Thanks to social media, today’s children and teenagers are more image-conscious than ever before. Since they’re constantly seeing influencers and celebrities sport perfect smiles, they might want one too. Cosmetic dentistry is an excellent solution that can help patients achieve their dream grin – but is it a viable option for kids and teens? Although you might be hesitant to give consent for such procedures, several treatments are safe and can benefit their age group. Read along as we discuss which services are recommended for younger patients.
Invisalign
Orthodontic treatment is the best (and most common) cosmetic solution for younger patients. If your child or teen has misaligned teeth, Invisalign is an excellent option to consider. The clear aligners make it possible to achieve a healthy, straighter smile without the hassle of metal wires and brackets. It’s an attractive option for younger patients because it doesn’t make them feel self-conscious about their dental work. Plus, the treatment is comfortable, discreet, and can achieve desired results in less time than it takes with traditional metal braces!
Porcelain Veneers
In some cases, adolescents are good candidates for porcelain veneers. It’s a great solution for patients with mild misalignment, shaping problems, or a cracked or chipped tooth. Veneers are more commonly used on athletic children and teens who have damaged one or more teeth.
Direct Bonding
Did you know that direct bonding is common among children? The procedure helps repair broken, chipped, or cracked teeth. Fixing these problems is necessary to provide your child with a strong foundation for their teeth to remain healthy and functional. Otherwise, letting these issues go untreated can lead to infections that will require more extensive treatments.
Gum Recontouring
If your teen is concerned about their gummy smile, gum recontouring is a treatment that can significantly boost their self-esteem in just one visit. With a soft tissue laser, your dentist can quickly and painlessly remove excess gum tissue to create a more natural depth to the tooth. Your teen can leave the clinic that same day with a stunning new grin they’ll never stop showing off!
Which Treatments Are Not Recommended for Kids and Teens?
Is your child or teen unhappy with the color of their smile? Although teeth whitening is certainly one solution to this problem, the treatment is not recommended for younger patients. They might develop the unhealthy mindset that whitening their teeth is all they need to keep their smile looking good. If they’re showing an interest in this procedure, explain to your child how brushing and flossing every day can naturally preserve a bright grin.
As you can see, there are plenty of cosmetic options for your child and teen. If your little one is serious about improving their smile, contact your children’s dentist to discuss and confirm the best course of action.
About the Practice
At D&G Dental, we provide exceptional, state-of-the-art, comprehensive dental services for patients of all ages. Our team goes above and beyond to make sure the entire family gets their oral health needs and smile goals met. If your child or teen is interested in cosmetic dentistry, we can determine the best and safest option for improving their smile. Visit our website or call (973) 731-2200 to schedule a consultation.