As your children get older, their self-awareness grows. With this increased understanding of their reality and role in the world, your kids may start to think about their smiles. It’s not unusual for children to be shy about their smile, especially if they have cracked, chipped, or otherwise misshapen teeth. This is where cosmetic dentistry comes in— after all, cosmetic dental care isn’t just for adults. Cosmetic dental care for kids is far more common than parents might realize.

How can cosmetic dental care for kids help your child?

Parents will be happy to know that cosmetic dental care for kids is not only common but can be minimally invasive too. During adolescence, children’s self-esteem can be more vulnerable as it is affected by physical and hormonal changes and perceptions of how others view them. Those approaching their teens, and teenagers especially, often have fragile self-esteem. Thankfully, cosmetic dental care can help.

Types of Cosmetic Dental Care for Kids

Since your child’s teeth are still growing, you should have a thorough discussion with your kids’ dentist so that you understand the best options available. The dentists at We Make Kids Smile will help assess whether your child is a candidate for cosmetic dentistry and can help you determine how best to proceed.

If you think that cosmetic dental care for children might be needed for your child, start by understanding the common procedures available. And, be sure to stay on top of oral health issues that are common in kids so that you can take steps to prevent them.

Fillings

Dental fillings, sometimes called composite fillings or white fillings, are common strategies in addressing tooth decay. After your child’s cavity is cleaned and removed, a filling can be applied to the tooth in layers. Your kid’s dentist will then shape and polish the filling’s surface so that it blends in naturally with the rest of the teeth in your child’s mouth.

Bonding

Dental bonding is another common strategy and is used to replace missing tooth structure. Bonding can also be used to hide defects in your child’s tooth, such as discoloration, chips, or irregular spacing. Bonding consists of tooth-colored composite resin, which is applied to the tooth and then adhered by using a special blue light tool.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are commonly used to cover cracked, chipped, or otherwise damaged teeth. When dental crowns are cemented into your child’s mouth, they fully cover the tooth and reach the gum line. Crowns are an excellent way to improve your child’s tooth’s integrity and last for many years.

Teeth Whitening

Tooth whitening has become increasingly popular amongst adults in recent years, and for children too. Discolored teeth can be sources of embarrassment for your teen, especially in those years when self-esteem is already so fragile. When a dentist professionally whitens teeth, it can improve the color of your teeth, resulting in improved self-esteem. When tooth whitening is done in combination with good oral care habits such as twice-daily tooth brushing, selecting the right toothpaste for your child, and daily flossing, teeth will stay whiter for longer.

Veneers

Veneers are most frequently placed on the front part of teeth that you can see when your child is smiling or talking. Veneers are custom-made from a composite resin to fit your kid’s teeth. They are then bonded adhesively to the teeth, improving teeth that are chipped, worn down, abnormally spaced, discolored, misaligned, or uneven. Veneers can be an advantage over crowns because less of the tooth material needs to be removed, creating a more comfortable experience for your child.

How to know if your child needs cosmetic dental care.

You may be wondering how parents know if their child needs cosmetic dental care. In many cases, your kids’ dentist will make a recommendation at your child’s first dental appointment. As your child grows and their oral health changes, there may be new suggestions along the way. However, you may have specific observations between dental visits that could indicate that your child may need cosmetic dental treatment, such as:

• Your child seems resistant to smiling.
• You see your child assessing their teeth in the mirror more often than what might seem normal.
• Your child has misshapen teeth that a previous dentist has not addressed.
• Your child has a cracked or chipped tooth.
• Your child doesn’t want their picture taken or keeps their mouth closed in photos.

Request an appointment with We Make Kids Smile to learn more about cosmetic dental care for kids.

The best way to learn about cosmetic dental care for kids is to request an appointment with your kids’ dentist. If you have been online searching for the best dentist near me, or cosmetic dental care for children, or cosmetic dentistry for kids in Waldorf or Prince Frederick, MD, then know that you have come to the right place.

There are many wonderful things that a pediatric dentist can do for your child, and one of those things is to provide guidance on cosmetic dentistry solutions. Please give the We Make Kids Smile office a call or request an appointment using our convenient online form. We look forward to talking to you and your child about cosmetic dental care and helping them love their smile again.