Valued at over $23 billion in 2018, it’s undeniable that the global cosmetic dentistry market brings in a ton of money each year. This is because many people are unsatisfied with their smiles and want to achieve beautiful beams that boost their confidence in their pearly whites. Children and teens aren’t exempt from the desire to achieve a gorgeous grin.
With the entire internet full of influencers with bright, white, and uniform smiles, it makes sense that they’d want to look like their favorite internet stars. If your little one is interested in cosmetic dentistry, read on to learn about a few treatments that are safe for them to get.
Treatments That Are Safe for Kids and Teens
Teaching your child how to take good care of their smile by establishing a good oral hygiene regimen is key to maintaining a beautiful beam. Though cosmetic dentistry is seen by most as being only for aesthetic purposes, it may also help improve the health and functionality of your child’s smile. A few cosmetic dental treatments that are safe for kids and teens include:
- Teeth whitening – If your little one’s smile is discolored, this treatment can be used to lift stains from their pearly whites to give them a brighter, more uniform look.
- Porcelain veneers – These thin shells are made out of dental-grade porcelain and can be placed on the front of the teeth to correct minor shape and alignment issues as well as chips, cracks, gaps, and discoloration.
Treatments to Avoid
Though there are several cosmetic procedures that are safe for kids and teens, there are several that may not be the best option. Dental implants are a great way to complete your child’s smile, they should only be placed once their jaw is done growing. Implants placed before then may impede bone growth. They can also put your child at an increased risk of bite issues, gaps between teeth, bone loss where the implant was placed, and changes in facial structure or appearance.
Whitening treatments are another great option for kids, but it should only be done for kids who understand what it takes to keep their smiles healthy. If you begin whitening treatments with your little one before they understand how to properly care for their smiles, they may believe that they can just get their teeth whitened to make it look better and don’t have to focus on smile health. Teach them about the importance of brushing, flossing, and eating a balanced diet to maintain excellent oral health.
Before you allow your child to undergo cosmetic dentistry, make sure that they understand that they still need to practice good oral hygiene after the procedure. This will help them maintain healthy teeth and gums so they can enjoy their new smile to the fullest!
About the Author
Dr. Cher Rich is a talented dentist who treats patients in the Houston area with a range of exceptional oral health services. If your little one is interested in improving the look of their smile, Dr. Rich can teach both of you about the cosmetic dentistry options they have available for growing smiles. Call the Houston dental office of Dr. Rich at (281) 469-6281 or visit her website for more information on cosmetic dentistry for kids or to schedule an appointment.