Social media exposure seems to have made teens more worried about self-image than ever before. Being bombarded with messages from influencers and paid advertisements might lead your child to ask you if they can get cosmetic dental procedures. Here’s some information on how and when young people can receive cosmetic treatments.
Teeth Whitening Kits
Our culture seems obsessed with achieving whiter and whiter teeth. Your teen may have already experimented with store-bought teeth whitening kits or toothpaste, and they might have already asked about a professional take-home whitening kit from your dentist.
While professional teeth whitening kits can be safe for teens, you’ll need to consult with your dentist first. The teeth are not fully matured until after the age of sixteen, and undergoing a whitening treatment too early can actually worsen their appearance.
A take-home teeth whitening kit from your dentist comes with professional-grade whitening gel and dental trays customized to fit the patient’s teeth. All the patient has to do is apply the gel to the trays and wear them for one hour every day for two weeks. The results will be superior to those of any whitening product from a store or pharmacy and can whiten teeth by up to ten shades.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are the open secret behind the perfect smiles of many Hollywood stars. Veneers are thin shells that mimic the color, shape, and luster of real teeth. In as few as two appointments, the dentist will remove a tiny amount of enamel to make room before permanently cementing the veneers into place. Veneers can last up to twenty years with good maintenance, and a patient who receives them will have to wear them from then on.
Teens with dental shape imperfections or mild alignment issues can sometimes be good candidates for porcelain veneers. This can be especially useful for a young athlete who cracked or chipped a tooth during a particularly harsh game. The only maintenance veneers require is the usual oral hygiene routine including brushing, flossing, and rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash.
Consulting with your dentist will give you the definitive answer as to whether your teen is ready for cosmetic dentistry. Following your dentist’s recommendations will lead them to a lifetime with their ideal smile. If they have to wait a few years, that’s something for them to look forward to.
About the Practice
Lyndon Family Dental offers exceptional comprehensive dental care from a comfortable and state-of-the-art practice in Fayetteville, NY. Led by Drs. Marley Rinoldo and Simone P. Reid, the staff is prepared to meet and exceed patients’ expectations. Services include preventive, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening and porcelain veneers. For more information on what cosmetic dentistry can do for teens, contact the office online or dial (315) 449-0711.