Have you ever wondered what the minimum age for teeth whitening is? The consensus among dental professionals is a patient should be at least 14 years of age to bleach their teeth. Bleaching younger than 14 years could increase the chances of irreversible damage to the nerves of your child's teeth. Your best options would be to visit your local dentist and get a professional recommendation on the best method to lighten your teeth. Your dentist will examine how bad the staining is and the overall condition of your teeth. Some possible recommendations may include:
1) A professional cleaning to remove light tartar and staining caused from food, old plaque, and tobacco.
2) Using special toothpastes containing fine abrasives to polish off superficial stains.
3) For slight yellow discolorations, your dentist may recommend over the counter gel or strips. The disadvantage of these products is it takes longer to remove the discoloration because the concentration of bleaching product (carbamide peroxide) is lower than products used in the dental office.
4) If your teeth show yellowing or moderate staining, your dentist may suggest in-office bleaching and/or a home bleaching system. With this technique, you can immediately see results right after the procedure. The reason in- office bleaching is so effective is because your dentist uses a very concentrated formulation of carbamide peroxide to brighten your teeth. A high intensity light can also be used to maximize the effectiveness of the solution. When the in-office bleaching is completed, your dentist may recommend continued bleaching at home with a home whitening kit. Although you can bleach your teeth using just the home system, you get faster results when you use it following the in-office bleaching. A home system consists of custom made mouthguards and concentrated bleaching solutions. Bleaching time can range from a few hours a day to overnight.
5) For heavily stained or damaged teeth, your dentist may suggest porcelain veneers, cosmetic bonding, or full coverage crowns to correct the problem.
The most effective treatment option depends on proper diagnosis of your staining. Only your dentist is best qualified to determine which option is best for you.
There can be drawbacks to making your teeth whiter. The strong bleaching solutions can cause temporary teeth sensitivity during or after the treatment. This side effect will resolve itself shortly after your treatment is finished. If you already suffer with daily teeth sensitivity, whitening may not be a good option as it can increase the sensitivity of your teeth. A history of gum disease with resulting gum recession will also be a contraindication since your gums and teeth may be irritated by the strong solutions.
Teeth with a brown/gray discoloration or have a striped or mottled appearance from tetracycline treatment or too much flouride, are not good candidates for bleaching. It's difficult to achieve an even result with these pre-existing conditions.
Bleaching will not change the color of your existing fillings, crowns, caps, or bonding. If the majority of your teeth are restored with these procedures, you may want to consult with your dentist about replacing or veneering over these restorations.
1) A professional cleaning to remove light tartar and staining caused from food, old plaque, and tobacco.
2) Using special toothpastes containing fine abrasives to polish off superficial stains.
3) For slight yellow discolorations, your dentist may recommend over the counter gel or strips. The disadvantage of these products is it takes longer to remove the discoloration because the concentration of bleaching product (carbamide peroxide) is lower than products used in the dental office.
4) If your teeth show yellowing or moderate staining, your dentist may suggest in-office bleaching and/or a home bleaching system. With this technique, you can immediately see results right after the procedure. The reason in- office bleaching is so effective is because your dentist uses a very concentrated formulation of carbamide peroxide to brighten your teeth. A high intensity light can also be used to maximize the effectiveness of the solution. When the in-office bleaching is completed, your dentist may recommend continued bleaching at home with a home whitening kit. Although you can bleach your teeth using just the home system, you get faster results when you use it following the in-office bleaching. A home system consists of custom made mouthguards and concentrated bleaching solutions. Bleaching time can range from a few hours a day to overnight.
5) For heavily stained or damaged teeth, your dentist may suggest porcelain veneers, cosmetic bonding, or full coverage crowns to correct the problem.
The most effective treatment option depends on proper diagnosis of your staining. Only your dentist is best qualified to determine which option is best for you.
There can be drawbacks to making your teeth whiter. The strong bleaching solutions can cause temporary teeth sensitivity during or after the treatment. This side effect will resolve itself shortly after your treatment is finished. If you already suffer with daily teeth sensitivity, whitening may not be a good option as it can increase the sensitivity of your teeth. A history of gum disease with resulting gum recession will also be a contraindication since your gums and teeth may be irritated by the strong solutions.
Teeth with a brown/gray discoloration or have a striped or mottled appearance from tetracycline treatment or too much flouride, are not good candidates for bleaching. It's difficult to achieve an even result with these pre-existing conditions.
Bleaching will not change the color of your existing fillings, crowns, caps, or bonding. If the majority of your teeth are restored with these procedures, you may want to consult with your dentist about replacing or veneering over these restorations.
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