Expert: Jeff Dalin DDS - 12/2/2006

Question
Hi, I am sixteen years of age and I just got my braces off and I was anticipating teeth bleaching from the dentist, however, hearing of the concern for teeth bleaching in youth under 18, I am concerned and a little discouraged, wanting to avoid damaging the teeth. My teeth are large and I'd think fully grown. Sixteen is just two years younger than 18, do you discourage teeth bleaching at my age? Would it hurt at all, if so, what can it cause?

Thanks.

Answer
nick
most dentists like to wait until age 18. the main reason is that your teeth continue to erupt until then. if you bleach early, you may have more tooth exposed as the gums recede a little as you get a little older. there are also concerns about the size of young nerves. there are ways to get around this. one way is to use a little less concentrated bleach. another is to use something over the counter like crest white strips. this is usually what i tell my younger patients to try. it is not that strong and will often take care of the needs of the patient. these strips work better on young people. they tend not to do much in older patients. discuss this with your dentist. do not do anything without his or her permission and your parents' permission. i cannot give you permission to tell you to try anything online. good luck

jeff dalin, dds