Pediatric Aesthetic Dentistry
The aesthetic dental treatments we offer for children are safe, effective, and painless. Unlike cosmetic dentistry for adults, which is often performed because patients don’t like something about their smile, cosmetic dentistry for kids focuses on restoring teeth that have been damaged.
Our practice offers the following aesthetic dental treatments:
Cosmetic Bonding
Cosmetic bonding, also known as composite bonding, is used to correct minor cosmetic imperfections like cracks, chips, and discoloration, particularly intrinsic stains that cannot be corrected with whitening treatments. Bonding requires only one office visit. First, your child’s tooth will be prepared to help the bonding material adhere to it, then we apply the tooth-colored material and shape it for a natural appearance. The bonding material is cured with a special UV light and then polished.
Whitening
Orthodontic treatment and certain medications can cause teeth to become yellowed or stained; if this is causing your child embarrassment, we may consider teeth whitening. We typically reserve teeth whitening for secondary teeth and the treatment we use is gentle and effective. We protect the gums and soft tissue by applying a protective gel or using a rubber shield as a barrier, then we use a bleaching agent containing carbamide peroxide to whiten the teeth, along with a laser light that enhances its results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Aesthetic Dentistry
Can a child get veneers?
It’s not advisable for children to get traditional dental veneers. Depending on the situation, veneers may be an option for teenagers. These veneers are different than the ones used for adults, as they preserve more of the tooth enamel and they are not meant to last as long. Once your child reaches adulthood, a more permanent veneer can be placed. Still, this is very rare. Instead of a dental veneer to correct a damaged tooth, consider cosmetic bonding instead. When your child is an adult, they can decide if they want to maintain the bonding or if they’d like to get a veneer instead.
How old should you be to whiten your teeth?
When all of the primary teeth have fallen out and the secondary teeth have fully erupted, teeth whitening may be an option for your child. Usually this is around age 14.
Why are my child’s teeth not white?
There are many reasons why your child’s teeth may not be white. Poor oral hygiene habits and plaque buildup can cause teeth to appear discolored. Certain medications can change the color of teeth, as can foods and drinks that stain, like cola and grape juice. If your child’s secondary teeth have erupted, they may appear yellow compared to their whiter primary teeth. Don’t be alarmed; it’s normal for adult teeth to look yellow because they contain more dentin. As your child gets older, their teeth will whiten.
Can a child’s chipped tooth be repaired?
Whether it’s from taking a tumble or biting something they shouldn’t, many children have chipped teeth. A chipped tooth can easily be repaired using dental bonding to fill in the chipped area.
What happens if you chip a baby tooth?
Because cosmetic bonding is affordable and non-invasive, it can be used to repair a chipped baby tooth if the chip is noticeable and causing your child embarrassment. If not, we advise simply waiting for the baby tooth to fall out naturally.