Treatment of aesthetic problems in paediatric dentistry

Aesthetic problems in childhood and adolescence can have a significant effect on psychosocial development and interaction with peers. Abnormalities of shape, size, colour and structure of the whole or part of the anterior dentition of children can lead to such problems. This article outlines the most appropriate options for the clinical management of different aetiological categories of aesthetic problems, and develops a hierarchy of intervention that should be pursued in a logical order until a satisfactory cosmetic outcome is achieved. These techniques are readily available to most dental practitioners and there is no reason for a child to have to wait until late adolescence for treatment. Dent Update 2003; 30: 307-313 CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Aesthetic problems in children and adolescents may be treated by a variety of techniques.