Business Details
45 Years
experience
Your Child's Trusted Dental Care Partner in Grand Rapids
Smilie's Pediatric Dentistry has been dedicated to providing exceptional dental care for children since its founding in 1981. Our practice combines decades of expertise with a compassionate approach, ensuring every child's visit is comfortable and positive. Led by Dr. LaDue, our team prioritizes preventative maintenance to promote long-term oral health. We specialize in treating infants, children, teens, and patients with special needs, offering services ranging from routine cleanings to advanced restorative treatments. Our staff is trained to create a welcoming environment, using kid-friendly communication to reduce anxiety.We collaborate closely with parents to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to each child's unique needs. With a focus on education, we empower families with knowledge about oral hygiene, nutrition, and dental development. Our facility is equipped to handle both routine and complex cases, including sedation options for anxious patients. We maintain affiliations with leading dental organizations to stay at the forefront of pediatric dental care advancements. At Smilie's Pediatric Dentistry, our commitment to excellence is reflected in every interaction, from the initial consultation to follow-up care.
Services
Routine Cleanings
Fillings
Crowns
Extractions
X-rays
Prevention
Special Needs Care
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- We offer preventative maintenance for long-term dental health
- Our team specializes in treating children with special needs
- We provide sedation options for anxious or complex cases
- Our staff uses kid-friendly communication techniques
- We maintain affiliations with leading dental organizations
Services
Routine Cleanings
Our professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup while educating children on proper oral care techniques. We use child-friendly equipment and methods to ensure comfort during the procedure. Regular cleanings help prevent cavities and maintain healthy gums, supporting overall dental development.
Fillings
We restore decayed teeth using tooth-colored composite materials that match natural enamel. Our approach minimizes discomfort through gentle techniques and nitrous oxide sedation options. Fillings preserve tooth structure and prevent further damage while maintaining aesthetics for young patients.
Crowns
Stainless steel crowns protect severely damaged primary teeth until they naturally fall out. This treatment preserves space for permanent teeth while restoring function and appearance. We ensure proper fit and comfort during placement using specialized pediatric techniques.
Extractions
We carefully remove non-restorable teeth while prioritizing patient comfort. Extractions maintain oral health by eliminating infection sources and preventing crowding issues. Post-operative care instructions ensure smooth recovery for young patients.
Special Needs Care
Our team provides tailored dental care for children with physical, developmental, or medical challenges. We create customized treatment plans and use specialized techniques to accommodate individual needs. This service ensures all children receive necessary dental care in a supportive environment.
People
Dr. LaDue
Dentist
Dr. LaDue graduated from the University of Michigan with degrees in chemical engineering and dentistry. He completed pediatric specialty training at the University of Minnesota and has practiced in Grand Rapids since 2012. He maintains memberships in multiple professional dental associations.
Questions
What age should my child first visit the dentist?
We follow the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry's recommendation for a child's first visit by age 1 to establish a dental home.
How do you handle anxious children during treatment?
We use 'show-tell-do' techniques, nitrous oxide sedation, and child-friendly language to reduce anxiety. Parents remain present during visits to provide comfort.
What services do you offer for special needs children?
We provide customized dental care for children with medical or developmental challenges, including adaptive treatment techniques and specialized sedation options.
Do you accept new patients?
Yes, we welcome new patients and offer appointments for initial exams, cleanings, and emergency dental care.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit cards and insurance plans. Payment options and financing details can be discussed with our front office staff.
