One of the hardest substances in the body is enamel. It protects the inner layers of your teeth. Enamel hypoplasia is a common yet undetected or underdiagnosed issue in children nowadays. The condition is characterized by reduced tooth enamel or poor quality dental enamel owing to low mineralization. The weak dental enamel is evidenced by discolored pits on your child’s teeth, rough areas or pits, and excess dental cavities even with optimal dental care.
The common forms of weak enamel treated by a pediatric dentist in Lehi are linked to genetic disorders, pregnancy-related illnesses, trauma, and premature births. Malnutrition, vitamin D, C, and A deficiencies, and some medications have also been linked to enamel hypoplasia in children. Fortunately, there are now multiple remedies for this condition. Here are the most efficient ones:
Veneers
These are thin porcelain overlays that are placed on the surface of your child’s teeth and cover them fully. They are generally used on permanent teeth, though. In severe enamel hypoplasia, the veneers can also be used on milk teeth. They are designed to improve your child’s dental appearance, strengthen the surface of their teeth, and reduce sensitivity. Though efficient, dental veneers have high maintenance needs and are expensive.
Bonding
This is a conservative treatment approach to weakened dental enamel. In dental bonding, resin is adhered to your child’s affected teeth. The procedure enhances the strength of the child’s weakened teeth, and it is discrete. The teeth will first be filed to improve the resin’s bond to the affected teeth. It is generally easier to maintain bonded teeth than those with veneers.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is one of the minerals required for a strong dentition. As such, the dentist might recommend in-office fluoride treatments to address this. Fluoride toothpaste, varnish, and re-mineralizing cream for use at home are also sometimes prescribed. Fluoride tablets might be prescribed for severely weakened enamel, but this is not a routine treatment.
Crowns
These are used to cover affected teeth and improve their appearance and strength. Metal and porcelain crowns are the primary options used for children’s teeth. Metal crowns are very strong but generally used on the back teeth since they might have an adverse effect on your child’s appearance. Though not very strong, porcelain crowns are used on the canines and incisors since they blend in with the child’s natural teeth.
Tooth Extraction
This is the last treatment alternative and only typically used for teeth that have already been extensively damaged. After the extraction, the dentist will place bridges or implants on the gap. Different forms of anesthesia will be used during the removal, so you do not need to worry about your child being in pain. Some discomfort after the procedure is however common.
The only reason most parents will bother visiting a pediatric dentist is for the treatment of dental cavities. With no intervention, weak dental enamel in your child will cause considerable pain and frequent dental fractures, which might require costly therapies. The treatments mentioned above are inexpensive, and they take a short time. This makes prompt intervention cost- and time-efficient in kids with weak dental enamel.
