Do you have a teen or young adult at home who’s unhappy with the way their smile looks? Aesthetic dental problems can significantly detract from their self-esteem, which can impact everything from their social life to how successful they are at school. Because of this, increasing numbers of young adults want to know whether they can undergo cosmetic dental procedures to enhance their appearance so they can feel more confident.
If you’re concerned that your youth is too young to “get work done”, continue reading to learn how they might benefit from these 3 popular services!
Teen Treatment #1: Teeth Whitening
If your child has stubborn stains that won’t be brushed away, they might remain tight-lipped instead of speaking up in class or participating in group conversations. You may feel tempted to provide over-the-counter whitening solutions, but unfortunately, these contain diluted bleaches that don’t always result in lighter teeth. Your kid might overapply or misuse the product in their attempt to see a change, which can cause tooth sensitivity.
Thankfully, your dentist has access to professional-grade supplies that can lighten their grin by several shades in a single in-office visit. Otherwise, you can ask them for a take-home kit with the same ultra-concentrated gels and custom-fitted trays so your youth can brighten their smile on their own time.
Teen Treatment #2: Veneers
Many young adults participate in team sports and high-contact physical activities that can damage their teeth. If they have any that are chipped, cracked, or overcrowded, they might start to worry about how others will judge their appearance. While a mouthguard is a great way to prevent further harm, it won’t address the injuries that have already been sustained.
Fortunately, your dentist can provide veneers to mask one or several imperfections simultaneously. These thin ceramic shells are customized to be just the right tone, shape, and size and then bonded to the front surface of your teen’s teeth to hide flaws. Plus, they can last 25+ years with the right care, meaning your youth can continue to enjoy their restorations long into adulthood.
Teen Treatment #3: Gum Recontouring
If your kid has an overly gummy smile, it can make their pearly whites look stumpy or too short in comparison. Their dentist can rebalance their grin with gum recontouring. For this procedure, your dentist numbs and/or sedates your teen so they don’t experience any discomfort. Then, they use a special soft tissue laser to gently remove excess connective tissues, revealing more of their enamel so their teeth appear more even.
As you can see, several cosmetic treatments can boost your teen’s appearance so they can put their best foot forward as they take the next steps into adulthood!
About the Author
Dr. Sherriff Ali has enjoyed helping people of all ages build and maintain their healthiest, most beautiful smiles for 22 years. He studied Advanced Education in General Dentistry at the University of Florida, and has a Masters degree in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology. He also has earned a Fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry, so you can trust that your teen’s grin is in good hands. He uses state-of-the-art technology to enhance patient comfort while delivering accurate results intended to last. If your youth is unhappy with their dental condition, you can request an appointment on the website or call (813) 461-3463.