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A Veneer or Crown for My 11-Year-Old’s Chipped Front Tooth?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I hope you can provide some information before I take my daughter to her pediatric dentist. She is 11 years old and fell off her bike and chipped her front tooth almost in half. It’s her permanent tooth, so I wonder if a porcelain veneer or crown would be best. I want it to look natural so she doesn’t get teased in school. My sister is a dental hygienist and said that because my daughter is so young, her pediatric dentist isn’t going to recommend either a veneer or a porcelain crown. Is this true? Thanks. Sivani

Sivani,

Your daughter’s pediatric dentist will first test the tooth and check for damage to the nerve in it. The dentist will recommend treatment depending on the tooth’s condition.

A Crown or a Veneer for a Child’s Chipped Front Tooth?

Porcelain crowns and veneers are a challenge to stay in place as a child’s teeth and jawbone are still developing. The restoration would need to be periodically replaced as your daughter grows and develops. A single porcelain veneer can be costly. A dental crown is also an investment that you should weigh carefully. Porcelain restorations are more expensive than other options.

Why Is Dental Bonding Effective for a Chipped Front Tooth?

Dental bonding is effective for a child’s chipped front tooth because it is easy to replace as the child grows. Bonding is a mixture of quartz or silica with dental resin. It is applied to the tooth in the dentist’s office using the following steps:

  • The affected tooth will be roughened and etched.
  • Dental bonding will be selected and blended to match your daughter’s tooth shade.
  • The bonding will be applied, shaped, hardened, and polished.

Although some pediatric dentists offer the service, a skilled cosmetic dentist who treats children has the tools and composite materials to ensure the bonding matches your daughter’s teeth. Usually, it only takes one appointment to restore the tooth’s appearance.

Although replacing porcelain veneers or crowns as children develop can be costly, dental bonding can be touched up and polished or replaced if necessary.

Schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist who enjoys having children as patients.

David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, Louisiana, accredited cosmetic dentist and Academy of General Dentistry Fellow, sponsors this post. Read about what Dr. Finley and his team do to provide some of the best dental care in Monroe.

Before and after photos of a child's chipped front tooth

Consult Bayou Dental Group for restoring your child’s chipped front tooth

Can I Get Porcelain Veneers as a Teenager?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

Can teenagers get veneers? I just turned 16. After 2 years of wearing braces, I still hate my teeth. No two teeth next to each other seem the same length. Also, I don’t like the shape of my teeth. I love that the braces made my teeth straight, but none match, if that makes sense. I am in early college and don’t want people looking at my teeth. My pediatric dentist wants me to wait until I’m finished growing, but my teeth are embarrassing. I give up. How old do I have to be to get porcelain veneers? Thank you.  Jazzlyn

Jazzlyn –

We understand your concerns and being self-conscious about your teeth. Your pediatric dentist’s concerns are valid.

Can You Get Porcelain Veneers as a Teenager?

You can get porcelain veneers as a teenager with your parents’ consent. However, most dentists advise waiting until your jawbone growth is complete. If you receive veneers before the growth is complete, your gums may not fit around the veneers well. You and others will notice a break between the veneers and your gumline, showing the tops of your natural teeth behind the porcelain veneers.

One porcelain veneer can cost $1,500 to $3,500, depending on where you live in the US and the dentist’s fees. You will need eight porcelain veneers to cover your upper teeth that show when you smile. Talk with a parent to help you decide if you want to invest in veneers immediately, although you may need to replace them in a few years when you finish growing.

Is There an Alternative to Porcelain Veneers for Teenagers?

Dental bonding is an alternative to porcelain veneers for teenagers. A skilled cosmetic dentist can use dental composite to reshape and even your teeth. We recommend consulting a cosmetic to explain your concerns about your teeth and what you like and don’t like about them. The cosmetic dentist will explain your options and the results you can expect with porcelain veneers or dental bonding.

 

David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, Louisiana, accredited cosmetic dentist and Academy of General Dentistry Fellow, sponsors this post. Read about what Dr. Finley, Dr. Henderson, and Dr. Coughran do to provide some of the best dental care in Monroe.

Can Tooth Infection Cause Salivary Gland Infection?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

Mother talking to a teenage daughter outdoorsMy 14-year-old had a root canal last December. She also had salivary gland infections on both sides in the past eight months. We are waiting to get two cavities filled in early November.  That’s the earliest appointment we could get with her pediatric dentist. The X-ray shows cavities only without infection. Could tooth infections cause salivary gland infections, too? Thank you. Alexis from KS

Alexis,

We understand your concerns about the cause of your daughter’s salivary gland infections.

