As your child enters their teenage years, they may begin to feel “too cool” for many things, including visiting a pediatric dentist. So, it’s not surprising that many parents wonder if they should bring them to a general dentist instead. The answer? Not yet! Your child and their smile will benefit from the expertise of a pediatric dentist for a number of reasons. Keep reading to learn what they are.
#1. Your Teen Is Still Growing
Although their baby teeth may be gone, their jaw and face are still developing. Fortunately, pediatric dentists have undergone extensive training on treating growing smiles! This advanced knowledge ensures they can do their part to prevent problems from developing in the future and swiftly intervene in the early stages should any arise.
#2. Orthodontic Services May Be Needed
Once all of their adult teeth have emerged, you’ll see orthodontic issues first-hand, like overcrowding and misalignment. Unfortunately, problems like these don’t just take a toll on the appearance of your child’s smile, they can negatively impact their oral health as well. That’s where braces come in! Whether your teen needs traditional orthodontics or wants a more discreet alternative, like Invisalign, they can get the straight, healthy, beautiful smile they deserve.
#3. Complications from Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth typically make an appearance between the ages of 17 and 25, although they develop much sooner. To prevent complications, like oral pain and overcrowding, your pediatric dentist can keep an eye on their wisdom teeth by taking X-rays during their six-month checkups. If any issues arise, they can put a plan in place to have them removed.
#4. Setting Their Smile Up for Success
During their teenage years, it’s natural for your child to become a bit more rebellious. As a result, they may not want to listen when you tell them to brush their teeth, floss daily, or use mouthwash. Sometimes, hearing this from someone other than their parents (like a pediatric dentist) is what it takes to sink in. Their dental team will set them up for success by sharing the importance of good oral health and providing some tips for keeping their smile in pristine condition from home!
Whether your child has recently become a teen or is nearly an adult at this point, their smile is incredibly important for their overall health and confidence. To ensure they have the best care, make sure they visit their pediatric dentist every six months (or sooner if any abnormal symptoms arise).
About the Practice
Led by Dr. Sam Alkhoury and Dr. Anna Simon, our team at Simply Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry is united behind one important mission: to help patients of all ages get the happy, healthy smile they deserve. To accomplish this, we are proud to offer a comprehensive array of services, from preventive care to teeth-straightening orthodontics. If you are looking for a skilled pediatric dentist for your teen, don’t hesitate to visit our website or give us a call at 781-767-7200.