Reviewed by Dr Kathryn Stanley
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Reading Time: Three Minutes
Restorative dentistry for kids offers several ways to restore both function and confidence, most often through dental crowns, dental bonding, or veneers. Each option has its place depending on the age of the child and the condition of their natural teeth.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Restorative dentistry for kids focuses on repairing damaged or decayed teeth in ways that protect their natural smile. Bonding is best for small repairs, crowns strengthen and protect weakened teeth, and veneers can improve the look of permanent teeth for older children and teens.
Dental Bonding
This procedure uses a tooth-colored resin material to restore and strengthen teeth in a way that looks completely natural. It is gentle, minimally invasive, and can often be completed in a single visit.
Best for:
- Repairing chipped or cracked teeth to restore shape and strength
- Closing small gaps between teeth for a more even smile
- Covering stains or discoloration that affect a child’s confidence
- Improving tooth shape or size for a balanced appearance
- Protecting exposed roots and reducing sensitivity
Bonding blends naturally with surrounding teeth and is often the first choice for younger children because it preserves tooth structure and avoids a more invasive procedure.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown covers the entire tooth to restore its strength, shape, and appearance. Crowns are durable, long-lasting, and help protect a child’s natural tooth so it can stay in place until it is ready to come out naturally.
Best for:
- Severe decay that cannot be repaired with a filling
- Fractured or weakened teeth that need extra support
- Baby molars that must remain in place until permanent teeth erupt
- Protecting a tooth after a pulpotomy or nerve treatment
Dental crowns for kids come in several materials depending on your child’s needs. Stainless steel crowns are strong and ideal for back teeth. NuSmile BioFlex crowns offer a natural look with gentle flexibility. Zirconia crowns provide a durable, tooth-colored finish, while composite strip crowns are used for front teeth that need an aesthetic repair.
Veneers
Veneers are thin layers of tooth-colored resin that cover the front of the teeth to improve their color, shape, or size. They are typically recommended once permanent teeth have fully come in.
Best for:
- Permanent teeth with severe discoloration that does not respond to whitening
- Enamel defects or developmental issues that affect tooth appearance
- Misshapen or uneven teeth that bonding alone cannot correct
Composite veneers offer a natural look and help improve both the appearance and confidence of a growing smile.
Restoring Smiles in Overland Park
At Stanley Pediatric Dentistry, we focus on age-appropriate solutions that restore both strength and appearance. From dental bonding to veneers, we tailor every recommendation to your child’s smile.
To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in Overland Park, KS, call (913) 345-0331 or visit us at 8575 W 110th St Suite 310, Overland Park, KS.
FAQs
Can kids get veneers?
Most pediatric dentists consider veneers only after permanent teeth have fully erupted, often during the teen years. Before that, bonding or crowns are usually the better choice.
How long do crowns stay on kids’ teeth?
Crowns on baby teeth are designed to last until the tooth naturally falls out, while crowns on permanent teeth can last many years with good brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits.
How many years does tooth bonding last?
Bonding usually lasts several years before it may need to be touched up or replaced. Its longevity depends on factors like diet, oral hygiene, and avoiding habits such as nail-biting or chewing on hard objects.
Where can I find a pediatric dentistry near me in Overland Park?
You can find expert restorative dental care for kids at Stanley Pediatric Dentistry in Overland Park, KS. Our team provides gentle, personalized treatment to repair teeth and keep growing smiles healthy.
