Navigating the teen years is hard enough on its own, let alone having to navigate complex dental issues. Dental practices like ours that handle teen cosmetic dentistry need to treat these cases with the utmost care, so we prioritize patient and parent concerns.
Keep reading to learn how Dr. Chris Wolberg of Cedarwood Dentistry in Midlothian, Virginia, approaches cosmetic and family dentistry and how the personalized treatment plans we offer fulfill every teen’s smile goals and every family’s needs.
Contents
- Cedarwood’s Approach to Cosmetic Dentistry for Adolescents
- Common Cosmetic Procedures for Teens at Cedarwood Dentistry
- Correcting Missing Lateral Incisors in Teens: A Case in Teen Cosmetic Dentistry
- The Role of Parents in Cosmetic Dentistry For Teens
- Let Cedarwood Handle Your Teen Cosmetic Dentistry Needs
Cedarwood’s Approach to Cosmetic Dentistry for Adolescents
“There’s a lot of different concerns with teens and cosmetic dental procedures because they’re still growing,” Dr. Wolberg explains. “Their teeth over their lifespan are going to change position and their skeletal growth is going to continue. If we want the procedure to last more than five years, we really have to consider that this person is going to continue to change and grow.”
For this reason, Dr. Wolberg shies away from implants and veneers because by the time a teen patient is in their mid twenties, an implant or veneer may look too small or be the wrong color.
Instead, Dr. Wolberg focuses on providing teen and young patients with permanent-temporary restoration options to treat things like broken, missing, or chipped teeth because these options can last a lifetime if they still look good, but they can also be removed more easily if the patient dislikes how they look in their fully-grown, adult mouth.
At that point in time, more permanent options – like veneers or implants – may be pursued without concern that the teeth will continue to grow out of the gums or shift in other ways.
Common Cosmetic Procedures for Teens at Cedarwood Dentistry
Dental Bonding: Good for simple procedures like fixing tooth spacing or lengthening a tooth, this option is less invasive and can be done in one sitting, making it a preferred option for younger patients. The dental bond is made from a composite material similar to a tooth-colored filling, and there’s usually minimal tooth structure that is removed in order to attach the bond.
Resin-Bonded Bridges: When it comes to missing teeth, especially in the smile line, Dr. Wolberg recommends resin-bonded bridges.
“These are less permanent than implants and suit the dynamic changes in a teen’s mouth,” he adds.
For this procedure, like dental bonding, a very minimal amount of the adjoining teeth are removed to bond the bridge onto the back of the teeth adjacent to the bridge.
Whitening: A universally appealing option, teeth whitening is safe for teens and can significantly boost their confidence. It’s a simple yet effective way to enhance their smile.
Correcting Missing Lateral Incisors in Teens: A Case in Teen Cosmetic Dentistry
Addressing missing lateral incisors is a common concern in teen cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Wolberg generally recommends a resin-bonded bridge for these cases as it respects the ongoing changes in a teen’s mouth while providing a natural and aesthetically pleasing result.
“Patients who get this work done are just really happy when we finish,” says Dr. Wolberg. “They’re just happy to fully smile.”
One teen patient who received a resin-bonded bridge to correct her missing lateral incisors shared that she was most excited to show her parents because they had never seen her fully smile before.
The Role of Parents in Cosmetic Dentistry For Teens
When it comes to cosmetic and family dentistry, parents play a vital role.
“Their support, both emotionally and financially, is vital,” Dr. Wolberg emphasizes.
As a cosmetic and family dentistry practice, Cedarwood Dentistry understands the importance of listening to the needs and concerns of both parents and their teen patients, and works to address and alleviate concerns from both sides before and during the procedure to arrive at optimal results for all parties involved.
Let Cedarwood Handle Your Teen Cosmetic Dentistry Needs
At Cedarwood Dentistry, we’re dedicated to guiding teens and their families through the cosmetic dentistry journey. Our personalized treatment plans are designed to meet each teen’s unique dental needs and aspirations. If you’re considering cosmetic dentistry for your teen, contact our office to schedule an appointment. We can’t wait to serve you!