Can a Tooth Infection Cause Salivary Gland Infection?

Bacteria from a progressive tooth infection can spread and affect the salivary glands. However, if you have tooth decay without infection, it will not spread to the salivary glands. However, if your daughter’s dental X-rays show no signs of infection, there is nothing to spread to the salivary glands.

According to a Medical News Today article, Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause of salivary gland infections. Other causes of salivary gland infections include the following:

  • Coliform bacteria
  • Coxsackievirus
  • Herpes virus
  • HIV
  • Influenza A virus
  • Mumps virus
  • Parainfluenza types 1 and 2
  • Streptococci bacteria

By practicing good oral hygiene, you can minimize the risks of bacteria overgrowth in your mouth. Floss daily and brush twice daily. Also, get regular dental cleaning and exams. Your daughter’s dentist can determine her exam and teeth cleaning schedule to maintain her oral health.

 

The Monroe, Louisiana, dentists at Bayou Dental Group sponsor this post. Please read about Dr. Henderson’s, Dr. Finley’s, and Dr. Coughran’s commitment to offering their patients some of the best dental care in Monroe.

Does My Son Really Need All His Teeth Extracted?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

Does my son need all his remaining teeth extracted? His addiction started at age 16, and now, at 20, he is recovering and has been clean for 8 months. When he was 16, his pediatric dentist talked to him kindly about the effects of smoking and drugs on his teeth. Two weeks ago, he had his first dental visit since the one with the pediatric dentist at age 16. I convinced my son to see a dentist, and he agreed that we could see a dentist who is 1.5 hours away so that no one would know him or be able to spread his story to people who know him. We found a few dentists during a Google search and scheduled an exam with one.

My son and I were surprised to hear the dentist recommend extracting all his teeth, including impacted wisdom teeth. This sounds extreme. My son wishes to return to his pediatric dentist for compassionate care, but we know it is impossible. Could drugs damage all his teeth beyond the ability to save them? Does this mean he will be a young adult with dentures at age 20? This hurts us so deeply.  Thank you. D. Williamson from Illinois

 

Hello, D. Williamson,

Your son’s recovery is commendable. It’s challenging to experience a disappointing dental visit when someone tries to improve their life and smile, affecting their confidence. It’s good that your son had a kind pediatric dentist. We recommend moving forward until you find a dentist with advanced restorative training and skills who is also compassionate.

Although one of our dentists would need to complete a comprehensive exam and take X-rays of your son’s teeth, the recommendation to extract them all does sound extreme.

What to Consider Before a Dentist Extracts All Your Teeth?

If a dentist recommends extracting all your teeth, consider the consequences and how they will affect oral health. Below are factors to think about.

Your Age

A dental implant with the crown, abutment, and screw labled

Consult with a trained, skilled dentist to discuss options for saving teeth.

A young patient will likely have some savable teeth. Although it may require more work for a dentist to save the teeth, restoring them will help preserve the jawbone. If a person is a senior and has lost most of their teeth, it is not unusual for a dentist to recommend extractions if the remaining teeth are not savable or would threaten oral health.

A skilled dentist can determine whether your son’s teeth are savable or if some require extractions and dental implants.

Jawbone Shrinkage

After your teeth are missing, the jawbone will begin to shrink because there are no tooth roots to stimulate them. If your son is 20 years old, by age 40, jawbone shrinkage will be so severe that a denture will fall out of his mouth because there will not be enough bone to support it.

Facial Collapse

The jawbone supports facial muscles, so the face will sag and shrivel when it shrinks. As your son matures and becomes more concerned about his appearance, he will want a solution for jawbone shrinkage and facial collapse. A jawbone graft and implant-supported dentures are the only solutions.

Intensity of Oral Surgery

Removing all upper and lower teeth is an intense procedure and may require multiple visits. Get a second opinion from a dentist with advanced training and years of experience. You can expect a comprehensive exam and X-rays before a dentist makes any recommendations.

We recommend finding at least two more dentists with general and cosmetic dentistry credentials. Look for training from the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

 

The Monroe, Louisiana, dentists at Bayou Dental Group sponsor this post. Please read about Dr. Henderson’s, Dr. Finley’s, and Dr. Coughran’s commitment to offering their patients some of the best dental care in Monroe.

