Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments Teens Love

Routine checkups and dental exams are an excellent way to keep your teen's teeth healthy while looking great too. However, if your teenager is coming to you about whitening their smile, you are not alone! Cosmetic dentistry treatments are an excellent and easy way to correct discolored, broken, or chipped teeth. 

Read on to learn which cosmetic dentistry treatments teens love, and what benefits can stem from these types of restorations. 

Simple Solutions That Won't Break the Bank

There are many circumstances in which cosmetic dentistry procedures are necessary for children and teens. Whether your child has baby teeth or adult teeth, issues with tooth decay or chipping need to be addressed to prevent further damage. Severely damaged teeth can become an oral health issue that extends into adulthood if not handled promptly. 

Fixing minor cosmetic concerns can boost a teenagers self-esteem, and there are several simple solutions that won't break the bank. 

Teeth Whitening

It's only a matter of time before your teen comes to you asking for a professional teeth whitening treatment. Always consult with your dentist before starting any whitening products or procedures. Your dentist will discuss teeth whitening options, including natural remedies, whitening toothpaste, at-home whitening kits, and in-office whitening treatments to give you a better idea of which treatment is best. Most doctors tend to recommend against teeth whitening until after a child's teeth have fully matured, which is typically after the age of 16. 

Enamel Shaping With Dental Bonding

Enamel shaping is an affordable cosmetic dentistry solution for misshapen teeth. Because of the ease of application, shaping can be useful in a wide variety of concerns. Imperfections, including chips, cracks, mild crookedness, and uneven teeth, can all be corrected with dental bonding. A great solution for kids of all ages, enamel shaping with dental bonding can also be used to close unwanted gaps between teeth. An advantage of dental bonding is that it does not require the removal of tooth enamel, and the entire treatment can be performed in a single visit. Bonding is simple, quick, and affordable. 

Gum Contouring 

If your teen is self-conscious over a gummy smile, a gum lift or gum contour can deliver a lifetime of increased self-esteem in a single visit. During the treatment, your dentist will reshape the gum line, visually aligning the teeth, and creating more natural depth. By removing excess gum tissue, the results are often dramatic, and all cases can typically be completed during one appointment. 

Veneers

Veneers are an excellent option for older teens suffering from minor damage on their front-facing teeth - especially for parents of athletes. Porcelain veneers can treat minor cavities, small fractures, or chips. Veneers can also be used for cosmetic repairs, including closing gaps between teeth and improving the shape and general alignment of teeth. 

Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are partial dental crowns that can replace a large portion of tooth enamel. These treatments are typically used to restore, strengthen, and protect teeth that have been damaged or decayed but do not require a full crown. 

Remember: Preventative Dentistry Over Corrective Dentistry 

There are many simple and affordable solutions for giving your teen a confidence boost and a smile that they will love for years to come. It's critical to equip your child with all of the necessary tools they need to keep their smile in a constant state of optimal health, and that starts with excellent home care and routine cleanings and exams. Preventative dentistry is always preferable to corrective dentistry, so contact Elite Dental & Denture PC to schedule your teen's next visit.