
Just like adults, teenagers experience chipped, stained or disfigured teeth. And during a life stage where issues with appearance can be acutely painful, these defects call out for a solution.
And, there is one: porcelain veneers. These thin wafers of custom-made porcelain are bonded to the front of teeth to cover dental flaws. They’re one of the least invasive—and most affordable—methods for smile enhancement.
There is one caveat, though: The affected teeth will most likely need alteration. Veneers can look bulky when bonded directly to teeth, so we compensate for this by removing some of the surface enamel. This changes the tooth permanently, to the point that it will always require a veneer or some other form of restoration.
But although this may be a minor issue for an adult, it could pose a problem for a teenager. That’s because the pulp, the innermost layer of a tooth containing nerves and blood vessels, is larger in a younger adolescent tooth than in an older adult tooth. Because of its size, it’s closer to the tooth’s surface. During enamel reduction for veneers on a young tooth, this could lead to inadvertent nerve damage. If that happens, the tooth may need a root canal treatment to preserve it.
If the adolescent tooth needing a “facelift” has already been root canaled or sustained significant structural damage, then altering it for veneers may not be too concerning. Likewise, if the teeth are smaller than normal, the bulkiness of a veneer may actually improve appearance and not require alteration. We’ll need to examine a young patient first before making any recommendations.
There are also alternatives to veneers for improving smile appearance. Enamel staining could be enhanced temporarily with teeth whitening. Small chips can be repaired with bonded dental material, or in skilled hands be used to “build” a veneer one layer at a time with no enamel reduction. Although not as durable as regular veneers, these bonding techniques could buy time until the tooth is more mature for veneers.
Whichever path we take, there are effective ways to transform a teenager’s flawed tooth. And that can make for an even better smile.
If you would like more information on dental restorations for teenagers, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Veneers for Teenagers.”
Comments:

Peter Brusco DMD
Kinnelon, NJ 07405

Patient Education
Archive:
- 2021
- 2020
- July (5)
- Treating Gum Disease is Good for Your Whole Body, Not Just Your Mouth
- Enjoy Your Ice Cream - But Just a Little for Your Dental Health's Sake
- Tired of Dental Stains? We Can Help
- Janet Jackson: Even pop stars get insecure about their smiles!
- New Studies Show: Sealants Could Help Your Child Avoid Tooth Decay
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
Tags
- celebrity smiles (66)
- dental implants (13)
- dental insurance (1)
- orthodontic treatment (15)
- braces (8)
- oral health (27)
- fluoride (3)
- mouthguard (2)
- dental injuries (3)
- pediatric dentistry (17)
- tooth decay (9)
- cosmetic dentistry (15)
- sealants (4)
- air abrasion (1)
- dental injury (5)
- crown (1)
- cold sore (2)
- oral hygiene (24)
- root canal (5)
- gummy smile (2)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- gum disease (15)
- wisdom teeth (6)
- bad breath (2)
- tmj disorders (3)
- tmd (1)
- tooth pain (5)
- dental anxiety (1)
- chipped teeth (1)
- crowns (6)
- tooth erosion (1)
- periodontal disease (3)
- periodontal surgery (1)
- orthodontics (6)
- tooth grinding (1)
- mouthguards (4)
- sedation dentistry (1)
- dental emergency (1)
- tooth wear (1)
- teeth whitening (2)
- porcelain veneers (4)
- sugar (1)
- nutrition (6)
- bonding (1)
- flossing (2)
- dentures (2)
- restorative dentistry (3)
- root canal treatment (3)
- teething (2)
- laser dentistry (2)
- veneers (4)
- missing teeth (1)
- eating disorders (1)
- teeth grinding (1)
- oral cancer (2)
- chipped tooth (4)
- snoring (3)
- sleep apnea (3)
- family dentist (1)
- fillings (1)
- dental visits (1)
- bone grafting (1)
- crown lengthening (2)
- retainers (2)
- gum recession (2)
- retainer (2)
- Damaged Teeth (1)
- athletic mouthguards (1)
- sports drinks (1)
- pulp capping (1)
- Extractions (3)
- baby teeth (1)
- Extraction (1)
- Crowns & Bridges (1)
- Preventive Dentistry (1)
- apicoectomy (1)
- fluroide (1)
- jaw pain (2)
- toothache (1)
- Tooth Filling (1)
- dental implant (3)
- gerd (1)
- cleft lip (1)
- cleft palate (1)
- oral surgery (1)
- dental visit (1)
- Cosmetic Dentistry Procedure (1)
- smoking (1)
- lingual braces (1)
- Dental Veneers (1)
- smile makeover (1)
- Dental Stains (1)
- loose tooth (1)
- Family Dentistry (2)
- Dentistry Services (1)
- Root Canals (1)
- Tooth Extractions (1)
- Dentist In Kinnelon NJ (2)
- Dental Office In Kinnelon NJ (1)
- (1)