There is little doubt that people are becoming aware of their smiles at a much younger age than they used to. Social media almost certainly plays a big part in this. So does the fact that most of us carry a camera around in our pocket all day long and some love to share and compare photos online.
As a result, it isn't unusual for a teenager to become concerned about their teeth quite early on. Sometimes there is a gap between the front teeth. Sometimes it is a chipped tooth from a football match, a tooth that has come through slightly out of line, or simply a feeling that their smile doesn't look quite the same as everyone else's.
Parents sometimes ask us whether cosmetic dentistry is available for teenagers. The answer is ‘yes’, in some circumstances, but it is not always as straightforward as reaching adulthood and choosing whichever treatment happens to be popular at the time. This is because a teenager’s mouth is still developing and this can affect their suitability for certain procedures.
One of the first things we look at when a younger patient visits us at Smile Dental Practice Croydon is not necessarily the appearance of their teeth but whether everything is healthy as this is the most important factor.
A smile can look attractive while still having underlying issues. Equally, a teenager may be worried about a cosmetic concern when there are more important things that need attention first. Healthy gums, strong enamel and good oral hygiene habits provide the foundation for any future treatment. Without those basics in place, cosmetic improvements can become much harder to maintain.
We know that it might disappoint some teenagers when we advise them to have a general procedure or to change their lifestyle habits such as cutting down on fizzy drinks. It is essential though to get the basics right first of all.
One treatment that teenagers often do benefit from is orthodontics. Many people think of braces as a functional treatment rather than a cosmetic one, but the reality is that they can have a huge impact on appearance as well.
If teeth are crowded, twisted or unevenly spaced, moving them into a healthier position can transform a smile without removing healthy tooth structure. In many cases, this is a more sensible option than trying to disguise the problem later on with restorative treatments.
There is also a practical advantage. Teenagers are often treated while the teeth and jaws are still developing, which can make certain orthodontic corrections more straightforward than they might be later in life.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, this is one of the most common questions we hear from younger patients, no doubt encouraged by celebrity stories. A teenager may see whitening treatments discussed online and assume it is something that can be arranged at any age. In reality, the situation is a little different.
In the UK, tooth whitening is generally restricted to patients aged eighteen and over unless there is a specific clinical reason for treatment. That may come as a surprise for some, especially when a younger person feels self-conscious about the colour of their teeth. However, the regulations exist for good reason and are designed to protect patients.
It is also worth remembering that many teenagers who think their teeth are ‘yellow’ actually have perfectly normal tooth colour. Social media filters and heavily edited photographs have created some unrealistic expectations about what natural teeth should look like.
Veneers are often associated with smile makeovers and celebrity dentistry, so it is understandable that younger patients occasionally ask about them. In truth, dentists tend to approach veneers cautiously where teenagers are concerned.
Although modern veneers can be conservative, they are still a long-term commitment that requires invasive dentistry. Teeth that are healthy and developing generally don’t benefit from being altered simply to address a cosmetic concern that may become less important over time.
To a teenager, a small chip missing from a front tooth can feel enormous. They see it every time they look in the mirror. Their friends may comment on it. It becomes the first thing they notice about their smile. Fortunately, modern composite bonding can often produce excellent results in these situations.
Minor defects, small gaps and irregular edges can sometimes be improved in a relatively conservative way. The focus is usually on maintaining healthy tooth structure while helping the patient feel more comfortable about their appearance.
It would be easy to dismiss cosmetic concerns as vanity, but that would be unfair, especially with today’s pressure from social media on teenagers. These years can be challenging enough without feeling unhappy about your smile. It is far from unusual to come across young people who avoid smiling in photographs or who instinctively cover their mouth when laughing. Sometimes the issue is obvious. Sometimes it is barely noticeable to anyone except the patient.
Part of our role is listening carefully and understanding what is actually causing concern. Occasionally treatment is appropriate but sometimes reassurance from our experienced Croydon dentists is just as valuable.
People often look for a specific age at which cosmetic treatment becomes suitable. The reality is that dentistry does not work that way.
Two sixteen-year-olds can have very different dental needs. One may have a fully developed smile with a minor cosmetic concern. Another may still have significant changes taking place within the mouth. That is why an individual assessment is always important.
Perhaps the most important thing when considering cosmetic dentistry for teenagers is remembering that a smile is not just for today. The decisions made at sixteen, seventeen or eighteen may still be influencing dental health decades later. For that reason, dentists tend to favour approaches that preserve healthy tooth structure and keep future options open.
Many younger patients discover that the best cosmetic solution is not necessarily the quickest one. Sometimes it involves orthodontic treatment, sometimes a small repair, and sometimes simply allowing time for the smile to develop naturally.
Every patient is different, which is why professional advice remains so important. If your teenager is unhappy with the appearance of their teeth, a consultation can help identify what is possible now, what might be better left until later, and which options are most likely to protect their smile for years to come. If your teenager is concerned about their smile, we are always happy to discuss this with them. You can book an appointment with us at the Smile Dental Practice in Croydon on 020 8649 7911 and we'll be delighted to help.
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