Is My Daughter’s Fever from Teething?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

Baby with a teething ring in her mouthMy daughter is nine months old and has fevers regularly. Is it because her gums are swollen, and it looks like she may be teething? My husband’s aunt said we should make a small slit in her gums to help the teeth erupt. I’ve never heard of that, but she said she did it with all four of her children. I will not slit my baby’s gums, but are fevers common with teething? – Thanks. Aletia

Aletia,

We are glad that you are not considering slitting your daughter’s gums. We do not recommend It and have never heard of that practice. Teeth erupt unless they are impacted for some reason. Attempting to accelerate the process may prevent teeth roots from forming fully and supporting teeth.

Are Fevers Related to Teething?

Teething symptoms vary with each child. Not all experience a fever with teething. According to the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry, teething symptoms may include the following:

  • localized discomfort
  • irritability
  • low-grade fever
  • excessive salivation

What If Permanent Teeth Won’t Erupt?

If you see a permanent tooth erupting in your child’s mouth, but the primary tooth is still there, schedule an appointment with a dentist for an exam. A dentist may need to extract the primary tooth. Otherwise, the permanent tooth may erupt to the side rather than its correct position.

Molar Teeth

Erupting premolars that replace the primary molars may not dissolve the roots of a primary tooth. If so, the primary tooth will remain attached to several undissolved roots and not fall out before premolars erupt.

Front Teeth

Permanent incisor teeth may erupt incorrectly if the primary teeth don’t have spaces between them. Your child’s dentist may consult an orthodontist to determine whether to remove enough primary teeth to allow the front teeth to erupt correctly. The orthodontist may recommend relieving teeth crowding to ensure front teeth are straight before your child needs orthodontic treatment later in life.

Should I Be Concerned About My Toddler’s Teeth Grinding?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

Toddler boy on a beach, portraing informaton on teeth grinding in childrenMy 3-year-old son grinds his teeth at night, and I am concerned about it. His pediatric dentist says he will grow out of it, but what if he doesn’t? I know these are his primary teeth, but can we do something to help him break the habit now? Is it best to get a second opinion, or am I overly anxious? Thank you. Heather.

Heather,

Thank you for contacting Bayou Dental Group in Monroe. We understand your concerns about your son’s oral health. We will explain the basics of teeth grinding (bruxism) in children to help you decide whether you want a second opinion.

How Common Is Sleep Grinding in Children?

Sleep grinding is common in children. According to a 2021 article on sleep bruxism in children, 13 to 49 percent of children grind their teeth.

A few facts:

  • Most children grind their teeth during non-Rapid-Eye-Movement (REM) sleep.
  • Bedwetting, nightmares, or fear of the dark often accompany nighttime bruxism.
  • Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and social anxiety disorder may be associated with teeth grinding.
  • Children who snore may also grind their teeth.
  • Allergies, certain prescription medications, and sleep apnea can cause the habit.

Why Do Kids Grind Their Teeth?

According to the Sleep Foundation, psychological concerns, environmental factors, and family history can trigger teeth grinding. The Sleep Foundation article on teeth grinding in children lists the following causes of teeth grinding:

  • Anxiety
  • Dental issues
  • Second-hand smoking
  • Sleep and mental health disorders
  • Stress

Should You Be Concerned About Teeth Grinding?

You should be concerned about your child’s teeth grinding and its causes. Persistent bruxism can lead to headaches, neck pain, earaches, or facial pain. Although your child may grow out of the habit, you will want a dentist to watch its effects on your child’s teeth.

A dentist and pediatrician can check for underlying problems, such as teeth misalignment or psychological factors. You deserve to feel comfortable about your child’s oral health; a second opinion with a pediatric or family dentist can help.

The Monroe, Louisiana, dentists at Bayou Dental Group sponsor this post. Please read about Dr. Henderson’s, Dr. Finley’s, and Dr. Coughran’s commitment to offering their patients some of the best dental care in Monroe.

 

How I Can Find a Cooperative Dentist for My Autistic Child?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

A three-year-old girl eating, portraying concerns about dentistry for autistic childrenMy youngest daughter is three years old and autistic. I am looking for a new pediatric dentist for her because the last dentist she saw did not work well with her. My daughter dislikes change, so going to a new dental office will be traumatic.

One of my concerns is that the previous dentist would not allow me to come into the treatment room with my daughter. They said that children seem to look at their parents and play off the parents’ anxiety, which makes treatment more difficult. That approach did not work well for my daughter, so I decided to find a new dentist for her. How can I find a dentist to respect the fact that I know my daughter’s behavioral patterns? Thank you. Kristin

Kristin,

Thank you for your question. We understand our concerns about your daughter’s comfort during dental visits. Her memories of dental visits impact how she will feel about going to the dentist as she ages.

