Teens - Kigo Little

Preventive Treatments

A. Routine Scaling & Polishing

Problem Addressed: Tartar buildup or staining from poor hygiene or diet.
How to Check: Yellow/brown teeth or bleeding gums; dentist can confirm.
Specialist: General Dentist.
Home Care Tips: Use an electric toothbrush for better plaque removal.
Milestone: Continue every 6 months during teen years.

B. Topical Fluoride Treatments (especially for braces)

Problem Addressed: Increased cavity risk around braces.
How to Check: White spots or decay near brackets; dentist will assess.
Specialist: General Dentist or Orthodontist.
Home Care Tip: Use orthodontic wax if braces irritate.
Milestone: Common during braces (ages 12–16).

C. Sealants (for newly erupted permanent molars)

Problem Addressed: Cavities in deep grooves of new molars.
How to Check: Dark spots on molar surfaces; dentist can apply.
Specialist: General Dentist.
Home Care Tip: Avoid sticky foods near sealed teeth.
Milestone: Apply when second molars erupt (ages 11–13).

D. Oral Hygiene Education (specific to ortho patients)

Problem Addressed: Plaque buildup around braces causing gum issues.
How to Check: Red gums or difficulty cleaning; dentist can guide.
Specialist: Orthodontist or General Dentist.
Home Care Tip: Use floss threaders or water flossers.
Milestone: Ongoing during braces treatment.

E. Custom Mouthguards (for sports activities)

Problem Addressed: Risk of tooth injury during sports.
How to Check: No protection during contact sports; dentist can fit.
Specialist: General Dentist.
Home Care Tip: Clean and store dry after use.
Milestone: Fit before starting sports (ages 12+).

Restorative Treatments

A. Composite Fillings

Problem Addressed: Cavities in permanent teeth.
How to Check: Tooth pain or visible holes; dentist uses X-rays.
Specialist: General Dentist.
Home Care Tip: Avoid chewing hard items like ice.
Milestone: Common as permanent teeth mature (ages 13–19).

B. Onlays/Inlays (for larger cavities)

Problem Addressed: Extensive decay not fixable with fillings.
How to Check: Large damaged areas; dentist will evaluate.
Specialist: General Dentist or Prosthodontist.
Home Care Tip: Maintain good oral hygiene to protect.
Milestone: Needed if decay worsens (ages 14–19).

C. Root Canal Treatments (for permanent teeth)

Problem Addressed: Infected nerve due to deep decay or trauma.
How to Check: Severe pain, swelling, or sensitivity; X-rays needed.
Specialist: Endodontist or General Dentist.
Home Care Tip: Avoid extreme temperatures post-treatment.
Milestone: Possible from age 13 if permanent teeth are affected.

D. Post and Core (if RCT-treated tooth needs support)

Problem Addressed: Weak tooth after root canal needing a crown.
How to Check: Crumbling tooth; dentist will assess.
Specialist: General Dentist or Prosthodontist.
Home Care Tip: Protect with a crown soon after.
Milestone: Follows root canal (ages 13–19).

E. Crowns for Permanent Teeth (Zirconia/Ceramic)

Problem Addressed: Broken or heavily decayed permanent teeth.
How to Check: Visible damage or pain; dentist can diagnose.
Specialist: General Dentist or Prosthodontist.
Home Care Tip: Avoid grinding habits with a night guard.
Milestone: Common in later teens (ages 15–19).

F. Management of Traumatized Teeth

Problem Addressed: Injury causing cracks or displacement.
How to Check: Recent injury with tooth issues; seek immediate care.
Specialist: General Dentist or Endodontist.
Home Care Tip: Save knocked-out tooth in milk and rush to dentist.
Milestone: Peaks during active teen years (13–19).

G. Bleaching for Discolored Non-Vital Teeth

Problem Addressed: Dark teeth after trauma or root canal.
How to Check: Noticeable discoloration; dentist can confirm.
Specialist: General Dentist or Cosmetic Dentist.
Home Care Tip: Avoid staining foods (coffee, soda) post-treatment.
Milestone: Optional from age 14 for cosmetic reasons.

H. Management of Dental Fluorosis or Enamel Defects

Problem Addressed: White spots or pitting from excess fluoride or development issues.
How to Check: Visible spots or weak enamel; dentist will diagnose.
Specialist: General Dentist or Pediatric Dentist.
Home Care Tip: Use remineralizing toothpaste.
Milestone: Noticeable by age 12–14 with permanent teeth.

