Can My Teen Benefit from Cosmetic Dentistry?

People of all ages have insecurities over their smile. This isn’t limited to adults, so why should cosmetic dentistry? There are all sorts of different cosmetic dental procedures that can benefit teens who have imperfections in their smile or simply want to enhance it in a way that makes them feel more confident about the way they look. Continue reading to learn about a few of the cosmetic treatments that your teen may benefit from.

Teeth Whitening

While teeth whitening typically isn’t the best idea for growing kids, if your teen has a fully developed smile, which is usually by the age of 16, they may be a candidate for teeth whitening if they want to enhance the brightness of their smile. It is important that you seek advice from your dentist to determine if it is right for them.

Dental Bonding

Chips, gaps, and stains aren’t exclusively an issue for adults. Teens can experience the same thing. If your child is an athlete and has experienced a mild dental injury when they were on the field, or they have a few gaps that they find unsightly, these aren’t things that they need to live with. With the use of a tooth-colored composite resin, their dentist can correct mild aesthetic issues that they aren’t comfortable showing off.

Porcelain Veneers

For a more dramatic smile makeover, veneers are a viable option. If your child is dealing with cracks, chips, minor alignment issues, or discoloration, this is an easy way to have them corrected. Porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are placed over the front surface of the teeth in order to cover up aesthetic imperfections.

Invisalign

Many adults and teens shy away from braces because no one looks forward to sporting a smile full of metal brackets and wires for everyone to see. Fortunately, there is another option. Invisalign uses a series of clear, plastic aligners in order to slowly move misaligned teeth into their new, rightful locations in the mouth. They are virtually invisible, easy to remove, more comfortable, and your teen won’t be needing to deal with any dietary restrictions throughout the duration of the treatment.

As previously states, cosmetic dentistry isn’t only for adults. Teens can benefits as well. Talk to their dentist about the different treatments that are available to them. This way, they can work towards a smile they are proud to show off!

About the Author

Dr. Ukti Phadnis earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the UConn School of Dental Medicine and is committed to taking continuing education courses in order to keep her knowledge and skills sharp. To learn more about your teen’s cosmetic dentistry options or to schedule an appointment at Dr. Phadnis’ office in West Hartford, visit her website or call (860) 236-4249.