Article: Volume 48 Number 10 Page 866 - November 2021

  Dental Update 494: 866-878  Read article

Paediatric dentistry:  Aesthetic dental challenges for the paediatric patient

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Abstract: Advancements in material science have contributed greatly towards aesthetic dentistry. However, achieving satisfactory aesthetics for children in the developing dentition poses unique challenges. Challenges include, but are not limited to: (1) patient co-operation; (2) optimum moisture control; (3) continuing gingival maturation and bone growth; and (4) the increased need for minimally invasive and non-irreversible techniques to maintain future treatment options. This article addresses the common paediatric dental aesthetic challenges of uncomplicated crown fractures (ie those confined to enamel and dentine), localized, discrete enamel opacities and intrinsic discolouration of anterior, root canal-treated teeth. Treatment techniques and helpful tips for the general dental practitioner are presented.

Clinical relevance: This article focuses on common dental aesthetic challenges that present in the paediatric dental population and suggests methods to manage this effectively in primary and secondary care.

Author notes: Fionnuala Loy, BDS (Hons), MFDS RCPS (Glasg), Dental Core Trainee, University Dental Hospital, Manchester. Vidya Srinivasan, BDS, MDS (Chennai, India), MSc (Uni of Edinburgh), FDS RCS Ed, MPaedDent RCSEng, FDS(Paed Dent)RCS Ed, Dip Con Sed (Newcastle), PGCert (Edgehill) Consultant in Paediatric Dentistry, Child Dental Health Department, University Dental Hospital, Manchester. email: floy@tcd.ie

Objective: The reader should understand the management of uncomplicated crown fractures and potential sequelae of dental trauma, along with the risks and benefits of tooth whitening and various treatments for enamel hypomineralization.