Have you ever wondered why so many teenagers want to radically change their smile? In my practice in Bogotá, every week I receive concerned parents who come accompanied by their teenage children with a request that deeply troubles me: “Doctor, we want a smile design to improve my son’s/daughter’s dental appearance.”
What exactly is smile design?
Before continuing, it’s important to clarify what this procedure actually involves. Smile design is an aesthetic dental treatment that seeks to create a harmonious and balanced smile through various procedures. It generally includes digital planning where factors such as the shape, size, and color of teeth are analyzed in relation to the patient’s face.
The most common procedures within smile design include dental veneers (porcelain or composite sheets that adhere to the tooth surface), crowns (covers that completely encase the tooth), and whitening treatments. Most of these treatments require modifying the natural dental structure, wearing down part of the enamel to place these prosthetic elements.
In my experience, what’s concerning is that many people, especially young individuals, consider smile design simply as a “dental makeover” without understanding that it involves irreversible procedures that permanently alter their natural teeth.
The concerning trend of smile design in minors
The rise of social media and the pressure to look “perfect” is leading many young people to seek aesthetic solutions that, in my professional opinion, can be premature and potentially harmful. Smile design has become such a popular term that it seems to have been normalized for all ages, without considering the long-term consequences.
As a dentist with more than two decades treating patients of all ages, I must be clear and direct: invasive smile design treatments are NOT recommended for patients under 18 years of age.
What really happens with young teeth?
Imagine for a moment that teeth are like young trees. During adolescence, these “trees” are finishing establishing their roots and strengthening their structure. If we make invasive modifications at this stage, we are intervening in a natural process that has not yet concluded.
When smile design involves veneers or crowns, it generally requires removing part of the dental enamel. This enamel is the natural protective shield of the tooth, and once it wears away, it does not regenerate. In my experience, I have seen truly concerning cases of young people who underwent these procedures and years later face problems with dental sensitivity, secondary cavities, and even the need for root canal treatments that could have been avoided.
Safe and effective alternatives for young smiles
Instead of invasive procedures, I recommend parents consider alternatives that respect their children’s natural development:
Orthodontics: This is the authentic “smile design” for teenagers. It not only improves dental aesthetics but also corrects functional bite problems. Modern clear aligner systems or aesthetic brackets make this treatment more comfortable and discreet than ever.
Conservative whitening: For very specific cases of adolescents with stains or discolorations, there are gentle professionally supervised whitening protocols that can improve appearance without damaging the enamel.
Regular professional hygiene: Never underestimate the power of a good dental cleaning. The removal of tartar and surface stains can remarkably transform a smile without any invasion.
My commitment to ethical dentistry
In my clinic in Bogotá, I am guided by a fundamental principle: health is always above passing aesthetic trends. When a parent brings their teenage child requesting an invasive smile design, I take time to explain to them why waiting is the wisest decision.
Adolescence is a stage of constant changes. What today seems urgent in aesthetic terms may look completely different tomorrow. A premature intervention could condemn that young person to a future of complex and costly dental treatments.
The time factor: an ally of dental health
Patience is fundamental in dental development. I have seen cases where patients who impatiently desired a radical change in their adolescence, by waiting and opting for conservative treatments, achieved superior aesthetic results without compromising their long-term oral health.
The time required for orthodontic treatment, for example, is not an obstacle but an advantage. During that period, not only is dental position corrected, but proper masticatory function is established, periodontal health is favored, and a natural facial harmony is created.
Smile design in young patients: key considerations
If you have doubts about which dental treatment is best for your teenage child, I invite you to schedule a diagnostic consultation at my clinic in Bogotá. Together we will evaluate their particular case and design a treatment plan that respects their natural development while improving their smile safely and responsibly.
Remember: an informed decision today means a healthy smile for a lifetime.