Can You Accompany Your Child to the Treatment Room?

Many dental practices prefer that parents not accompany their child in the treatment room (operatory). Some dental professionals choose to build rapport and trust with the children without a parent present. They also find that many children are more relaxed without their parents present, particularly if the parent has dental anxieties.

Still, each child is different, and you understand your daughter’s needs. You can look for a few pediatric dental offices or offices that offer dental services for the entire family. Below are a few tips to consider when you call the offices:

  • Ask about the dental practice’s policy for parents accompanying children in the treatment area.
  • Explain that your daughter is autistic and why, at least for the first visit, you would want to accompany her.
  • Try to discern if the dental team hesitates about honoring your request.
  • Schedule a consultation with the dentist before scheduling your daughter’s exam

Sedation Dentistry Can Help

Although you will find a dental practice to accommodate you and your daughter, she may still struggle during an appointment. Speak with the dentist about light sedation to help your daughter relax before the visit. Dental offices that willingly work with patients’ needs are used to it and find ways to make their patients comfortable.

Monroe, Louisiana, dentist Dr. David Finley sponsors this post. Dr. Finley is a Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the Academy of General Dentistry.

Why Do Children’s Cavities Need Fillings for Primary Teeth?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

Young girl sitting in a chair, for information on pediatric dentistry and filling cavities in primary teethOur pediatric dentist says my 5-year-old daughter has two cavities that need fillings. None of my three older children had cavities that needed filling. I wonder why it’s necessary on primary teeth anyway since they eventually fall out. Are the fillings necessary? Thank you. Harper from TN

Harper,

Thank you for your question. We understand your concerns and that you do not want unnecessary treatment for your daughter. Although one of our dentists would need to examine your daughter’s teeth and x-rays, we will explain why a dentist may recommend filling cavities in primary teeth.

Do Children’s Cavities Need to Be Filled?

A child’s cavities may need fillings because tooth decay can cause further complications and concerns without treatment. We will discuss five reasons why filling cavities is healthy for children.

  1. Prevents Infection – Untreated tooth decay can become an infection in the tooth pulp and lead to a pulpotomy, a procedure like a root canal treatment for adults. According to the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry, tooth infections increase the risk of children developing an infection in other parts of their body, including the ears, sinuses, and brain.
  2. Supports Permanent Teeth Eruption – Primary teeth preserve the place for permanent teeth and help guide them into place. If primary teeth fall out early due to decay, permanent teeth can erupt incorrectly and cause teeth misalignment.
  3. Improves Function – Cavities can interrupt tooth function. Trying to avoid chewing on a tooth with a cavity can cause sore muscles and lead to jaw joint issues. Chewing well can become uncomfortable and challenging.
  4. Relieves Discomfort – Cavities can cause tenderness and other discomforts, affecting a child’s ability to sleep, eat, speak, or focus on schoolwork and activities. Also, as cavities advance, teeth can become sensitive to hot or cold foods or drinks.
  5. Improves Social Interactions – Depending on tooth position, decay can embarrass children and lead to bullying or teasing. Sensitivity to the appearance or odor of decayed teeth can cause anxiety about smiling or talking.

If you are unsure why the pediatric dentist recommends filling your child’s cavities, you can ask for detail. You may also see another pediatric or family dentist for a second opinion. For parents concerned about amalgam (silver) fillings, cosmetic dentists who treat children use white composite fillings that match the tooth’s color.

The Monroe, Louisiana, dentists at Bayou Dentistry sponsor this post.

 

Can I Use Teeth Whitening Strips for My Child?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

Young girl with a serious face portraying teeth stains and the need for pediatric cosmetic dentistryMy daughter has some weird stains on her teeth, and I wonder if it is safe to use whitening trips on her teeth. She is eight years old and has some weird teeth stains that her pediatric dentist says she wants to watch and wait to see how my daughter’s teeth progress. Now that school has started, kids are teasing my daughter about the stains. We brush her teeth twice daily and floss them nightly. I limit my kids’ snacks to the weekends, bake whatever they eat, and use less sugar than the recipe. I am sensitive to my daughter’s self-esteem and want to try whitening strips if it’s okay. Thanks for your help. Angelina

Angelina,

Thank you for your message. We understand your concerns about your daughter’s self-esteem from kids teasing her about the stains on her teeth. Dr. Finley would need to examine her teeth before recommending treatment.

Can You Use Teeth Whitening Strips on a Child’s Teeth?

