Cosmetic Dentistry and Teeth Whitening for Teens
A confident smile matters at every age. Cosmetic dentistry for young patients focuses on safe, conservative care that improves how teeth look without harming healthy tooth structure.
Cosmetic options for children and teens
White fillings, made of BPA-free and bis-GMA free composite resin, or crowns, typically made of zirconia blend in with your child's smile and are often chosen for front teeth. These are just two examples of materials that we offer that are safe and holistic. We offer other materials that are case-dependent. Each material has its indication and some types need more of the tooth to be shaped before placement. Rest assured, we will discuss the ideal materials for your kiddo before we provide treatment.
Teeth whitening for teens
Most dentists recommend waiting until the permanent teeth have fully erupted and somewhat matured before whitening. We first examine the teeth and gums, check for cavities and decide whether whitening is a good fit.
Whitening can cause temporary tooth or gum sensitivity. Over-the-counter kits or at-home whitening aren't designed specifically for young patients, so please talk to us before your teen tries one.
Why teeth look discolored
• Foods and drinks such as soda, juice and sports drinks.
• Plaque and tartar build-up.
• Enamel defects or a past injury to a tooth.
• Some medications taken while teeth were developing.
A professional cleaning often brightens teeth on its own. We identify the cause before suggesting treatment.
Frequently asked questions
• Is whitening safe for my teen? When teeth are healthy and the treatment is supervised by a dentist, it can be an option.
• How long do results last? It varies with diet, habits and oral care.
• Can we whiten baby teeth? We don't recommend whitening baby teeth but yellow stains can sometimes mean early cavities.