Do you have a teenager at home who feels so self-conscious about flaws in their teeth that they avoid smiling? Unfortunately, if they’re overly worried about being judged for the way they look, they might also develop feelings of anxiety or depression.
Although many dentists offer various cosmetic services to enhance patients’ smiles and boost their confidence, it’s natural to wonder whether your child is too young to undergo them. Continue reading to learn more about different options that might benefit your teen!
Is My Teen Too Young for Cosmetic Dentistry?
It’s natural to wonder whether your teen might even be considered a good candidate for different cosmetic procedures, which are generally intended to improve someone’s appearance more than their dental health, based on their age. However, as long as their treatment is provided by a qualified professional, these treatments don’t pose many risks and are considered safe for most people.
Not only that, but they’re also largely non-invasive because they’re incredibly straightforward, and there’s often no need for numbing or needles. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that every treatment is right for every person.
What Cosmetic Treatments Might Benefit My Teen?
Before proceeding with any elected service, you should schedule a cosmetic consultation for your teen. This gives them the opportunity to discuss their goals and concerns so your family dentist can devise a treatment plan to address them.
For instance, if your child is frustrated by darkly tinted enamel, they might be a good candidate for teeth whitening. Many providers offer different methods of brightening smiles, such as in-office procedures for more immediate results and take-home kits with custom-fitted applicator trays for more reliable results, for them to choose from.
Meanwhile, if your teen is worried about chips, cracks, or mild gaps or overcrowding, your dentist might recommend veneers. These thin, ceramic shells are designed to match their natural enamel and are then cemented to the fronts of their teeth to mask aesthetic imperfections.
How Can My Teen Help Maintain Their Recent Enhancements?
Once your child achieves the perfectly beautiful smile they’ve always dreamed of, it’s natural for them to want to preserve the results. There are several ways they can maintain their cosmetics, including:
- Cleaning their mouth consistently. Brushing and flossing twice daily removes plaque and darkly pigmented particles that cause issues like cavities, gum disease, and discoloration.
- Watching what they eat. Avoiding overly dark, hard, crunchy, sugary, and sticky foods helps protect their enamel and preserve results of different services, including teeth whitening and veneers.
- Schedule routine dental exams. Ensuring that your teen visits the dentist every six months for a routine exam allows their provider to monitor their oral health and polish away more recent surface stains.
If you have additional questions about which treatments might benefit your teen or help them reach their smile goals, you can learn more by contacting your family dentist for an appointment!
Meet the Author
Dr. Erin Prach is passionate about enhancing patients’ dental health to improve their daily quality of life. She earned her dental degree from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, and today, she offers a complete menu of services, including cosmetics, to meet the unique needs of people of all ages. Her caring approach is paired with advanced technology to deliver comfortable, accurate treatment results intended to last. You can request an appointment for your teen on the website or by calling (307) 337-4770.