Teen Dentistry in Loveland

Should My Teenager Still See a Pediatric Dentist?

Yes. Your teen’s facial and oral anatomy continues to grow throughout adolescence, which means they can still benefit from seeing a pediatric dental specialist.

Dr. Katie and Dr. Matthew have advanced training in developing smiles and understand the unique dental needs of teens. This stage is especially important because permanent teeth are in place, habits are becoming more independent, and early issues can affect long-term oral health.

Our team supports teens with preventive care, orthodontic evaluations, wisdom teeth monitoring, growth assessments, and honest conversations about oral hygiene, nutrition, and self-care.

Why Choose Pediatric Dentistry of Loveland for Teen Dental Care?

• Adolescent Growth & Development: Our specialists monitor the final stages of jaw development and the arrival of wisdom teeth, ensuring your teen’s smile is structurally sound as they finish growing.
• A Focus on Esthetics & Confidence: From professional whitening options to managing "white spot" lesions after braces, we prioritize the look and health of their smile during these high-social-impact years.
• Athletic Smile Protection: We provide expert guidance on custom sports mouthguards to protect against dental trauma for the student-athlete.
• Nutrition & Lifestyle Coaching: We offer non-judgmental education on the dental impact of sports drinks, vaping, and frequent snacking, empowering teens to take ownership of their health.
• A Respectful, Professional Space: We provide a welcoming environment where teens are treated like young adults. We ensure they feel heard, respected, and involved in their own treatment decisions.

Why Teen Dental Care Matters

• The Final Set: By age 13, most children have 28 of their 32 permanent teeth. These teeth must last for the next 60 to 70+ years. Unlike baby teeth, there are no "do-overs" if decay is ignored during these years.
• Decay Rates: According to the CDC, approximately 57% of adolescents (ages 12 to 19) have had cavities in their permanent teeth.
• The Athlete’s Risk: Dental injuries are the most common type of orofacial injury sustained during participation in sports. An athlete is 60 times more likely to suffer harm to the teeth when not wearing a mouthguard.
• Sugar Intake: Adolescents have the highest intake of added sugars, largely from sports drinks and sodas. A single 20oz sports drink can contain up to 34 grams of sugar and high acidity, which begins eroding enamel in as little as 20 minutes.
• Vaping Risks: With the rise of e-cigarettes, studies show that the aerosols in vapes can increase bacterial adhesion to tooth enamel by 400%, significantly accelerating tooth decay compared to non-vapers.
• Social Impact: Research published in the American Journal of Orthodontics indicates that peers perceive teens with healthy, straight smiles as more intelligent, social, and trustworthy.
• The Braces Factor: For teens finishing orthodontic treatment, up to 50% may develop "white spot lesions" (early decay) around their brackets if hygiene isn't strictly managed, potentially "scarring" the smile they just spent years straightening.
• Surgical Prevention: Approximately 85% of wisdom teeth eventually need to be removed. Monitoring them during the teen years (ages 16–19) allows for extraction when the roots are only two-thirds formed, which significantly reduces recovery time and the risk of nerve damage.

Dental Services Tailored for Teens

Teen dental care may include:

• Routine cleanings and exams
• Age-appropriate oral health education
• Cavity prevention and nutrition guidance
• Tooth-colored fillings
• Cosmetic bonding for smile confidence
• Orthodontic evaluations and referrals
• Wisdom teeth monitoring and education
• Custom athletic mouthguards
• Nightguards for grinding when needed
• Sedation options for anxious or complex procedures
• Guidance around oral hygiene, habits, and self-care