When is Cosmetic Dentistry Appropriate for Children?

Orthodontics such as braces and other mouth appliances are the most commonly used cosmetic dentistry procedures. However, sometimes adult teeth come in misshapen or discolored for various reasons. Your child may look in the mirror and say that he or she hates the way they look because of the funny-looking tooth or teeth that they have.

Let’s face it, even tweens are conscious about their looks these days. If your child has cracked, chipped or misshapen teeth, getting a dental veneer or bonding may be the solution to his or her frown. These procedures are safe to use on younger patients with the proper evaluation. Veneers and bonding are often used for the same problems. Here is what you and are staff will consider when improving your child’s smile.

Dental Veneers

When is a dental veneer appropriate for your child? This procedure is a good option if your child has teeth that are slightly chipped or misshapen or have significant discoloration. They are not appropriate if your child has extensive decay. In these cases, we need to remove the decay first and replace the area with tooth-colored fillings or even crowns.

Dental veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that adhere to teeth via a thin layer of dental cement. They are best used in pairs, so if we recommend this treatment for your child, you can expect us to use two, four, six or more veneers, depending on the circumstances. Veneers are a less permanent solution, however, they can last about 10 years with the proper care.