If your teen is looking for a boost of confidence in their smile, here are a few things you should know about teeth whitening for teens.
Can a Teenager Get Their Teeth Whitened?
First, you may be wondering if teenagers can have their teeth whitened, especially since most teeth whitening services are targeted toward adult patients. However, it is completely safe for teenagers to get their teeth whitened. The ideal candidates for teeth whitening have all their permanent teeth in, are free of gum disease and cavities, and have an overall healthy smile.
Is Teeth Whitening for Teenagers Safe?
If done correctly, teeth whitening is very safe for patients of any age with all their adult teeth in healthy condition. Teeth whitening products may not be the best option if you have thin enamel, infection, or advanced decay. Consult your dentist to see if teeth whitening is right for your teenager.
What Is the Ideal Age for Teeth Whitening?
There is no specific age that is ideal for teens to receive teeth whitening treatment. Patients can begin whitening their teeth at any time after they have all of their adult teeth. That being said, most dentists prefer patients to be at least 14 years old since most teens have all of their adult teeth by now.
However, if your child has all their permanent teeth before this time and wants to try teeth whitening, you may schedule a consultation with your dentist. They can decide if now is the right time for your teen to begin teeth whitening treatment. In general, though, it’s a good idea to wait until you feel confident your teenager can manage the responsibility of following teeth whitening instructions.
What Are the Different Teeth Whitening Options for Teenagers?
There are many different options to explore when it comes to teeth whitening for teens. Simpler at-home approaches can help remove stains if used properly, although it may take longer before they notice results. Professional treatments, on the other hand, can give most teens a brighter smile in as little as one treatment.
The Most Common Teeth Whitening Options for Teenagers Include:
Whitening Toothpaste
Staining, such as mild stains caused by coffee or other dark beverages, can often be removed with whitening toothpaste. Teenagers can use whitening toothpaste at least twice daily during their regular brushing and flossing routine. Results tend to appear within three months.
Whitening Strips
Whitening strips can be obtained over the counter and applied to teeth once or twice a day. These products contain hydrogen peroxide, a bleaching agent. These items are safe but should be used with care. If your teen begins to notice higher levels of teeth sensitivity, they should stop using whitening strips right away.
Teeth Whitening Trays and Gels
Gel trays can be used for faster brightening of teeth with deeper staining. Although the number of gel tray products is increasing, many patients still receive this treatment through their dentist. A custom-fit gel tray can make many products more effective.
Professional In-Office Tooth Bleaching
Professional in-office tooth bleaching by a dentist provides long-lasting results. Teenagers can see results after a single treatment that may require as little as one hour. A special light may be used to activate certain whitening gels for enhanced results.
What Is the Best Form of Teeth Whitening for Teenagers?
With so many teeth whitening options for teens available, you may be wondering which option is the best. The answer depends on what results your teen wishes to achieve. If they’re looking to treat minor staining, utilizing a safe, ADA-approved whitening toothpaste may provide them with the results they are looking for.
However, teens wanting to address more extensive staining in less time may consider visiting their dentist for an in-office teeth whitening treatment or take-home gel trays. Both options utilize solutions that are safe for your teenager’s teeth while providing noticeable results quickly.
What Should They Start With First?
Teenagers needing mild whitening can incorporate whitening toothpaste into their daily dental care routine. Getting used to whitening toothpaste will extend the results of other whitening products or treatments they use in the future.
Whitening strips and gels require more complex preparation. They have much stronger whitening agents. Most professionals recommend that teenagers get an in-office dental whitening treatment instead of reaching for over-the-counter whitening strips and gels.
Explore Your Options From Park View Pediatric Dentistry
At Park View Pediatric Dentistry, we offer several teeth whitening options for your teenager, including:
- Opalescence Go™: These are pre-filled teeth-whitening trays for patients to use at home. Treatment takes approximately 15 minutes and is a safer alternative to over-the-counter trays.
- Venus White Teeth Whitening Touch-Up Brush: A touch-up brush is a quick and easy solution for teens looking to address minor stains. It’s pre-filled with whitening gel you can apply on the go.
- Prescription-Strength Whitening Strips: Whitening strips prescribed by the dentist are safer and more effective than over-the-counter whitening strips.
- In-Office Bleaching: A professional in-office treatment may be just what your teen needs for more noticeable results.
When you visit our office, we can discuss your options and your teen’s teeth-whitening goals. Our professionals can also advise your teen on how to protect their smile against stains and maintain the results of any whitening treatments they receive.
To learn more about teeth whitening options for your teenager, visit Park View Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in NYC today. We can provide more information and help guide you and your teenager with the best treatment option. Contact our office today at 212-879-6518 or request an appointment online.