Why Cosmetic Dentistry Could Be a Good Choice for Your Teen

Many teenagers are worried about their self-image, and oftentimes that includes the way their teeth look. Has your teen expressed that they’re unhappy with the appearance of their smile? If so, it may be worth considering cosmetic dentistry. Below is a brief overview of how cosmetic dentistry can be beneficial for your teenager, as well as some of the options that are available.

The Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry for Teens

Cosmetic dentistry can be used to correct all sorts of imperfections on your teenager’s smile, including chipped enamel, small gaps, and discolored teeth. Addressing these types of aesthetic issues can end up benefiting your teen in the following ways:

• Improved Self-Esteem: If your teen doesn’t like the way their teeth look, it can hurt their confidence. Enhancing their smile with cosmetic dentistry can ultimately give their self-esteem a boost.
• Better Oral Hygiene Habits: Your teenager will likely be motivated to do whatever they can to ensure that the results of their cosmetic dental treatment last as long as possible. This can encourage them to maintain good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice a day and flossing regularly.
• Less Social Pressure: Imperfections on your teen’s teeth could potentially make them a target of teasing from their peers, which can cause them to feel insecure. Cosmetic dentistry could potentially help your teen avoid this problem.

What Cosmetic Dentistry Options are Available for Teens?

There are various kinds of cosmetic dentistry available. Here are some particularly popular options that might be right for your teen:

• Professional Teeth Whitening: Does your teen have stained or otherwise discolored teeth? A professional whitening treatment could brighten their smile by several shades. Many dentists offer take-home whitening kits as well as in-office whitening treatments.
• Veneers: Veneers can be placed on the fronts of the teeth in order to hide all sorts of imperfections from view. They can be a great solution for teens who are bothered by multiple imperfections on their teeth. On top of that, they’re very durable and can potentially last for many years with the right maintenance.
• Cosmetic Dental Bonding: If your teen only wants to make one or two small changes to their smile, they may be eligible for cosmetic dental bonding. This procedure involves applying composite resin to the teeth in order to hide small chips and other minor aesthetic issues. In many cases, the treatment can be completed in as little as one visit.

In short, the right cosmetic dental treatment could go a long way toward helping your teen feel better about their smile. Feel free to talk to your dentist to see what cosmetic dentistry options they offer and find out which ones could help your teen achieve their smile goals.

About the Author

Dr. David M. Weinman studied dentistry at the School of Dental Medicine at the University of Connecticut. Through the Pankey Institute and various other institutions, he has completed hundreds of hours of continuing education in cosmetic dentistry. His practice in Westfield offers veneers, teeth whitening, cosmetic dental bonding, and other treatments for enhancing the appearance of the teeth. If you’re interested in cosmetic dentistry for yourself or someone else in your family, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Weinman by visiting his website or calling (908) 654-7200.