Dental Care Treatments for Teens
As teens grow older, they begin to face a number of dental health concerns that are similar to adults. This is to be expected, though since they are still growing, certain dental health concerns are actually easier to address when a patient is still a teen rather than an adult. By consistently visiting with a general and cosmetic dentist as your child is growing, you help ensure that he or she will get the dental treatment they need in a timely manner.
Our dental health team would like to take a few brief moments right now to go over some of the basics of dental care for teenagers so you have a basic understanding of what to expect.
Common Dental Problems That Teens Face
Teens often face a number of basic dental health concerns, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth damage. We've also noticed some occasional problems with aesthetics, though these tend to be more pronounced in adults. Of particular concern to teens and their parents are issues related to tooth alignment and overall wellness.
By offering comprehensive dental care treatment, we are able to meet the diverse needs of patients of all ages. Here are some common dental care treatments that teenage patients often undergo at our practice.
Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are a given for patients, really. Minor cases of tooth decay and dental caries (cavities) can affect people of all ages. If a patient experiences more serious tooth decay, it can easily be remedied through the use of inlays, onlays, and dental crowns. Ideally we want to work as conservatively as possible.
Orthodontic Care
Straightening teeth when a patient is younger is generally more ideal that adult orthodontic care. Braces for teens are relatively common, though more and more teens are becoming interested in Invisalign. This is an invisible orthodontics system that uses clear plastic aligners to make the patient's teeth look their absolute best.
Emergency Dental Care
Accidents can happen, which is particularly true with teens, especially when they play team sports. When tooth injury or other serious injuries to the mouth occur, it's important that patients seek medical attention first if the injury is very serious. We can assist with dental health emergencies, such as tooth breaks and tooth loss. We can help restore a tooth that was dislodged if patients act in a timely manner, and we can restore broken teeth with dental crowns and other restoration options.
Routine Cleanings and Checkups
Teens need the same attention and care as other patients. By visiting the dentist twice a year, patients will be able to have their health and wellness monitored closely. This helps us catch small problems before they get worse, and helps patients have great dental health in the long run.
Wisdom Tooth Extractions
Generally wisdom teeth come about in the late teens and early twenties. These extra sets of molars often grow in crooked and cause discomfort to the jaw and the rest of the teeth. To address these problems, extraction is the only option, and we will monitor the patient's wisdom teeth as they progress to determine the ideal time to act.
Learn More About Dental Health and Teens
For more information about your many different dental care treatment options, be sure to contact our Fountain Valley cosmetic dentistry center today. Our entire team looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve the best possible dental health.
