The teen years are a difficult time of life because there can be a lot of judgment among peers. If your child is embarrassed by the way their teeth look, it can lead to insecurities about their appearance, which can affect their confidence. Chips, stains, or gaps don’t have to hold your child back from feeling their best. Many teens can benefit from cosmetic dentistry, but there are a few things you should know.
Benefits of an Attractive Smile
You can’t put a price on the benefits attributed to attractive teeth. The way a person feels about the appearance of their smile can directly affect their self-esteem. Not to mention, society associates a beautiful smile with confidence, success, and intelligence, which are important qualities as your teen enters the workforce. Cosmetic dentistry will ensure they look and feel their best to ensure their smile gives the right impression.
Are Teens Candidates for Cosmetic Dentistry?
Many teens are candidates for cosmetic dentistry, but every situation differs. They’ll require a consultation with a cosmetic dentist to ensure their teeth and gums are healthy, which is a requirement for any elective service. Their dentist will examine their mouth and learn more about your teen’s concerns to determine which procedure can meet their needs, like:
- Teeth Whitening: Tooth discoloration can occur at any age. Not to mention, teeth come in a variety of shades and tones naturally. Teens with surface stains can benefit from professional teeth whitening. Their teeth can get up to 8 shades whiter, with results that can last for many months or years with the correct care, like brushing and flossing.
- All-Ceramic Restorations: It’s not uncommon for metal crowns to be used for children because they are affordable and convenient. Unfortunately, metal restorations can stick out like a sore thumb. All-ceramic crowns provide natural-looking results. There’s no age requirement for tooth-colored restorations, so a dark crown doesn’t have to be the focal point of your child’s smile.
- Porcelain Veneers: A veneer is a thin shell applied to the front side of a tooth to improve its overall color, size, and shape. When applied to the teeth visible when smiling, veneers can correct many issues at once using a minimally invasive method. However, not all teens are candidates for veneers, especially if they haven’t lost all of their baby teeth.
It’s never too early to give your teen the gift of confidence. Cosmetic dentistry can give them a picture-perfect smile they’ll be proud of.
About Dr. Wendy Winarick
Dr. Winarick earned her dental degree from the University of Texas School of Dentistry and has regularly continued her education in many specialties, including general and cosmetic dentistry. She holds memberships with many professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. Call our office at (254) 772-1827 for an appointment.