit pleasant and painless. I can’t rave enough about this practice. I am so happy my family found them!”
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Elizabeth Bartl
Read more of our 294+ reviews on Google!
FAMILY DENTIST FAQS
???? How Often Should I Visit The Dentist?
Every six months is the recommended guideline for when to book a trip to the dentist, but every person’s oral health is unique. Depending on the state of your teeth and gums you may need to visit your local family dentist more often, or possibly less, in the 9-12 months range if you aren’t experiencing any issues, and your teeth are in decent shape.
???? When Should My Child Have Their First Visit To The Dentist?
Visiting the dentist early on and regularly can help to improve your child’s comfort level with going to the dentist. Which will lead to better oral health in the long run. Here at Hawley Lane Dental, we recommend an initial assessment with a family dentist in your area around the one-year-old mark.
???? What Should I Consider When Choosing A Family Dentist?
A family dentist is hopefully a relationship that will last your lifetime, so choosing one can require a considerable amount of thought. When visiting the potential dentist’s office for the first time you should look at, how easy it is to book an appointment, are there significant wait times? How organized and clean is the office? Does the dentist explain everything he or she is doing? Is my family comfortable with the staff, how friendly are they? And does the dentist have a good reputation in the area?
