Although your teen may feel all grown up, their bodies still have a lot of literal growing to do, especially their mouth and facial structures! While the exciting and bright environment and the toy chest in pediatric dental offices may feel less cool to them, the knowledge and unique training of their pediatric dentists in Hinsdale is priceless when it comes to guiding their development. Read on to learn more about why your teen isn’t too old to see a pediatric dentist.
3 Reasons to Keep Bringing Your Teen to a Pediatric Dentist
Although you may associate pediatric dentists with children, they actually treat their patients up until adulthood, or when they turn 18 years old, and here’s why:
Their Smile is Still Growing
There are a number of factors that play a role in facial and oral development, including orthodontic issues like bite problems, genetics, and more. Pediatric dentists are specially trained to treat patients up until 18 years old, which is typically when the jawbone stops developing. During this period, pediatric dentists are able to screen for a number of common oral issues that can become worse with time, like TMJ disorder and proper airway development.
Pediatric Dentists Have Specialized Knowledge
Pediatric dentistry is one of the 12 recognized dental specialties by the American Dental Association, and pediatric dentists are required to undergo additional academic and clinical training to be referred to as such. In addition to completing four years of dental school, pediatric dentists must undergo an additional two to three-year residency focusing solely on treating, preventing, and diagnosing common oral health concerns among children, like those that arise during oral development.
Orthodontic Screenings are Critical in Teen Years
Due to pediatric dentist’s specialized education, they’re uniquely qualified to screen teenagers for the need for orthodontic treatment. With routine dental checkups, your child’s pediatric dentist will be able to assess their risk for problems like overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, crowding, and more early on, allowing them to refer your teen to an orthodontist when it’s time.
When Should You Stop Bringing Your Child to a Pediatric Dentist?
Pediatric dentists typically treat patients up until they turn 18 years old, which is around the time that your child. However, your pediatric dentists in Hinsdale work with families on an individual basis to determine the best timing of transition to an adult practice. For some kids, that can be during college, and for others, that can be earlier due to development of dental disease that may be better addressed by an adult of general dentistry. There’s no strict age cut-off!
If you’re ever in doubt of what type of dental care your teen should be receiving, don’t hesitate to ask their pediatric dentist! Their team of professionals can help guide you to make the best decisions for your favorite smile.
About the Practice
Brush Pediatric Dentistry has two conveniently located, locally owned and operated offices in both Hinsdale and Downers Grove. All of our experienced pediatric dentists are board-certified specialists as well as parents themselves, so not only are they great with children and teens, but with parents as well! To schedule an appointment for your teenager, visit our website or call 630-504-2223.