My son Jackson fell and broke his two front teeth. Only a little of the top and sides were left on both teeth. Our family dentist put bonding on Jackson’s teeth, but it looks horrible. It is lumpy and does not match his other teeth. Although his friends do not tease him, they have noticed the bonding. Jackson is self-conscious and tries not to smile. He will be 13 years old in July. I don’t want a hormonal teenager to be burdened with worrying about his teeth. Would a cosmetic dentist work on a child’s teeth? Our dentist said she could try the bonding again, but I don’t want to increase Jackson’s anxiety. Thank you. Trish
Trish,
Please do not hesitate to find an experienced cosmetic dentist to correct your son’s front teeth. Many cosmetic dentists treat adults only, but search for a cosmetic dentist willing to treat children. If you cannot find a dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training who accepts young patients, call a few offices, and explain that your son can sit still during treatment.
When a Family Dentist Cannot Apply Front Teeth Bonding Correctly
When a family dentist cannot apply front teeth bonding correctly, they probably lack cosmetic dentistry training. Dentists apply bonding by hand, which requires skill and artistry. Additionally, cosmetic dentists stock an assortment of tools and materials to achieve natural-looking results, including:
- Bonding materials
- Dental composites
- Tints
The assortment helps a cosmetic dentist blend composite and bonding to perfectly match your natural tooth color, tint, and translucence.
Your family dentist deserves commendation for conservatively treating your son’s teeth with dental bonding instead of grinding them down for a dental crown. The tooth preparation increases the risk of damaging the tooth pulp and leading to root canal treatment. Also, your son’s permanent teeth may erupt more and require more cosmetic work.
Consult with a Cosmetic Dentist for a Child’s Broken Front Teeth
We recommend looking for an accredited cosmetic dentist who enjoys working with children to restore your child’s broken front teeth. Otherwise, seek a dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training who accepts children as patients. After an examination and x-rays, the dentist will explain what dental care your son will need in the future to keep his restored front teeth healthy and natural looking.
Dr. David Finley, a Monroe, Louisiana, accredited cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post.