You should not use whitening strips or any other type of whitening on a child’s teeth without the supervision of a dentist. A dentist must examine and x-ray your child’s teeth and review her dental and medical histories for these reasons:

  • Determine the type and cause of teeth stains
  • Check teeth and gums for signs of disease or decay
  • Determine whether any cosmetic treatment will improve her teeth or make them look worse
  • Explain treatment options that match the problem

The Policy on the Use of Dental Bleaching for Child and Adolescent Patients published by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends consulting with a dentist for guidance in planning and timing teeth whitening in children.

We understand your concern for your daughter’s well-being and her pediatric dentist’s decision about watching and waiting. We suggest looking for a cosmetic dentist who provides dental care for children. Sometimes medication or a medical condition can cause teeth stains. The dentist will thoroughly review your child’s oral health, physical health, and prescription medications, if any, to identify the cause of the stains. The cosmetic dentist will also explain whether cosmetic dentistry treatment is appropriate at this time.

Monroe, Louisiana, dentist Dr. David Finley sponsors this post. Dr. Finley is a Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the Academy of General Dentistry.

How Might a Dentist Treat Enamel Hypoplasia for a Teenager?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

Young blonde early teenage boy portraying need for pediatric and cosmetic dentistryMy son was born with enamel hypoplasia. Several years ago, his pediatric dentist said that we could wait until my son’s teenage years before considering any cosmetic work because my son seemed unfazed about his teeth. During that time, my son had regular exams for the dentist to monitor signs of tooth decay.

Now that he is a teenager, my son is more self-conscious. He notices his teeth and asks what we can do about it. Fortunately, the kids in school are not teasing him yet. My son’s pediatric dentist says that she does not do cosmetic work but recommends that we see a dentist who does it. Could she be passing us off to someone else because she doesn’t want my son’s case? What are the options for restoring spotted teeth from enamel hypoplasia? Will insurance pay for it because it is a genetic condition? Thank you. Madilynn from Reno, NV

Madilynn,

Thank you for your question. We will provide some background on enamel hypoplasia for our readers.

What Is Enamel Hypoplasia?

Enamel hypoplasia is a tooth enamel defect that occurs while teeth are developing. The condition causes teeth to erupt with damaged, deficient, or discolored tooth enamel. Enamel hypoplasia increases tooth decay risk.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Enamel Hypoplasia?

Enamel hypoplasia signs and symptoms include:

  • Lack of tooth enamel
  • Pits, dents, grooves, or deep lines in teeth
  • Tooth sensitivity to heat and cold
  • White spots
  • Worn teeth
  • Recurring tooth decay and cavities
  • Yellow or brown stains in areas of exposed dentin (the layer beneath the enamel)

What Causes the Tooth Enamel Defects?

A 2017 article in Osteoarchaeology lists the following causes of tooth enamel defects while teeth are developing:

  • Genetics
  • Nutritional stress
  • Infectious diseases
  • Trauma
  • Stress associated with weaning

What Is the Treatment for Enamel Hypoplasia?

Treatment for enamel hypoplasia depends on the condition of the teeth and the extent of damage to the enamel. After an exam and x-rays, a cosmetic dentist may recommend dental bonding, porcelain veneers, or dental crowns. Most pediatric dentists lack advanced cosmetic dentistry training, so it is not unusual to refer them to skilled cosmetic dentists who treat children.

Possible treatment options:

  • Dental bonding – Skilled cosmetic dentists blend dental composites and apply them by hand over teeth. A dentist will shape, harden, and polish the bonding for natural-looking results.
  • Porcelain veneers – A cosmetic dentist can take impressions of your son’s teeth, conservatively prepare them for porcelain veneers, and collaborate with a dental ceramist for veneers.
  • Dental crowns – Severe damage to tooth structure may require dental crowns to cover teeth entirely.

After a consultation and exam, a cosmetic dentist will discuss the options for your son, including:

  • Cost
  • Longevity
  • What to expect for retreatment as your son’s jawbone and teeth grow
  • Results

Will Dental Insurance Pay for Enamel Hypoplasia Treatment?

Although your dental insurance company will not pay for the entire cost of treatment, it may provide some benefits. You can contact your dental insurance provider to ask about plan benefits. After a cosmetic dentist gives you a treatment estimate, you can send it to the dental insurance company for a more accurate assessment of their coverage and your out-of-pocket expenses.

Monroe, Louisiana, dentist Dr. David Finley sponsors this post. Dr. Finley is a Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the Academy of General Dentistry.

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