Can Teenagers Benefit from Cosmetic Dentistry?

People of all ages have insecurities regarding their smile, not just adults. There are a variety of cosmetic dental treatments that can benefit teens who have imperfections in their smile or simply want to enhance it a way that makes them feel like their most confident selves. Continue reading to learn about some of the cosmetic treatments out there than your teenager may be able to benefit from.

Teeth Whitening

For growing kids, teeth whitening isn’t an ideal option. However, if your teen has a completely developed smile, which is usually by the age of 16, they may be a good candidate for teeth whitening. Teeth whitening helps to enhance the brightness of smiles, whitening them up to 8 shades brighter! Teeth can be whitened during an hour-long in-office whitening treatment or over the course of about two weeks with a professional take-home whitening kit. Talk to your teen’s dentist about their options to determine the best way to help them achieve their goals.

Veneers

For a more dramatic makeover of teeth, veneers are a viable option. If your teen is dealing with cracks, chips, or severe discoloration, veneers may be able to correct these problems. Veneers are thins shells of porcelain that are placed over the front-facing surfaces of the teeth to mask aesthetic imperfections and build up damaged teeth.

Tooth Contouring

Sometimes called “enamel shaping,” this cosmetic procedure involves removing small amounts of tooth enamel to improve the shape and appearance of teeth. It is minimally invasive and can address minor imperfections, like small chips, cracks, uneven edges, or very slight misalignment.

Tooth-Colored Restorations

If your teen has a metal filling or dental crown, they may be bothered by the fact that it stands out from the rest of the teeth, so it’s easy to detect its presence. Fortunately, there are tooth-colored fillings, dental crowns, and other restorations that can build up damaged teeth without taking away from their appearance in the meantime. Not liking how a restoration looks is a perfectly valid reason to want to have it replaced.

Dental Bridges and Implants

If your child has lost a tooth due to an injury, medical condition, or another reason, they shouldn’t have to show off large gaps in their teeth. Dental implants are an ideal option for replacing missing teeth once the jaw and mouth have completely finished developing – usually by your early 20s. Until then, there are other options available, like dental bridges, to keep your teen’s smile complete and beautiful.

Adults aren’t the only ones who can benefit from cosmetic dentistry. There are various age-appropriate options for teenagers with concerns regarding their appearance. By scheduling a consultation with their dentist, you can discuss which options are available and appropriate to help them achieve their goals.

About the Author

Dr. Saeed Rouhani is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for nearly two decades! He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Baylor College of Dentistry and is affiliated with the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, and Dallas County Dental Society. To learn more about cosmetic dentistry or to schedule a consultation, visit his website or call (972) 733-0999.