Are Dental Veneers a Good Option for Teens with Chipped Teeth?

No one cares more about their appearance than teenagers. And a big part of a person’s appearance is their smile. If your teen has cosmetic imperfections in their teeth, such as chipped teeth, there are options to correct them. 

A common cosmetic treatment adults often choose to conceal chipped teeth is veneers. Dental veneers cover the front side of each tooth to make them look uniform. But are they a good option for teens? Here’s what you need to know. 

What Are Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin porcelain shells that are shaped like teeth, but are flat. They adhere to the front surface of the natural teeth, the portion that is visible when smiling. Veneers can conceal chips, stains, uneven lengths, crooked teeth, and even gaps between the teeth. 

During the process a thin layer of enamel is permanently removed from your teeth, providing an etched surface for the veneer to bond with. Veneers are attached to just the teeth that need to be resurfaced. This can be anywhere from 6-10 teeth on the upper or lower row of teeth. 

Should Teens Get Veneers? 

For teenagers, veneers are not a highly recommended option. The jaw may not be fully grown until they reach adulthood, meaning the fit could change as they grow. And because veneers permanently alter the natural teeth, teens who get veneers will need to have them for the rest of their lives. On average, porcelain veneers last between 10 and 15 years and composite veneers last between 5 and 7 years. This means replacements will be needed periodically throughout their lifetime. 

Alternative Cosmetic Treatments 

When it comes to cosmetic dentistry options for teens, pediatric dentists tend to recommend other treatments, such as: 

• Cosmetic bonding. For chipped teeth, dentists often recommend cosmetic bonding, which involves the use of tooth-colored resin to reshape the tooth. 
• Teeth whitening. For teeth that are stained or discolored, teeth whitening can create a brighter, healthier looking smile. 
• Orthodontic treatment. Misaligned teeth or gaps can be corrected with orthodontic treatment, such as braces or clear aligners. 

Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry 

Whether you choose veneers or other cosmetic treatments or procedures for your teen, there are many benefits to smile enhancement. 

• Boosts confidence. When your teen is proud of their smile, they will feel more confident in their everyday lives from school to personal relationships. 
• Improves self-esteem. Teens are more likely to struggle with self-esteem than any other age group, and cosmetic dentistry can help your child develop a positive self-image. 
• Peer acceptance. Correcting cosmetic imperfections can help teens be more accepted by their peers. 
• Lasting results. Cosmetic treatments can last for years, providing long term improvements

Choosing the Best Option for Your Teen

When it comes to choosing a cosmetic dentistry treatment plan for your teen, it is important to consult with a pediatric dentist. Pediatric dentists specialize in dental care for children and teenagers, making them especially qualified to make a recommendation for the best option. The highly qualified doctors at Kids and Teens Dental Place will help you and your teen come to the right conclusion. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Veneers 

Does insurance cover veneers?

In most cases dental insurance considers veneers to be a cosmetic treatment, therefore they are not typically covered. We offer flexible payment and financing options to make cosmetic treatments more affordable. 

Are veneers permanent?

Veneers can be removed from your teeth, however, they must be replaced with new veneers or an alternative option. The natural teeth cannot be left uncovered after veneer removal. 

Kids and Teens Dental Place provides compassionate, high quality dental care for children and teens from infants to young adults. With offices in Pearland and Houston, TX we proudly serve the greater community. Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.