When Is Cosmetic Dentistry Appropriate For Children?
Cosmetic dentistry offers many great treatment options that can improve confidence and relieve dental deficiencies. Cosmetic procedures are generally performed on adults because this allows the teeth to fully grow in before the smile is altered. However, there are some cases where children can benefit from cosmetic dentistry too, especially if waiting to adulthood will cause further problems. Here are some guidelines for deciding when to take your child in to see a cosmetic dentist.
When the Deficiency Won't Clear On Its Own
One case where cosmetic dentistry can be beneficial for children is when the issue won't clear up by itself or respond to home treatments. For instance, if your child has discolorations on their teeth and diet or hygiene changes don't help, a gentle micro abrasion treatment can help to remove the stains on the teeth.
When the Problem Will Increase in Adulthood
You should also consider cosmetic treatment when an untreated problem will continue to get worse. For instance, gaps in the mouth can give other teeth room to grow in crooked. A cosmetic dentist can create a dental bridge or partial denture to fill in the gaps of your child's smile.
When a Trauma Occurs
Another case where cosmetic dentistry is a clear solution is when there has been a trauma to a particular tooth. If your child has chipped a tooth, a veneer can help to restore the shape of the tooth. Missing teeth can also be replaced with several different cosmetic dentistry treatments, from a plastic removable implant to a fully-integrated dental implant. It's often best to seek out an immediate solution for these types of problems, especially since the spacing of the teeth can affect how the rest of the teeth grow to accommodate the space.
How to Inquire About Cosmetic Dentistry for Children
If you are interested in cosmetic dentistry, the first thing to do is to speak with your regular dental practitioner or seek out a cosmetic dentistry specialist. Only a qualified dentist can evaluate your child's mouth to see if a problem is severe enough to warrant a cosmetic dentistry treatment. There are a few factors for your dentist to take into account as well, such as whether or not the teeth and gums are developed enough to handle a cosmetic treatment. Depending on the nature of treatment, your dentist might advise you to wait until the teeth have fully grown in. But for small cosmetic improvements, now can be a great time to help correct your child's smile.
To learn more, contact a dental office like Charlottesville Dental Medicine at Forest Lakes