Cosmetic Dentist Procedures for Kids

There are some cosmetic dentist procedures which are specifically focused on children. These treatments are usually carried out by skilled and experienced oral health care providers who have decided to focus on aesthetics when it comes to dentistry. Individuals are considered children until they reach the age of eighteen, after which they are considered minors. In dentistry, the age may be more flexible and many older children go to the regular dental professional than the one that practices pediatric dentistry. In this connection, a cosmetic dentist who focuses on children may have patients up to the age of fifteen or thereabouts.

Whitening

Stains or discolorations often plague youngsters. The reason behind the discolored teeth may be the kind of food and beverages that the child is exposed to regularly. Dark colored soda, tea drinks and coffee based drinks can really affect the whiteness of our pearly whites and children are no exception. Many parents are concerned about the state of their children’s oral cavity and they are more vigilant these days compared to parents a few decades ago. This vigilance may be the reason why there are more and more children who are brought to their oral health care provider to treat discolored or stained teeth. Usually, the kids who are brought in are past the age where they have their milkteeth and may be ones who have their permanent ones on, especially the ones in the front. The cosmetic dentist may recommend the usual bleaching procedure and treatment for the child but with a lesser dosage compared to the adult, if need be. In some cases, the same dosage may actually work. Microdermabrasion is also one of the primary solutions that a dental professional may recommend to parents for the discoloration or stains.

Bonding and Veneers

It is not just the adults who suffer from chipped, broken or fractured smiles. In fact, many children have chips and breaks to their pearly whites because of their rough activities. The usually solution for adults when it comes to chips, breaks and fractures is the application of a veneer or the use of composite bonding to duplicate the appearance of a perfect tooth. The cosmetic dentist may have some preferences when it comes to which one to use to make the chip, break or fracture appear none existent. A veneer comes in two material, namely composite and porcelain. While composite is sturdier than porcelain, it lacks the natural sheen and opacity of porcelain. Porcelain is more fragile than composite but mimics the appearance of a tooth very well. Both need to be made in a dental laboratory according to the measurements of the one being replaced. The veneer is then attached to the damaged tooth. Bonding also makes use of composite but this is usually utilized in part of the tooth only. Gaps, chips and breaks can be made to look better with the application of the composite bonding which is formed and cured in the oral cavity in one or more sessions.

Both treatments are very effective and can be done safely to children.