The following are some of the services we offer for our teen and adolescent patients:

Patient Education: Teens and adolescents are old enough to take ownership of their oral hygiene, but they don't always do so. We talk to our young patients directly, not just through their parents, and we're open with them about what we see and what the consequences of poor habits may look like down the road. Here are some of the topics we discuss:

• The importance of good oral hygiene and demonstrating proper brushing and flossing techniques
• How vaping and smoking stain teeth, destroy gum tissue, and cause real long-term damage
• The effect of acidic drinks like sports drinks and sodas on enamel erosion
• The importance of healthy nutrition for healthy teeth and gums
• The impacts of eating disorders on their smiles
• How to safeguard their smiles with sports mouthguards or night guards

We keep conversations honest, supportive, and judgment-free. Our goal is to give your teen the knowledge and confidence to make good choices for their smile long after they leave our office.

Routine Dental Exams and Cleanings: Regular checkups are the foundation of a healthy smile. At each visit, we perform a thorough dental exam to check for decay, gum concerns, bite issues, and changes in tooth development. Our hygienist will gently remove the plaque and tartar buildup that brushing alone can't reach, and we'll take any necessary X-rays using our low-radiation digital technology. Most of our young patients require dental exams and cleanings every six months to keep minor concerns from turning into bigger problems and to lay the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Restorative Care: If your child has a decayed or damaged tooth, we may recommend a tooth-colored filling or a dental crown to help prevent further damage. If, however, the tooth's inner pulp is affected, we may recommend a root canal to save the affected tooth and restore its form and function. We are also pleased to offer tooth replacement options, including flippers (removable partial dentures) or Maryland bridges, to help restore your teen's complete smile. We always recommend the most conservative restorative solutions, while ensuring your teen's comfort at every step.

Teeth Whitening: We offer in-office teeth whitening with the Philips Zoom system, one of the most trusted and effective professional whitening treatments available. We recommend whitening for teens whose permanent teeth have fully erupted and who are in good overall dental health. Just one office visit can leave your teen's smile several shades whiter and brighter.

Lateral Buildup: Some teens have upper lateral incisors that are naturally small or narrow, sometimes called peg teeth. Rather than drilling down the adjacent teeth to create visual balance, we build the smaller teeth up using tooth-colored composite material. We offer lateral buildups both as a standalone cosmetic service and alongside orthodontic treatment. If your teen's orthodontist recommends lateral buildup to enhance their treatment result, we are happy to work with them. No drilling, no removal of healthy enamel, just a beautiful, balanced smile.