Kevin E. Hardy DDS Weighs in on Increasing Number of Cosmetic Dental Procedures Requested for Kids

PHILADELPHIA, PA, February 04, 2013

According to an article published by ConnectionNewspapers.com, children are undergoing an increasing number of dental procedures that are cosmetic, not just restorative or otherwise functional, in nature: "Whether it's to replace a tooth that was lost or broken during a hockey game or to create a Hollywood-smile before taking the stage for a school play, pediatric dentists say an increasing number of children are undergoing cosmetic dental procedures." Kevin E. Hardy DDS, a general dentist who provides care to pediatric patients, explains that technology has played a major role in making restorative options that produce cosmetic benefits available.

The article contains the opinion of Dr. Warren A. Brill, who is the president of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. He recommends that, unless a child is undergoing extreme emotional stress due to a dental issue, parents opt for dental procedures that will not have to be repeated when children's permanent teeth grow in. As Dr. Hardy explains below, there are options that parents can choose that allow for both restorative and cosmetic results.

"No longer are children subject to the maxim of function over form when it comes to fixing their teeth," explains Kevin E. Hardy DDS. "Traditionally, concerned parents have the option of taking a tooth out or having a steel crown inserted when a child has a bad tooth. Today, though, there are more options. The core of dentistry has remained the same, but the esthetics that dentists have to work with are cutting edge, thanks to new technology and other advances."

But the article asserts that, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, "bleaching, which brightens stained, darkened or discolored teeth, is among the most common cosmetic procedures for children." Dr. Brill explains that, for children, a less concentrated form of the solution used in the bleaching process is applied when performing this procedure on pediatric patients, as the fully concentrated solution can lead to irritation and other concerns.

Dr. Hardy encourages parents whose children are interested in cosmetic dental procedures to consider their options very carefully and communicate clearly with their family's dental professional. By doing so, they can weigh the pros and cons of considered procedures and choose one that will best suit the needs of the patient.

ABOUT:

Kevin E. Hardy DDS is a general dentist who provides care to pediatric patients and focuses on the area of natural dentistry. After graduating with a bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame, Kevin E. Hardy DDS was awarded a doctor of dental surgery degree from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry. While participating in his dental classes and completing the curriculum, Dr. Hardy also earned a master's degree in business administration from Virginia Commonwealth University. Kevin E. Hardy DDS is dedicated to assisting patients in creating the habits that will help them build a lifetime of positive oral health.

Website: http://kevinehardydds.com