Cosmetic Dentistry For Teens And Kids
Teens and kids can benefit significantly from cosmetic dentistry. Social media puts even more pressure on teens and kids to look and feel their best.
Perhaps your child expressed that they feel self-conscious because of their teeth, whether chipped, cracked, or have a silver filling or crown that is easy to see. Cosmetic dentistry is the perfect solution for patients of all ages who want a fantastic smile they feel good about.
You may wonder if they are too young for cosmetic dentistry and which procedures would be recommended. Cosmetic dentistry is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to improve their smile and boost their self-esteem.
Cosmetic Dentistry for Teens and Kids
Cosmetic dentistry is a term that applies to any dental procedure that enhances the appearance of your smile and improves the structure and appearance of your teeth. Dental aesthetics can enhance the well-being of adolescents and young adults and significantly improve self-esteem and body image.
Many cosmetic dentistry procedures range from professional teeth whitening to porcelain veneers. While most kids don’t need veneers, several cosmetic dental procedures should be considered depending on your child’s dental needs.
Cosmetic Dentistry Services That Will Benefit Your Child
While specific cosmetic dentistry procedures may be too extensive for a child or teen, there are still several ways that your family dentist can utilize to help improve your child’s smile, appearance, self-esteem, and oral health.
#1. Ensuring All Fillings are Made With a Composite Resin
One of the most common cosmetic treatments for teens and kids is for them to receive metal-free fillings. Suppose your child has tooth decay or a cavity. In that case, restorations done with a composite resin will effectively restore teeth that are damaged or decayed, ensuring that your child receives treatment without it being noticeable.
Metal fillings, also known as amalgam, have a metallic appearance on the tooth, which is very evident and can leave your child self-conscious. If your child already has amalgam fillings, you can talk with the dentist about replacing them with a composite resin that matches your child’s natural tooth color.
#2. Porcelain Crowns Instead of Stainless Steel Crowns
When a patient has a tooth that is badly decayed or damaged to the point where a filling is not adequate treatment, the dentist will recommend creating a crown to place over the tooth, covering it entirely. Porcelain crowns are more natural and ideal for a permanent tooth. If the damaged tooth is a baby tooth, you can discuss options with the dentist to determine the best option based on when the tooth is expected to fall out and the cost.
#3. Direct Bonding is a Cosmetic Dentistry Procedure used to Cover Flaws and Damage
Cosmetic dentistry can help kids, teens, and patients with gaps, chips, stains, or discoloration. Direct bonding may be an excellent solution to improve the appearance of permanent teeth.
#4. Professional Teeth Whitening
Many people are self-conscious about their smile, especially if their teeth become discolored and stained. The adolescent stage of life is full of challenges and social dynamics, including becoming more self-aware and self-conscious. Discoloration can occur for various reasons, including consuming pigmented beverages and foods, acids, and sugars from some common and usually over-consumed beverages such as energy drinks, juice, and sodas.
#5. Dental Flipper to Replace a Lost Tooth
Dental flippers are similar to a retainer with a partial denture attached to it and will help maintain your child’s smile appearance so they will have a beautiful, complete smile. For those who lose a permanent tooth, dental flippers offer a non-invasive solution suitable for teens, providing an alternative to dental implants, which are typically recommended for individuals aged 18 and older due to their more invasive nature. Both options are integral aspects of cosmetic and restorative dentistry, ensuring optimal dental health and smile appearance.
Dental flippers are usually only recommended for patients who lose a permanent tooth. Another option for those who lose a permanent tooth is a dental implant; however, it is recommended that patients be at least 18 as the procedure is more invasive. Dental flippers are an excellent alternative for teens who lose a permanent tooth.
#6. No-Prep Veneers
No-prep veneers are much less invasive than porcelain veneers. Generally, porcelain veneers are not recommended for teens as they are still developing their teeth and jaw. Porcelain veneers involve grinding the truth enamel to ensure proper adhesions and is a more invasive procedure. No prep veneers covered the front of the tooth; therefore, no anesthesia is required for the procedure.
Comprehensive and Cosmetic Dentistry For Your Family With Carrie Muzny, DDS Of The Woodlands Area
At Carrie Muzny DDS, our team of expert dentists provides dental services for the entire family. It offers cosmetic and restorative dentistry, surgeries, professional teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, and preventative dentistry.
Our skilled team of exceptionally trained dentists practice compassion and kindness with all of our patients and utilize modern techniques to ensure you are comfortable and receive excellent results.
Contact us today to book an appointment or consultation to improve your oral health and have the smile you have always wanted.
