Adults are not the only ones who deal with tooth imperfections. When stains and chips form on younger smiles, it can be equally embarrassing for teenagers, and their perception of how others view them is often heightened. If you have an adolescent who is unhappy with the look of their smile, you may wonder, “Is my teen too young for cosmetic dentistry?” To answer this question, a dentist shares which treatment options are suitable and which ones should be avoided.
Why Consider Cosmetic Dentistry for Teenagers?
The society that we live in is much more focused on appearances. Teenagers not only see their peers at school but at home on social media. Instead of wondering what others do on the weekends, their frequent updates and photos show the events that are often the highlighted topics on Monday morning.
Because of the many avenues that make it easy for teens to share photos and learn from trending influencers, more and more young people are looking to cosmetic dentistry to improve their appearance.
Which Cosmetic Treatments Are Suitable for Teens?
Many parents wonder if it’s a safe solution for younger smiles and if so, which ones are best to help minimize flaws. The last thing any parent wants to do is allow their teen to undergo a treatment that might damage their pearly whites, so which options can help to improve their appearance?
A cosmetic dentist in Wilmington explains that those which are less invasive are the best options for teens. These may include:
- Teeth Whitening – Using take-home whitening kits that include custom trays and professional-grade bleaching gel, the mixture can work to remove stains above and below the surface to create a whiter, brighter smile in weeks.
- Cosmetic Dental Bonding – Instead of removing small bits of tooth enamel for veneers, a cosmetic dentist can address minor flaws with cosmetic dental bonding. The same material used for tooth-colored fillings – composite resin – is used for this type of treatment and is quickly applied and shaped to hide the imperfection. And it is completed in just one visit.
- Metal-Free Dental Restorations – Teens with damaged or decayed teeth can receive help with metal-free dental restorations. Instead of relying on traditional amalgam, a dentist can use natural-looking materials to ensure optimal protection and aesthetics.
- Orthodontics – When teeth need straightening or a bite needs to be realigned, Invisalign and other forms of orthodontic treatment can be beneficial in shifting teeth into their proper place. Clear aligners can be an ideal option for teens who are more self-conscious about their appearance.
Now that you know a bit more about which services are the safest and most effective for young, developing smiles, you can feel more confident in allowing your teen to pursue cosmetic dentistry to enhance their pearly whites and self-esteem.
About Grand Dental – Wilmington
At Grand Dental – Wilmington, our team of experts knows how to boost and enhance a person’s smile. Using cosmetic dentistry, we can treat adults and teens alike who are self-conscious and desire a more vibrant appearance. Visit our website or call (815) 240-8822 to find out how we can help.