Teen Dentistry in Sandgate

Most wisdom teeth start to develop in the late teens. Some come through without issue; others come in at an angle, get partly stuck, or cause pain and gum problems. Our teen wisdom teeth page explains what to expect, and our general wisdom teeth page covers the wider picture.

Plenty of teens are interested in straightening their teeth. Where the case is suitable, teen-suitable clear aligners can be a good option. Where comprehensive orthodontics is needed, we refer to a trusted orthodontist.

Whitening is generally not recommended below the age of 16 or so, while teeth are still maturing. For older teens with healthy teeth and no decay or sensitivity issues, careful take-home whitening can sometimes be considered — usually after braces or aligners have come off. Our teeth whitening page has the wider context.

Teens are often playing more contact sport than they were as children, and a properly fitted custom mouthguard makes a real difference. See sports mouthguards. A mouthguard fitted at 11 may no longer fit at 14.

Fixed braces make brushing and flossing harder. We help teens with technique, interdental brushes, and, where relevant, mouthguards designed to fit around braces.

Energy drinks, sports drinks, soft drinks, flavoured waters, and frequent snacking all increase acid exposure. We will have an honest conversation about what your teen actually drinks — not what they tell their parents they drink — and offer practical changes that fit a teen’s life.

Vaping is now common among teens and is not harmless to the mouth. We will mention it without lecturing, share what we are seeing on the gums and teeth, and answer any questions your teen has.

Lip and tongue piercings can chip teeth, recede gums, and damage existing dental work. If your teen has one or is thinking about one, we will go through the dental implications calmly.

We will ask how things have been since the last visit, whether anything is bothering them, and whether they are interested in anything cosmetic or orthodontic.

Teeth, gums, soft tissues, bite, jaw joint. Where it has been a couple of years, we will likely take a bitewing X-ray to check for hidden decay.

Removal of plaque and tartar, with attention to areas teens often miss — back molars, behind the front teeth, around brackets if there are braces.

We will share what we are seeing, what is worth changing, and what is fine as it is. We don’t recommend cosmetic treatments to teens who are not asking about them.

Confirmation of when to come back, and any onward referrals where useful.

There is no fixed age. Most teens naturally move across in the mid-teens; the visit gradually becomes more adult-style as they become more independent.

Yes, especially as they get older. Many of our teens book online themselves. We are happy to talk to them directly if you prefer.

Both, depending on age, what is being discussed, and your teen’s preference. We try to involve teens in their own decisions whenever possible.

Generally not below age 16, and only for older teens with healthy teeth where there is a clear reason. Many cosmetic concerns are better addressed in the early twenties.

Some cases are well suited; others need full orthodontic treatment. See teen clear aligners for what we look at.

We screen for them in the late teens. Not every wisdom tooth needs to be removed. See teen wisdom teeth.

Let us know in advance. Our children’s dental anxiety page has strategies that apply just as well to older children and teens.