Pediatric Cosmetic Dentistry
Pediatric cosmetic dentistry in South Plainfield, NJ, serves the same needs as cosmetic dentistry for adults, which includes improving the appearance of the bite, teeth, and gums. However, these procedures do more than improve appearance. Correcting certain dental issues early in life gives your child a better chance of maintaining excellent oral health as an adult. Cosmetic dentistry can also help to improve your child’s confidence.
Common Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures for Children
Below are brief descriptions of popular cosmetic procedures for kids, some of which also fall into the category of restorative dentistry.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
Most kids love sweets, which can lead to the development of tooth decay. When filling a cavity, our pediatric dentists give children the option of having tooth-colored fillings whenever possible. Like adults, many children do not want to draw attention to the cavities in their mouths by having silver amalgam fillings. As the name suggests, tooth-colored fillings match the natural shade of your child’s teeth as closely as possible.
Dental Bonding
Children are active, which increases the likelihood of cracking or chipping a tooth while playing. During the dental bonding procedure, our dentist applies tooth-colored resin material to the affected tooth and then uses a light that accelerates the process of the resin hardening in place. The material bonds easily to the tooth, and the process does not require your child to have any tooth enamel removed.
Teeth Whitening
Your child’s permanent teeth can become stained due to poor oral hygiene, a non-nutritious diet, frequent use of certain medications, and consuming dark-colored foods and drinks. Children’s teeth are no different from adult’s teeth in this regard. However, you do need to wait until your child has lost all baby teeth towards the front of the mouth before considering a professional tooth-whitening procedure.
Pediatrics on Park offers teeth whitening for children using bleaching gel geared toward younger patients who have not had their permanent teeth for as long. The process involves at least two appointments. During the first session, our pediatric dentist takes molds of your child’s upper and lower rows of teeth and sends them to our laboratory. When the customized molds return, someone from our office will contact you to schedule the follow-up appointment.
The second appointment involves your child sitting in the dental chair for 30 to 60 minutes with the two gel-filled trays in their mouth. Our dentist may use the special light at the end of the session for an additional brightening effect.
Orthodontics
Orthodontics, or wearing braces or clear aligners to straighten teeth, is both restorative and cosmetic. While you may desire your child to have a more attractive smile to improve their self-esteem, braces or clear aligners, offer other non-cosmetic benefits. Aligned teeth are easier to care for, which reduces your child’s risk of tooth decay and other significant dental problems later in life.
We offer either traditional metal braces or clear aligners for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. Both treatment methods pressure the teeth to shift towards a more desirable position. Braces remain affixed to the teeth until our orthodontist removes them at the end of your child’s treatment. Clear aligners go over the top and bottom rows of teeth; your child can remove them when eating or brushing their teeth.
Contact Us to Learn More About Pediatric Dentistry
The above are just a few options we offer for pediatric dentistry in South Plainfield, NJ. You can learn more about these procedures and others when you and your child meet with our pediatric dentist for a consultation.
