5 Safe and Kid-Friendly Cosmetic Dental Procedures

Every parent wants their child to be able to smile wide and proud, no matter the situation. But as they get older, some children may shy away from showing their emotions due to several reasons affecting their self-esteem. One major factor that can affect a child’s confidence to smile is the appearance of their teeth. 

The best way to keep your child’s teeth healthy is to set them on good dental hygiene practices from the onset. This, however, may be difficult for younger children to follow through on—and despite your best efforts, there are some circumstances that you can’t control, such as incidents where they may chip their teeth or lose one altogether. Even hereditary conditions, such as a gap in their teeth, are also something that’s out of your hands to prevent. 

If a dental procedure can help give your child a boost of confidence to smile more, then there is no harm in paying a visit to a cosmetic dentist. 

Does Your Child Need Cosmetic Dental Care?

Before deciding which procedure you want your child to undergo, it is best to consult a pediatric dentist on whether or not it is necessary. These dental professionals can give you insight and proper assessment of your child’s teeth and will breakdown the best options for you and your child’s needs. 

Here are five cosmetic dental procedures that are made available to children. 

Standard Teeth Restoration Procedures

1. Tooth-Colored Fillings 

Tooth decay is a common dental problem for young children. Some kids won’t even notice it’s been a developing problem until their regular dental checkup! In this dental procedure, instead of taking the whole tooth out, the pediatric dentist removes the decayed portion and fills the teeth with fillings that match the color of your child’s teeth.

2. Dental Bonding

This procedure involves using resin to conceal defects like irregular teeth spacing, some discoloration, and even minor tooth chips.

3. Crowns and Bridges

For teeth with noticeably large chips or cracks that accidents may have caused, crowns or bridges are usually recommended. A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that overlays a tooth with such blemishes. A bridge is similar, except used for an area with a tooth removed completely. 

Procedures For Brighter Smiles (Recommended for Teens Only)

4. Teeth Whitening

If your child is most concerned about the color of their teeth, then there are a few options that they can go through to give them a brighter smile without causing too much damage. Standard tooth cleaning may be the ideal procedure if the problem is plaque and debris buildup. 

But if their teeth discoloration is much more than that, there are at-home kits that use a low amount of bleach that make them safe for younger patients. Consult your dentist before buying them for your child. And as for in-house whitening procedures, they are often recommended to young teens after the age of fourteen.

5. Veneers

Veneers are porcelain coverings placed on the outer surface to remove teeth discoloration and protect teeth from further staining. This is a common procedure for adults, but there is no age restriction when someone can get dental veneers. However, this procedure is recommended to much older kids, the youngest being age sixteen. 

Conclusion

Blemishes on your child’s teeth may not be an issue when they’re very young, but as they grow towards puberty, it can become a major factor in their self-esteem. As such, it’s best to know all available options from your local pediatric dentist. Their advice can point you towards all your legitimate and safe options, allowing you and your child to choose the best one fit for the situation.

Are you looking for a pediatric dentist in Charlotte, NC, who can provide your child with a safe and kid-friendly area while undergoing a dental procedure? Charlotte NC Dentist is the premier directory of local dentists near your area. With a simple search, you can find the best dentists fit for the job you need! Connect with us today, and let us find the best dental practitioner for you!