Patient Care

If braces are in your child or teen’s future, or they have just had them placed, you may be wondering just how the heck they’re going to work around them when flossing and brushing. We’d love to calm your mind by reminding you that those wires and brackets are temporary visitors, hanging out to help… (Read More)

You’ve worn your braces or aligners, kept your checkup appointments, and followed treatment instructions from Whalen Dentistry. 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. Removable retainers are taken out of your mouth during your oral… (Read More)

At Whalen Dentistry, we understand that dental insurance can be tricky to navigate. Evaluating dental plans and considering deductibles, benefits, which treatments are covered, and the mountain of other information insurance companies provide can be a headache in and of itself.  Dr. Ryan Whalen wants every Cornelius patient to have the power to control their… (Read More)

Holidays like Halloween, Christmas, and Easter bring extra candy and homemade goodies along with them. Sadly, the bacteria in your child’s mouth are always ready to start producing the acid that contributes to cavities, but candy still can be enjoyed in moderation! Cornelius’ dentist, Dr. Ryan Whalen at Whalen Dentistry, has the skinny on some… (Read More)

No one of any age gets shots in their mouth for fun, and fear of needles (trypanophobia) is a documented condition. Children may fear shots because they seem so unfamiliar, with a fear of potential pain. Does your child have to have a shot to get dental work? It will depend on the procedure being… (Read More)

Being the parent of a little one (or a couple or a few) means making a lot of decisions each day—what to dress them in, what to feed them, what books to read, toys to purchase, and schools in your district. There are also a lot of questions you’ll ask, such as: “How do I… (Read More)

Receding gums (also known as gingival recession in the field of dentistry) are not uncommon in adults aged 40 and older, but children can also experience this progressive loss of gum tissue as young as age 7.  Left untreated, gum recession can expose tooth roots and lead to pain and sensitivity. While causes of gum… (Read More)

Hey Cornelius parents, how diligent are you about flossing once a day? Unless you’re an avid flosser, you probably hate this question. However, we don’t ask to shame you, so keep that in mind when we ask how much you help your young one floss. We know it’s not particularly easy to get string in… (Read More)

If your child’s permanent adult teeth haven’t emerged promptly, you may wonder if there is a reason to worry. Whalen Dentistry would like to share a few possible reasons permanent adult teeth can be delayed.  Is There Enough Space for the New Teeth to Grow? The most common reason permanent teeth appear late is simple:… (Read More)

Calcium. We regularly hear how important calcium is for our kids’ diets. It’s vital for healthy growth. Calcium is a building block for strong bones. It helps with hormone balance and keeps the heart pumping and blood circulating normally. But did you know that calcium is also vital for healthy teeth?  Calcium builds strong bones…. (Read More)