New Haven Dental Group is a 42 North Dental Care, PLLC practice and is owned and operated by dentists Dr. Samuel Shames, DDM. and Dr. Ronald Weissman, DDM. Gentle Dental is supported by 42 North Dental, LLC, a dental support organization that provides non-clinical administrative and business support services to the practice. 42 North Dental, LLC does not own or operate the dental practice or employ dentists to provide dental services. Find more information about 42 North Dental, LLC and the dental practices it supports at 42northdental.com.
Cosmetic dentistry in New Haven has already helped countless adults to love what they see in the mirror. It has the power to straighten teeth, remove stains, repair chips, and much more. But what about children and teens? As a loving parent or guardian, you want your young one to feel confident in their appearance. While some cosmetic treatments are best left for adults, there are a number of procedures that may be suitable for younger patients.
Dental Bonding and Porcelain Veneers
Dental bonding is a procedure wherein a dentist molds a tooth-colored resin over a tooth with the goal of improving its appearance. This is a common treatment among patients of all ages, and it poses no risks for young ones. It may be ideal for your child if they have a broken or chipped tooth toward the front of their mouth.
Porcelain veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that get placed on the front of a tooth. They can achieve similar initial results as dental bonding, but they are more durable and stain-resistant. While children are not candidates for veneers, some teenagers are.
Tooth Replacement
Is your child self-conscious because they have one or two missing teeth? Patients whose adult teeth have already erupted are candidates for a dental bridge. However, if you would like your teen to receive a dental implant, they will have to wait until adulthood. That is because dental implants fare best when they are placed in a fully matured jaw.
Professional Whitening
Professional teeth whitening can be suitable for teenagers — in some cases. However, caution is in order. The teeth of young people have not fully calcified, which means that the whitening agent may easily penetrate into the teeth’s deeper layers and cause significant sensitivity. Most dentists do not recommend whitening for anyone under 16 years of age. The same principle applies to at-home whitening kits; you should always consult a dentist before allowing your teen to use one.
Gum Contouring
If your teen dislikes their smile because they have excess or uneven gum tissue, they may be a candidate for gum contouring. During this minimally invasive procedure, a dentist removes excess gum tissue to make the teeth appear longer. The results of gum contouring last a lifetime.
Invisalign
Most teens who must undergo orthodontic treatment dread the idea of getting metal braces due to their unattractive appearance. Invisalign is a discreet alternative. The only concern when it comes to Invisalign for teenagers is compliance. You must be sure that your teen is responsible enough to care well for the aligners and wear them as much as recommended.
Is your child or teen concerned about the way their teeth look? Speak to your local cosmetic dentist in New Haven to discover which treatments may be able to help your young one love their smile.
Meet the Practice
New Haven Dental has an expansive team of dentists and specialists ready to serve patients of all ages. Using the latest techniques and technology, we can help both teenagers and younger children to improve the appearance of their teeth. Dental bonding, professional teeth whitening, and Invisalign are among the many treatments we offer. To learn more about us and our menu of cosmetic dentistry services, contact us at 203-781-8051.