Adults are not the only ones who experience embarrassment and low self-esteem because of their smile. Teenagers are also feeling the pressure to have picture-perfect smiles, especially in this day and age. With social media causing young people to feel obligated to maintain a certain type of appearance, many of them are turning to their parents for help. If you’re asking whether your teen is too young for cosmetic dentistry, find out which services are available if you want to help them feel more confident in their smile.
Can Teenagers Undergo Cosmetic Dentistry?
In short, yes, teenagers can receive cosmetic dental treatments; however, it is limited as to which ones should be used.
The truth is that young smiles are still developing, even during adolescence, which is why it’s important that you and your child have a scheduled consultation with a cosmetic dentist. This meeting will allow your teen to discuss their concerns and goals so that an appropriate treatment plan can be created.
Which Cosmetic Treatment Options Are Available?
When listening to a skilled dentist talk about the different options your child can be cleared for, you must have a clear understanding of what is involved and what kind of results you and your child can expect.
Some of the most common methods of treatment that can be applied to your child’s smile include:
- Cosmetic Dental Bonding – If your teen comes to you complaining of a small stain or chip that has become more visible, a conservative form of treatment can include cosmetic dental bonding. This process takes only one visit to complete and is minimally invasive. Using composite resin that is malleable and easy to sculpt, a dentist will place it on the tooth’s surface to conceal the flaw and harden the resin into place, leaving your teen with a vibrant new smile.
- Teeth Whitening – If too much soda has been a part of your teen’s daily life, they might prefer to get rid of the stains with professional teeth whitening. Using take-home whitening kits that include custom-made trays and professional bleaching gel, your teen can see a brighter appearance in just two weeks.
- Gum Recontouring – Many teens complain that they have a “gummy smile,” so if excess gum tissue is the problem, a cosmetic dentist can perform gum recontouring. This permanent process involves using a dental laser to remove unwanted tissue around the teeth to create an even gumline that is more aesthetically pleasing.
- Metal-Free Restorations – If your teen has a decayed or broken tooth, the last thing they’ll want is a dental crown that stands out like a sore thumb. Instead, a metal-free restoration can be applied. Whether it is a crown, filling, inlay, or onlay, a cosmetic dentist can craft a natural-looking restoration that blends in with their smile to create a well-protected, beautiful appearance.
When meeting with a trusted professional, you can be sure that your teen will not only remain comfortable and safe while receiving cosmetic treatment but that their results will allow them to approach school and their peers with greater confidence.
About Grand Dental – Lake Zurich
At Grand Dental – Lake Zurich, we know that teenagers care about their appearance. When pressure from peers keeps them from feeling good about their smile, they want solutions that deliver fast results. With cosmetic treatments at our Lake Zurich office, our professionals can brighten teeth, hide flaws, and improve gumlines with safe and proven effective services. Visit our website or call (847) 443-3953 to learn how we can help.