Everyone wants to have the brightest smile possible, and that includes younger people as well. Teeth whitening is not just for older patients, as many younger patients are now opting for whitening treatments. Keeping your teeth white can be easier if you don’t allow those stains to sit on your teeth for years. Some parents might even consider professional teeth whitening options for their children. So, at what age can you start whitening your teeth? Dive into all the details below to learn more.
At What Age Can You Start Whitening Your Teeth
Many younger people are choosing to whiten their teeth because they want the brightest smile possible. But, how young is too young for a whitening treatment? Learn everything you need to know below about when you can safely start teeth whitening treatments.
The Basics Of Teeth Whitening
Many teeth whitening products work by placing a bleaching agent on the teeth. Commonly, the bleaching agent used in these treatments is hydrogen peroxide. The bleaching agent penetrates the enamel and travels into the pulp of the teeth to oxidize and remove stains. Some treatments even include laser light treatments to help the agent penetrate into the teeth further and remove deeper stains. Since the bleaching agent penetrates the enamel, the teeth may be sensitive for a few days after the treatment. However, most patients report that the sensitivity goes away after a couple of days.
Teeth Whitening Options
There are many options available today for patients who want a whiter smile. Whitening toothpaste, whitening strips, and professional whitening services are the three most common options.
Whitening toothpaste is typically used every day, and this option is usually very gentle on your teeth. The concentration of the bleaching agent in whitening toothpaste is quite low, so these products can be used on a daily basis in most cases. However, the drawback to these products is that they usually will not remove deep or stubborn stains. You are likely to see some improvement in the color of your teeth, but the results are not likely to be substantial.
Over-the-counter whitening strips have gained a lot of popularity in recent years. These strips can provide an improvement of 3 to 6 shades, and they are also quite affordable. Typically, the strips are worn on your teeth for 30 minutes daily for 14 days. However, some of these strips can contain chemicals that could be harmful to your teeth. Make sure to look for strips that are approved by the ADA.
Professional teeth whitening will give you the absolute best results, and this service is extremely safe since it is performed by your dentist. Professional whitening can usually be completed in a single visit lasting an hour or less. You should see results that show up to 8 shades of improvement in your teeth. The main drawback to professional whitening is the cost. It is the most expensive of these three options, and most dental insurance plans do not cover this service.
Effects Of Teeth Whitening On Younger Patients
Surprisingly, most younger patients handle teeth whitening treatments better than older patients. The bleaching agents still penetrate the enamel in younger patients, but these patients often do not experience the pain and sensitivity that many older patients deal with. The reason for this is that younger patients have better circulation and vitality; therefore, the bleaching agents do not cause as many side effects for them.
Best Age For Teeth Whitening Services
Most dentists have learned that children between the ages of 14 and 16 respond extremely well to teeth whitening services. Most patients have all their permanent teeth by the age of 14, so there are no baby teeth to deal with. Additionally, patients in this age group typically do not have extremely deep stains on their teeth. Therefore, the whitening treatment is able to remove nearly all the stains that are present.
It should also be noted that professional teeth whitening treatments are safe for children as young as 5 years old. However, whitening both baby teeth and permanent teeth can be a slightly more involved process. It is recommended that you talk to your child’s dentist about the best options to get whiter teeth.
Schedule A Professional Teeth Whitening Service Today
If you or your child need professional teeth whitening, Northern Virginia Orthodontics is here to help. Schedule an appointment at our office today to learn about all the options that are available. We can help put your mind at ease about the safety of our whitening services for your child, and they will end up with a beautiful and bright smile. Contact our office today to learn more.