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Helpful Pediatric Dentistry Tips!

Cosmetic Dentistry & Smile Design for Teens

by Dr. Steve Whittemore, D.D.S. | Published September 17, 2021

The years of losing baby teeth may be over, but finding your way to the perfect smile has just begun! When adult teeth grow in, you finally get a good idea at how your smile will look for the rest of your life. Some are lucky enough to be born with a perfect set of teeth but for the majority of our population, that is not the case.

Teenage years can be fun and exciting, but if you are unhappy with your smile, it is not uncommon for self-esteem to take a hit. Don’t let your smile hinder your enjoyment of your high school years! 

Whether you are wanting a ‘designer smile’, or just in need of some extra dental care…here are our suggestions to get your confidence back so you can keep on smiling! Call the Pediatric Dentistry of Central Iowa to further discuss improvements and corrections for your smile.

Natural-Looking Fillings

Ouch! Looks like a cavity! Cavities are common occurrences during the teen years, especially with the overconsumption of sugary drinks and foods.Thankfully, the age of metal-colored fillings are behind us and new advancements in dentistry have invented more natural-looking ones that are barely to not noticeable at all. These fillings are the best way to get those aching cavities taken care of with no disruption to the way the teeth look.

After the cavity decay has been removed, our dentists begin working on the filling material. This material is light-cured, polished and adjusted to fit the tooth perfectly. Once that process is finished, the color is then matched to the exact color and texture of the affected tooth. When everything is finished, you won’t be able to tell the difference! 

Braces and Smile Design

A dreaded topic for most. Do not fear, you have many options when it comes to deciding which braces are right for you! A common misconception is that braces are uncomfortable, tight and their metallic material may seem like an eyesore for most. However, did you know that there are more types of braces now than there ever were before?

Common braces types are ceramic, lingual, traditional and self-ligating. Each type is designed differently based on specific needs of the wearer and what they feel is most important. Depending on the amount of help needed, braces can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. If you are unsure which is right for you, let us know and we’d be happy to schedule a consultation. 

Invisalign

You may have heard about Invisalign before…the alternative to traditional braces! When teeth are crooked, so is a smile, and without a great smile, it can be easy to lose confidence. Invisalign is a great option for fixing minor crowding and malalignment. A 3D scan will be taken of teeth and gums, then computerized to determine where and when each tooth will move once the Invisalign process is finished. After assessing the desired outcome, that scan will be used to create the clear aligner that will slowly but surely, shift the teeth. There are no food restrictions, appointments are shorter and the aligners are practically invisible. 

Veneers

Everyone’s dental health history is different. Some people are lucky enough to never experience damage to their teeth, but others are not. For those who suffer from minor damage to front-facing teeth, veneers are a fast and easy option to restore confidence to that smile.

Veneers can treat minor chips, small fractures and even some cavities. Special porcelain veneers can also be used to close gaps between teeth, improving overall shape. Using new technology, veneers can be customized, designed and placed all in one single appointment.

Get in Touch With Pediatric Dental Professionals

Whatever dental disparities you may be facing, just know there are lots of options available to fix those teeth and you are not alone. From tooth discoloration and cavities, to a total realignment, we can help you get your smile back! Contact us today to set up an appointment at either one of our great locations.