In today’s digital world, teens and youth are exposed to incredibly high beauty standards earlier in life than they once were. With easy access to social media, they often compare themselves to their favorite celebrities and influencers. They may even feel a need to compete with the most popular clothes, trending hairstyles, and flawless teeth that they see projected all around them.
If your child has expressed an interest in enhancing their smile, you may be wondering whether cosmetic dentistry treatments are safe and feasible for someone their age. Keep reading if you’d like to learn about three popular ways that even younger people can perfect their pearly whites!
#1- Teeth Whitening
Many young adults feel self-conscious about their smiles because of discoloration or staining. Some have already tried different whitening kinds of toothpaste or other at-home kits without seeing the results they hoped for. If this sounds like your child, it’s possible that they could benefit from professional teeth whitening. Your child’s dentist has the tools, materials, and experience required to help their teeth become a shiny white shade that they can’t necessarily achieve with over-the-counter products.
Keep in mind, though, that professional whitening is not usually recommended for children. In younger teeth, the protective enamel has not entirely calcified. That means the bleaching agent in whitening treatments can penetrate deeper into the teeth and cause uncomfortable sensitivity. Many youth also have cavities which can make whitening a less-than-comfortable experience. For this reason, dentists typically don’t recommend professional whitening for anyone younger than 16 years old.
#2- Veneers
Some more active or boisterous children may already have a chipped or cracked tooth from an accident or sports-related injury. Thankfully, veneers can help! These hard porcelain shells are customized to match your child’s natural teeth. They are then bonded to the front surface of the damaged tooth which visibly covers imperfections. Not only that, veneers are quite durable and can shield the tooth from additional harm.
Remember that it is necessary for your dentist to remove some of the natural enamel around your child’s tooth in order to place veneers properly. This ensures that they bond to the tooth appropriately and align correctly with the surrounding teeth. It’s important that you and your child both understand the preparation involved because enamel cannot grow back and they’ll be living with this decision for the rest of their adult lives.
#3 – Cosmetic Dental Bonding
If your child has minor issues like chipping or staining, then you might consider cosmetic dental bonding! This quick and affordable treatment can make repairs using a composite resin material (like what is used to treat cavities) that is customized to match the shade of your child’s natural teeth. Once changes are made, there is no visible difference between treated or untreated teeth! The process is relatively simple and can be completed in a single appointment which makes it an ideal method to conveniently address minor concerns.
If you have a teen in your home who is interested in achieving a perfectly brightgrin, then it might be time to discuss these options with your dentist. Be sure you and your child know what is involved in preparation so that you both can feel confident in whatever you decide. Then, once treatment is complete, prepare to share in the joy that comes with giving your youth the smile of their dreams!
About the Author
Dr. Rob Madry has served patients in the Corpus Christie area for over 20 years. He attended Texas A&M University for his undergraduate degree, then acquired his dental degree from the Baylor College of Dentistry. Currently, he has certifications in laser dentistry, Invisalign, and designing/milling restorations in-office. If you would like to discuss cosmetic dentistry options for your child, feel free to contact the office on the website or by calling (361) 991-7622.