One of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments today is professional teeth whitening, which promises to lighten teeth and remove certain stains and discoloration. It has become increasingly common, with many people seeking treatment to improve their smile’s look. But, when it comes to teeth whitening, there is a question that arises often: at what age can you start having professional teeth whitening?
Here, we’ll find out the answer:
At What Age Can You Start Getting Professional Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments out there and can give you a brighter, more confident smile. Professional teeth whitening treatments are available to people of all ages, but it’s important to understand when it is safe to start and what risks are involved with such treatments.
Age and Teeth Whitening
While teenagers are most likely to start looking into professional teeth whitening treatments, it’s important to understand that there is an age restriction for treatments like this. Generally, professional teeth whitening procedures should not be done on children under the age of 16. This is due to the fact that young people’s teeth are still developing, and whitening treatments can cause potential damage to the enamel and other structures of the teeth that may not be fully formed in younger people.
Possible Risks
The main risk of teeth whitening is that the procedure may damage enamel. Enamel is the tooth’s outer layer, protecting it from outside bacteria and acids that can cause decay. When enamel is damaged, it’s no longer protecting the inside of the tooth – leaving it vulnerable to cavities, stains, and even further damage.
It’s also important to note that some people may experience gum discomfort or sensitivity after a procedure. This is most likely the result of the chemicals used in the process and the brightness of the lights used to activate the whitening solution.
Risks for Adults
Although adults are generally safe to undergo professional teeth whitening treatments, there are still certain risks to consider. It’s important to remember that if a person has cavity-prone teeth, misaligned or missing teeth, or if they have caps or crowns, professional whitening might not be for them. This is due to the fact that these procedures may lighten the natural color of the teeth, but the caps, crowns, and other procedures may not change color – resulting in a mismatched color in the mouth.
Proper Care
It’s important to note that even if you are of the appropriate age and your teeth are healthy enough to undergo teeth whitening treatments, you should still take proper care of your teeth to ensure that the whitening lasts. Good dental hygiene is essential to keeping your mouth healthy and should include brushing twice daily and flossing regularly. In addition, it’s important to limit sugary or acidic foods and drinks that can stain or weaken enamel.
Conclusion
Teeth whitening can be a great way to achieve a brighter, whiter smile – but it’s important to understand that there is an age restriction when it comes to these procedures. Generally, professional teeth whitening treatments should not be done on anyone under the age of 16. Adults should also use caution when undergoing teeth whitening procedures, limit sugary or acidic foods and drinks, and maintain proper dental hygiene to ensure the best results.
Chestnut Hill Dental is committed to providing high-quality care with the latest technology. Our range of procedures includes everything from the most basic to the most complex, such as dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, crowns and bridges, periodontal care, laser gum therapy, root canal treatment, Invisalign, and more. We operate in Newton, Chestnut Hill, Brookline, Brighton, and Allston, MA, and the surrounding areas and are dedicated to providing accurate, precise care using our state-of-the-art digital systems. Schedule an appointment to find out if teeth whitening is for you!
