Cosmetic Dentistry for ChildrenCarlsbad, CA

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry falls under the bracket of restorative dentistry, often involving restorations and treatments that help improve oral function. A cosmetic dentist is specially trained in providing services that enhance and maintain patients’ oral health, function, and appearance. With modern dental technology, cosmetic treatments are becoming increasingly popular while also being more effective and safe than ever.

During a smile consultation, we will physically examine the teeth, take any necessary X-rays, and discuss treatment options. Patients who are referred for cosmetic treatment likely have a treatment plan in play. Whether the patient is referred or coming in on their own, we will curate an individualized plan that consists of all possible requested or recommended treatments that will fulfill their dream smile.

Types of Cosmetic Treatments

Cosmetic dentistry encompasses a wide range of treatments, including a full smile makeover. A smile makeover involves two or more treatments for the purpose of enhancing appearance and oral function. The most common cosmetic treatments include teeth whitening, dental bonding, crowns, inlays and onlays, implants, and orthodontic treatments such as braces or clear aligners.

At CarlsbaDDS Pediatric Smiles, we offer cosmetic treatments for children and adolescents that can help improve their smiles while also preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible for healthy development. Our cosmetic services include:

• Icon infiltration: a minimally invasive restorative treatment for decalcification of enamel appearing as white-spot lesions and certain congenital hypocalcified enamel (freckled spots).
• Silver diamine fluoride (SDF): a cavity fighting liquid treatment for tooth decay lesions where our goal is to “freeze” the lesions until the decayed tooth is ready to exfoliate.
• Dental crowns: composite and tooth-colored crowns allow us to match our patients’ surrounding teeth and keep their smiles bright and healthy.
• Solea laser: dental laser that replaces the dental drill in the majority of procedures in our practice to provide comfortable, pain-free, sedation-less treatments for kids and teens.

Signs Indicating a Need for Cosmetic Treatment

There are many reasons a person may seek a cosmetic dentist or be referred to one. In some cases, a patient might recognize the need on their own due to pain or dissatisfaction with the appearance of their smile. However, in most cases, we encounter patients that have been referred or recommended by a primary care dentist. Nonetheless, it is important to note the signs that may indicate a need for cosmetic treatment.

Some of the most common reasons for visiting a cosmetic dentist include tooth decay, damage (cracks, chips, etc.), crooked teeth, misshapen teeth, discoloration, and missing teeth. Many of these dental issues cause difficulty speaking, eating, or chewing. Cosmetic treatment for these issues can help improve the smile while also restoring oral function.

Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry

Of the many benefits that cosmetic dentistry has to offer, the most significant may be the improvement of facial and oral appearance. This, in turn, often enhances patients’ self-esteem, confidence, and well-being. Most aesthetic treatments also improve oral function or fix problems that may be impairing speech or affecting a patient’s eating habits.

Aside from aesthetics, cosmetic dentistry is beneficial in terms of improving dental health and preventing future dental concerns. Cosmetic procedures can reduce pain or discomfort, enamel and tooth deterioration, damage to the gums and bone, and loss of healthy tissue. They can help align teeth, replace missing or damaged teeth, brighten discolored teeth, and restore decayed teeth. Depending on the patient’s case, we can discuss the benefits and outcomes that can result from cosmetic treatment.

Choosing a Cosmetic Dentist

In many cases, a patient is referred for cosmetic treatment by their primary care dentist. A patient’s primary dentist may also perform cosmetic treatments as part of the services they offer, as is the case with our practice. Dr. Tsai is a pediatric dentist specially trained to perform both general and cosmetic procedures on children and adolescents.

When searching for a dentist who performs cosmetic treatments, it is important to look up their qualifications and training in the field of cosmetics. We recommend searching for a member of the AACD as they are offered education and training on the latest procedures, techniques, and products through AACD publications, conferences, and workshops. It may also be a good idea to look at patient reviews outside of the practice’s own website to obtain accurate information from patients’ perspectives.

Schedule a Visit Today

Cosmetic treatments for children are available at our office. The CarlsbaDDS Pediatric Smiles team looks forward to treating your child and improving their smile, confidence, and oral health. Call our office at 760-730-3456 to learn more or schedule an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cosmetic Dentistry for Children

What are the most common cosmetic treatments for children?

The single most common cosmetic dental treatment for children is tooth alignment, whether it is through braces or clear aligners. Other common treatments include teeth whitening, no-prep veneers, tooth-colored fillings, bonding, and crowns.

What are the benefits of cosmetic treatments for children?

Cosmetic treatments benefit patients of all ages because of ability to greatly enhance physical appearance. This, in turn, boosts self-esteem and confidence as well as increases the likelihood of participating in social events. Cosmetic treatments also have the benefit of being less invasive and less painful than many dental procedures.

What should I look for in a cosmetic dentist?

The first aspect that parents should look out for in a cosmetic dentist is their credentials, education, and experience. This will tell much about what they do, how much training they have, and the qualifications that allow them to perform such treatments. It is also a good idea to look at real patient reviews and before-and-after photos of previously treated patients.

How much does the average cosmetic procedure cost?

Cosmetic dentistry consists of a wide variety of treatments, each with their own cost. Treatments may also differ in cost depending on the patient’s case, severity, and insurance coverage. We encourage patients to contact their insurance provider prior to committing to treatment in order to understand what their plan entails.

How long do cosmetic treatments last?

Every cosmetic treatment is different and their longevity will differ. For example, dental implants can last up to 30 years, crowns and veneers can last up to 15 years, composite bonding last from 8 to 15 years, and teeth whitening lasts anywhere from 6 months to three years. The longevity of these treatments are largely dependent on patient care and maintenance as well as regular monitorization by a dentist.

What does a full smile makeover consist of?

A full smile makeover will look different for every individual patient. It consists of a treatment plan that covers all treatments needed for a healthy, beautiful, white smile. This can consist of a combination of teeth whitening, composite bonding, veneers, dental crowns, orthodontics (braces), oral maxillofacial surgery ,and gummy smile reduction.