If you have a teenager living at home, you likely already know that many adolescents today are more image-aware than previous generations, partly due to the ever-growing presence of social media online. Unfortunately, if your child has dental imperfections, they might worry that they don’t measure up or that they’ll be judged for their appearance.
Thankfully, many dentists offer a variety of cosmetic procedures that might help enhance your child’s smile and boost their confidence. Continue reading to learn about 3 potential treatment options that are often safe for teens and can help improve their self-esteem!
Option #1: Teeth Whitening
Even kids who are committed to brushing and flossing their teeth twice every day can eventually develop discoloration if they consume a lot of darkly pigmented foods and drinks. For example, common culprits like tea, berries, and tomatoes are infamous for eventually leaving enamel looking more yellow or brown than pearly white.
Your youth might even have tried over-the-counter whitening strips or gels to improve their appearance, but these products often cause sensitivity or produce inconsistent results. Thankfully, plenty of oral healthcare providers offer professional services to safely and reliably reduce discoloration. Whether your teen prefers the immediate outcome from an in-office procedure or opts for a customized take-home kit, it won’t be long before they’re eager to show off their sparkling, bright smile.
Option #2: Cosmetic Bonding
If your child has teeth that are chipped, cracked, worn down, slightly misshapen, or mildly gapped, they might be a good candidate for cosmetic bonding. This procedure typically involves placing color-matched, putty-like composite resin directly onto their enamel to mend or mask such aesthetic concerns.
Once the customized material is applied and shaped, it’s hardened in place with an ultraviolet curing light, causing it to bond with the protective outer layer. The results blend into your kid’s smile seamlessly and often last 5 to 10+ years with proper care.
Option #3: Invisalign
Plenty of patients with dental or bite misalignments require braces during their teenage years to improve their mouth’s function and appearance. But your child isn’t alone if they prefer a more comfortable and discreet solution than traditional braces.
Fortunately, many dentists offer a clear alternative with Invisalign. Instead of relying on bulky metal brackets and wires, this service utilizes a series of transparent plastic trays that are customized to fit snugly over your teen’s teeth to gently shift them to their ideal places.
If your teenager is worried about the way their teeth look but you’re unsure which cosmetic procedure might help, the best way to find out is by scheduling a consultation with your family dentist!
Meet the Author
Dr. Mohannad Abboushi takes pride in helping families improve their daily lives by enhancing their dental health. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from New York University and remains committed to continuing education to offer the most up-to-date services, including cosmetic procedures, using state-of-the-art technology. He’s experienced working with patients of all ages and provides customized treatment plans to meet their unique needs conveniently under one roof. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (973) 250-6400.