Children have a great deal of growing and changing to do before they come into their adult smile, which often means parents fail to consider cosmetic dentistry for children as an option. However, cosmetic dental services can make a big difference for kids at this vulnerable age, when they may be prone to bullying and self-confidence challenges.
The most suitable cosmetic dentistry procedure will vary depending on the child’s unique needs, goals, and comfort levels. In general, a couple of options are consistently available to enhance a child’s smile using cosmetic dental treatments.
Contrary to popular belief, children can be good candidates for cosmetic dentistry, just like adults can. However, since their smile is still growing and changing, working with an experienced dentist is crucial to get the best results.
There is no single age at which a child automatically becomes a candidate for cosmetic dental procedures. The health of their teeth and gums, the level of development of their dentition, and the nature of the problem to be solved will all impact whether a child is at an age that can support cosmetic dental work.
In general, patients under the age of seven years old will not be good candidates for cosmetic work. Before this time, their basic bite has not yet been firmly developed, and making changes now could impact oral health later. At best, cosmetic amendments made at a very young age may need to be redone later. However, once a child is approaching seven or eight, some options become available; others will still need to wait longer.
In most cases, dentists will not perform whitening services on a child until they have all their adult teeth. For most kids, this is around the age of 12, though it can vary based on a person’s genetics and oral health habits. Whitening the baby teeth is not standard for various reasons, the most important being that doing so at this stage can damage the surrounding gum tissues.
Many dentists also avoid whitening milk teeth because these will be replaced later. Instead, they teach children better ways to prevent teeth stains, such as improved brushing practices and new habits to replace damaging behaviors (such as swishing soda through the teeth to pop the bubbles).
Composite bonding is a tooth-like material that can be used to restore a tooth’s shape and function. Bonding agents are typically used for children to seal the hole once a cavity has been treated, but they can also address cracks and chips. Since the health of the baby teeth impacts how the adult teeth come in, children who still have their baby teeth can get composite bonding.
However, veneers are best for children with adult teeth. A veneer is a tooth-like installation, but instead of filling gaps and cracks, it sits on top of the affected tooth like a cover. This enables the dentist to hide imperfections like stains and gaps and make the teeth appear uniform. Since the baby teeth will fall out, dentists do not typically want to place veneers on young children because they would merely be a temporary measure.
One of the most notable problems that many children face is the struggle with proper tooth alignment. As the adult teeth come in, they may emerge crooked or with gaps. A cosmetic dentist can guide patients on their options for straightening their smile, which not only improves the person’s confidence and self-esteem but also enables them to better care for their oral health.
Braces are the most common choice for children because they adhere directly to the teeth, so treatment is always occurring. However, children who can demonstrate responsibility may be eligible for aligner trays, which must be worn for around 22 hours per day but offer a much less noticeable straightening option.
Children can be especially susceptible to embarrassment about their smiles. From gaps and crooked teeth to stains and cavities, they deserve the same access to cosmetic treatments that can restore their confidence. Our team can help you explore options for cosmetic dentistry for your child to enhance their smile, address their needs, and identify which options they may be good candidates for. Contact our cosmetic dentist to schedule an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.grandparkwaypediatricdental.com or call Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental at (832) 579-0960 for an appointment in our Richmond office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Cosmetic Dentistry for Children in Richmond, TX.
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