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Show Me Your Pearly Whites!
Cosmetic Dentistry for Kids
By Gwen Morrison
Wanting to ensure that he keeps his brilliant smile, DesLauriers' son still sees his dentist every three months for regular cleanings and checkups.
Dr. Smith practices dentistry for children with an emphasis on cosmetic services for all children. He has worked extensively with child actors, so he is acutely aware of the importance of a perfect smile for kids.
"Whitening of the teeth is often a bigger problem at age 8 than at age 18," says Dr. Smith. "The reason for that is that the 8-year-old has four incisors in the front 'framed' by baby teeth on either side. The baby teeth are always whiter and more opaque due to the difference in the nature of the enamel and the dentin components. By contrast, the permanent teeth look more yellow and more translucent gray."
According to Dr. Smith, once all the teeth are permanent, it is not so noticeable. "Tooth whiteners, the brush-on toothpastes, have a limited effect," he says. "It really takes something that can be held in contact with the surfaces of the enamel to gain a real improvement for the patient."
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), microabrasion is an excellent option if you want to change the color of certain spots or discolored areas on the teeth. The pediatric dentist removes microscopic bits of discolored tooth enamel with an abrasive and a mild acid. Treatment usually can be completed in just one visit.
Microabrasion is a conservative treatment for children, as it removes very little tooth structure. Since it is more affordable than bonding, veneers or crowns, it is often a good first choice for children with discolored areas on their teeth.
