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Jerger Pediatric Dentistry > About Dentistry > Toothprints®
 As a parent, one of your greatest fears is that your child might get lost, or worse, be adbucted. If such a situation were to occur, your prompt response–with photographs and othere concrete means for tracking your child and making identification–is paramount. A pediatric dentist developed Toothprints bit impressions as a way of safeguarding his own child and other young patients.
Like fingerprints, dental imprints are unique to every person, so bit impressions can serve as an accurate method of identification. Dental restorations and x-rays have historically been the primary basis for dental identification. Toothprints is important now because the successful fight against tooth decay has left many children with no cavities and , thus, no dental records. An unrinsed Toothprints also captures saliva, which is a powerful source of our scent, making Toothprints effective for scent-dog tracking. Toothprints is simple and easy for your dentist to take, and once taken, you'll keep the records for immediate access.
What is Toothprints?
Toothprints is a patented, arch-shaped thermoplastic wafer. When your child bites into the softened wafer, it records individual tooth characteristics, tooth position within the arch and the upper to lower jaw relationship–all important information for identification. you'll then write your child's name on the zippered plastic bag provided and keep it at home in a safe place.
How often should you update Toothprints?
Most dentists recommend that you take an initial impression when your child is age 3 (or after all primary teeth have come in), repeating it at age 7 or 8 (after the upper and lower front four teeth and first permanent molars have come in) and again at age 12 or 13 (after all permanent teeth, excluding 3rd molars, have come in). Ask your dentist about Toothprints?
Making a Toothprints bit impression takes only a few minutes. It's comfortable for your child and will give you peace of mind. Hopefully, you'll never have to use it.
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