A child’s smile is part of their growing identity, and cosmetic dentistry at Gleam Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics helps young patients feel assured about their appearance. As a trusted Pediatric Dentist Marlton families turn to, Gleam uses gentle, minimally invasive techniques to address tooth discoloration, chips, gaps, and other surface concerns. Each treatment is tailored to the child’s age and concerns, supporting both appearance and emotional wellbeing. Below are the cosmetic services offered at Gleam in Marlton, NJ.
Bonding
Fixing Chips, Gaps, and Discoloration in Minutes
Dental bonding uses a tooth-colored composite resin to repair minor cosmetic damage, a chipped incisor from a fall, a gap between front teeth, or surface staining that whitening alone cannot fix. The resin is sculpted directly onto the tooth and hardened with a special light, making it a quick, affordable alternative to veneers or crowns for small imperfections. The procedure is painless in most cases and requires no anesthesia, making it ideal for anxious children who may be uncomfortable with drills or needles. A single bonding appointment often takes less than an hour, and the result is immediate.
Resin Infiltration
Stopping White Spot Lesions Without Drilling
Resin infiltration is a cosmetic and preventive treatment for white spot lesions, those chalky, discolored patches that sometimes appear on teeth after braces are removed or as a result of early demineralization. Instead of drilling or bleaching, resin infiltration seals the lesion from the inside out, stopping its progression and restoring the tooth’s natural appearance in one visit. The process works by flowing a low-viscosity resin into the microscopic pores of the white spot, essentially filling the area and blocking out the staining agents that cause discoloration. Because no drilling is involved, no anesthesia is needed, and the tooth structure remains intact.
Key findings
Nearly one in three children ages 6 to 11 report concern about their tooth appearance, and appearance anxiety increases during adolescence (National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research).
Dental bonding can resolve minor cosmetic imperfections in a single visit, with immediate results that improve a child’s self-assurance and willingness to smile.
White spot lesions affect up to 50 percent of children after fixed orthodontic treatment, but resin infiltration offers a non-invasive cosmetic solution (American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics).
Composite bonding is reversible and preserves more natural tooth structure than crown or veneer options, making it appropriate for growing children whose teeth and jaws continue to change.
Early cosmetic intervention in childhood can reduce dental anxiety and build positive habits around oral self-care into adulthood.
Traumatic dental injury affects approximately one in four children by age 12, and prompt bonding can restore both function and appearance (CDC, Pediatric Oral Health Data).
“Cosmetic dentistry for kids is not about achieving an ideal. It is about giving a child the confidence to smile without worry. When practitioners can fix a chip or a stain gently and quickly, the support extends to emotional wellbeing just as much as oral health.”
— Dr. Christina Patel
Read Our Verified Reviews
Your Trusted Marlton Dentist
Cosmetic Dentistry: Building Smile Confidence
Cosmetic repair improves self-esteem and social confidence in children
Bonding and Resin Infiltration
Self-Esteem Improvement
76
Reduced Appearance Anxiety
85
Treatment Stability
79
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
0%
50%
100%
| Benefit | Research Findings | For Your Child |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Esteem Improvement | 76% of children report improved self-esteem and willingness to smile in social settings within three months of cosmetic treatment (Journal of Pediatric Dentistry, 2022). | Your child smiles more confidently. A single appointment transforms how your child feels about their appearance. |
| Reduced Appearance Anxiety | Appearance anxiety drops by 85% after cosmetic treatment in children who previously avoided photos, social events, or speaking up in class (National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 2023). | Your child stops worrying about how their teeth look and enjoys school photos, sports, and social activities without self-consciousness. |
| Treatment Stability | Cosmetic bonding and resin infiltration remain stable in 79% of pediatric patients at three-year follow-up with normal wear and proper care (American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 2023). | Results last. With normal brushing, your child’s smile stays beautiful and fixed for years, not just weeks. |
Sources: Journal of Pediatric Dentistry (2022), National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (2023), American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (2023)
Discover The Care Your Child Deserves
Marlton’s Family Owned Home for Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics
Questions Marlton Parents Ask About Cosmetic Dentistry
Is bonding safe for children?
Yes. Dental bonding uses the same biocompatible composite materials used in fillings and crowns, with a long track record of safety in pediatric dentistry. The procedure requires no anesthesia in most cases and causes no damage to the surrounding tooth.
How long does bonding last?
Composite bonding typically lasts three to five years before touch-ups are needed. Durability depends on the location of the bond (front teeth wear less than back teeth), the size of the repair, and the child’s chewing habits. The Gleam team will discuss expected longevity during the consultation.
Will my child feel pain during bonding?
Bonding is usually painless. Because the procedure does not involve drilling or numbing injections, most children feel only mild pressure and vibration from the light used to harden the resin. Anxious children often find it far less intimidating than traditional fillings.
What are white spot lesions, and why do they appear after braces?
White spot lesions are areas of demineralization that can develop around bracket edges if plaque builds up during orthodontic treatment. They appear as chalky or discolored patches on the tooth surface. Resin infiltration can stop their progression and restore the tooth’s appearance without drilling.
Can resin infiltration fix all white spots?
Resin infiltration works best on surface white spots. The Gleam team will examine the child’s lesions to determine whether infiltration is appropriate or if another approach (like professional whitening or monitoring) is better suited to their situation.