Orthodontic/Interceptive Treatments

A. Comprehensive Orthodontics: Metal/Ceramic Braces, Clear Aligners (Invisalign Teen or equivalent)

Problem Addressed: Crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth.
How to Check: Visible misalignment or bite issues; orthodontist uses X-rays.
Specialist: Orthodontist.
Home Care Tip: Wear aligners 20–22 hours daily if applicable.
Milestone: Start between ages 11–14.

B. Functional Appliances (for jaw growth correction)

Problem Addressed: Jaw misalignment affecting bite or face shape.
How to Check: Uneven jaw or difficulty chewing; orthodontist assesses.
Specialist: Orthodontist.
Home Care Tip: Wear as directed (often 12–16 hours/day).
Milestone: Used ages 10–14 during growth spurts.

C. Retention Appliances (Hawley, Essix)

Problem Addressed: Teeth shifting after braces.
How to Check: Gradual misalignment post-treatment; orthodontist monitors.
Specialist: Orthodontist.
Home Care Tip: Clean nightly and wear as instructed.
Milestone: Worn after braces (ages 13–19+).

D. Orthodontic Mini Screws (TADs) for complex movements

Problem Addressed: Difficult tooth movements requiring extra support.
How to Check: Severe crowding; orthodontist will determine need.
Specialist: Orthodontist.
Home Care Tip: Avoid touching the area; follow care instructions.
Milestone: Used during complex cases (ages 12–17).

E. Jaw Growth Analysis / Orthognathic Surgery Consultation (for skeletal cases)

Problem Addressed: Severe jaw misalignment needing surgery.
How to Check: Significant underbite/overbite; orthodontist refers to surgeon.
Specialist: Orthodontist and Oral Surgeon.
Home Care Tip: Prepare for recovery with soft foods.
Milestone: Considered after age 16 when growth is complete.

Specialized/Other Treatments

A. Wisdom Teeth Evaluation/Extraction

Problem Addressed: Impacted or crowded wisdom teeth causing pain.
How to Check: Swelling, pain, or crowding; X-rays needed.
Specialist: Oral Surgeon or General Dentist.
Home Care Tip: Rest and use prescribed pain relief post-extraction.
Milestone: Evaluate around age 16–19.

B. TMJ Disorder Management

Problem Addressed: Jaw pain or clicking from temporomandibular joint issues.
How to Check: Jaw pain or locking; dentist can evaluate.
Specialist: General Dentist or TMJ Specialist.
Home Care Tip: Apply warm compresses and avoid hard chewing.
Milestone: Common in teens (ages 13–19).

C. Night Guards for Bruxism

Problem Addressed: Teeth grinding causing wear or pain.
How to Check: Worn teeth or morning jaw soreness; dentist confirms.
Specialist: General Dentist.
Home Care Tip: Clean nightly and store in a case.
Milestone: Diagnosed in teens (ages 13–19).

D. Laser Treatments (soft tissue corrections, depigmentation)

Problem Addressed: Gum issues or dark gums affecting appearance.
How to Check: Uneven gums or discoloration; dentist assesses.
Specialist: Periodontist or General Dentist with laser training.
Home Care Tip: Maintain gum health with antiseptic rinse.
Milestone: Optional from age 14 for cosmetic goals.

E. Cosmetic Dentistry (Minor reshaping, diastema closure)

Problem Addressed: Gaps or uneven teeth affecting smile.
How to Check: Visible gaps or shape issues; dentist can evaluate.
Specialist: Cosmetic Dentist or General Dentist.
Home Care Tip: Use whitening toothpaste sparingly.
Milestone: Popular in later teens (ages 15–19).

F. Dental Implant Planning (if missing teeth)

Problem Addressed: Missing permanent teeth affecting function or appearance.
How to Check: Long-term missing teeth; dentist uses X-rays.
Specialist: Oral Surgeon or Prosthodontist.
Home Care Tip: Protect adjacent teeth with good hygiene.
Milestone: Considered after age 17 when growth is complete.

G. Emergency Care (avulsion, fracture, abscesses)

Problem Addressed: Knocked-out, broken, or infected teeth.
How to Check: Sudden injury or swelling/pus; seek immediate care.
Specialist: General Dentist or Emergency Dentist.
Home Care Tip: Rinse and apply cold compress; save tooth if possible.
Milestone: Possible anytime (ages 13–19).

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