Thanks to social media and other cultural influences, many children and teenagers are more image-conscious than ever before. As a parent, part of your responsibility is to help your young one have a balanced view of their appearance. In some cases, that might involve coaching them to steer them away from extreme actions that could lead to long-term consequences. In other cases, though, you may choose to help them safely enhance the way they look. For example, you might be wondering if your child qualifies for cosmetic dentistry.

Many young people are candidates for aesthetic services! Here is some important information for you to keep in mind:

Treatments for Children and Teens

Depending on your child’s age, they might be a candidate for:

• Teeth whitening. Usually, teeth should be fully matured before a person pursues whitening. Therefore, many dentists recommend teeth whitening only for patients who are at least 16.
• Dental bonding. Dental bonding is a safe and fast process that can help even young children to repair chips, cracks, and other aesthetic problems.
• Veneers. Some teens are great candidates for veneers, especially if they have a chipped tooth or other cosmetic considerations that make them feel self-conscious.
• Invisalign. If your teen has misaligned teeth, they might be a candidate for clear Invisalign aligners instead of traditional metal braces.
• Metal-free restorations. Dentists often recommend metal free crowns, bridges, and fillings for patients of virtually all ages.

Is Your Child a Good Candidate?

Beyond your child’s age, there are a couple of other factors that could influence their eligibility for cosmetic services:

• Oral health. It is best for a patient to be free of untreated cavities and gum disease before they move forward with cosmetic services.
• Level of responsibility. Some cosmetic treatments can provide years (possibly even decades) of results. However, that depends largely on how well they are cared for. You should be confident in your child’s ability to stick to a thorough oral hygiene routine and other good habits.

Ultimately, the best person to help you determine whether your child should undergo cosmetic treatments is your family dentist.

An attractive smile can be a confidence booster for people of any age! In some cases, cosmetic dentistry is a great way to help young people feel better about what they see in the mirror.

Meet the Practice

Abington Family Dental Care is home to a talented, experienced team of general dentists and specialists. We welcome patients of virtually all ages, and we are always happy to help young people achieve their cosmetic goals in a balanced, reasonable manner. To learn more about how we may be able to serve you and your child, contact our office at 781-780-2658.