Cosmetic Dentistry: 3 Ways Teens Can Improve Their Smiles

Many teens tie their feelings of self-worth to their appearance. That means an imperfect smile that’s marred with chips or stains could leave them feeling extremely self-conscious. The good news is that their dentist could have a solution! While cosmetic services are usually marketed to adults, nowadays many teens have looked towards these treatments as a way to boost their confidence. Listed below are 3 cosmetic procedures that have been used to help younger patients in the past; learn more so that you can decide whether they’re a good option for a teen in your life.

1. Teeth Whitening

Whitening toothpaste and other products might improve some of the discoloration in your teen’s smile, but there are many kinds of stains and dark spots that will only respond to professional whitening. Many dentists offer take-home kits, but for faster results they can also perform a special procedure in-office with a special gel that’s activated by a light; after an hour-long session, the smile could end up several shades whiter. This treatment is normally only recommended after the age of 16, at which point the teeth have fully matured. Performing teeth whitening too early could end up having a negative impact on the appearance of your teen’s grin.

2. Porcelain Veneers

Does your teen have misshapen or poorly aligned tooth? Or are there any cracks or chips visible whenever they smile? For certain flaws, it may be a good idea for your teen to get porcelain veneers – thin restorations that bond to the front of the teeth in order to hide numerous flaws. Veneers are often considered a good option for patients that have more than one flaw that they’d like to correct. Your cosmetic dentist will have to examine your teen’s mouth and confirm that their teeth are healthy before they can place veneers.

3. Fastbraces

Probably the most common cosmetic option for teens, braces are often the most reliable way to straighten the teeth and close unsightly gaps. Talk to your dentist about your teen’s options. If they only need a cosmetic improvement, they may be eligible for Fastbraces. Because these braces move the entire tooth at once (instead of moving the crowns and the roots separately), they can accelerate the process by up to 30% and allow your teen to enjoy their new smile several months sooner than they normally would.  

When looking into these services, be sure to talk to your teen and make sure that you understand exactly what they want and expect out of the treatment. After that, you can speak with the cosmetic dentist together to learn more about their options. Your loved ones deserve a brilliant grin that they can proudly show their peers!

About Bethel Dental

Here at Bethel Dental we offer the entire family top notch dental services provided by dentists who understand the importance of personalized care. We’re pleased to be able to offer porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, and Fastbraces for adults and teens that feel self-conscious about the smiles they see in the mirror. Visit our website to schedule a cosmetic consultation with us today.