Adolescent Aesthetics: 3 Cosmetic Treatments for Teens

December has arrived, and if you need just the right gift for your teen, why not help them enhance their smile? Many youths have imperfections in their grins, like chips, cracks, stubborn stains, or slight overlapping or gaps. These issues can affect their appearance and their dental health because damaged teeth are more likely to develop cavities, gum disease, or additional injuries.

However, some parents and guardians worry that their teenager is too young for cosmetic dentistry. Continue reading to learn about 3 services that can help them improve their looks without hurting their dental health!

Option #1: Teeth Whitening

High school is when many young adults start preparing for their futures and apply for college, work-study opportunities, or internships. One of the first things interviewers will notice about them is the quality of their smile, and if theirs is discolored, they may not make a great first impression.

Fortunately, your family dentist can provide professional teeth whitening to brighten their pearly whites by several shades in a single in-office appointment. If your child is too busy with after school activities to go to the dentist in person, you can also request a take-home kit with custom-fitted trays and ultra-concentrated bleaching gels so they can improve their appearance while doing their homework.

Option #2: Dental Bonding

Some discoloration is intrinsic, meaning that it originates or has seeped into the lower layers of teeth and is less responsive to topical treatments. Thankfully, your dentist can apply color-matched composite resin directly to your teen’s enamel to perfect their appearance.

Once applied, this material is hardened in place with a special UV curing light and can last 10+ years with the proper care. This method is also ideal for mending other aesthetic concerns like chips, cracks, or misshapen teeth so your youth won’t be judged for how they look.

Option #3: Veneers

If your teenager’s grin is riddled with multiple imperfections, they might be a good candidate for porcelain veneers. These thin ceramic shells are customized to match or upgrade the natural shade, shape, and size of their teeth. Then, they’re bonded over the front surfaces to mask one or multiple flaws like fractures, chips, discoloration, and mild gaps or overcrowding.

However, to fit correctly, your dentist must remove a small amount of enamel from your teen’s teeth, which doesn’t grow back. That means this treatment involves an irreversible change to their teeth, which leaves them slightly more vulnerable to cavities or gum disease. That said, their veneers function as a shield to protect their pearly whites and last 25+ years if cared for correctly.

Enhancing your child’s smile can boost their confidence and their dental health; it’s the gift that keeps on giving!

About the Author

Dr. David Lloyd is passionate about combining art and science to provide a comprehensive array of top-tier services to patients of all ages, including cosmetics. He earned his dental degree from the prestigious Emory University School of Dentistry before accepting a commission in the U.S. Navy. Now, he’s an active member of the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, among other organizations, so you know your smile is in good hands. If you wan to give your teen the gift of an upgraded grin, you can request an appointment on the website or call (386) 253-3629.