As children enter their teen years, maintaining good oral hygiene is important. Braces, fluctuating hormones, nutrition, and mouth jewelry can contribute to dental issues ranging from tooth decay to tongue and gum infections. Understanding teen dentistry needs and learning about the different services pediatric dentists can offer them helps ensure that your child receives the appropriate treatments and procedures when necessary.
Invisalign Teen
Children’s dental offices offer Invisalign aligners for teens as an alternative to braces to straighten misaligned teeth and correct issues such as overbites and underbites. Invisalign differs from traditional metal braces because they are crafted with clear plastic to make them barely visible and they’re changed out every few weeks as the teeth shift. While specific lengths of time can vary per patient, Invisalign aligners typically produce optimal results within two years.
Orthodontics
When it comes to traditional braces, dental practices with specializations in orthodontics offer a wide range of services. Metal braces and clear braces consist of brackets bonded to the teeth. A metal band is affixed between the brackets to help align the teeth by creating slight pressure. Braces typically take between 16 to 18 months to produce results, however, some patients with severely misaligned teeth may need to wear braces for up to five years.
Wisdom Teeth Extraction
The third molars or wisdom teeth usually come in between the ages of 17 and 25. In some cases, wisdom teeth can become impacted and require extraction. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to gum infections, tooth crowding, and tooth decay, affecting teenagers’ oral health. Impacted wisdom teeth can also cause significant pain and stiffness in the jaw.
If your teen’s dentist is also a licensed oral surgeon, they may be able to perform the procedure in their office. Alternatively, they can refer your child to an oral surgery specialist. Benefits of wisdom teeth extraction include lowered risk of gum disease, pain relief and prevention of shifting or damaged teeth.
Chipped Teeth Repair
Sports accidents that lead to falling or traumatic injuries to the face are one of the most common causes of chipped teeth in teens. In addition, weakened enamel due to cavities or decay can make a teen’s teeth more vulnerable to cracks or chipping. Dental offices that offer cosmetic services and teen dentistry can assist with repairing chipped teeth using crowns, veneers, and/or bonding.
Smoking and Vaping
While it’s common knowledge that smoking tobacco products can lead to stained teeth, many teens believe vaping is safe when it comes to both their overall health and potential dental dangers. In addition to both habits being addictive and unhealthy, the chemicals in vape aerosols can dry out the mouth and cause inflammation of the gums, which can eventually lead to periodontal disease.
While there are dental treatments such as teeth whitening and deep gum cleanings for both stained teeth and gum disease, pediatric dentists also work to encourage teens to give up smoking and vaping when they detect issues related to these habits during exams.
Understanding Your Teen’s Dental Needs
Whether it’s the need for braces to fix misaligned teeth or wisdom teeth extractions to prevent future dental issues, teenagers often have multiple dental needs that need to be addressed within short periods of time. Discussing any symptoms or issues your teen may be experiencing with a dental professional is a helpful way to prepare for treatments and procedures and stay informed on the teenager’s dental health.
