age for teeth whitening Archives - Lowell Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

My parents don’t want me to go to a cosmetic dentist to whiten my teeth until I’m 21. I’m 16 and have my own job. They didn’t exactly say that I can’t do it, so I know I would need to get it done on my own. I’ve been trying to talk my dad into it and I told him I will pay for it. He said he would talk to my mom and they will discuss whether or not I can get it done if I pay for it. He’s not making any promises though. For now they would never take me to the dentist themselves and put it through on their dental insurance so I’m planning on getting it done myself. I want to save enough money to cover the cost so that my parents will never get a bill. Will you please tell how much a cosmetic dentist will charge me to whiten my teeth? Thanks. Brooks

Brooks – We understand that you want a bright smile, but please understand that dentists, doctors, and other healthcare professionals must obey the law. When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, this means that a minor cannot receive restorative or cosmetic treatment without the consent of his or her parent or legal guardian.

Translation: A cosmetic dentist won’t whiten your teeth without approval from your parents.

Informed Consent Process

The informed consent process requires a dentist to have a discussion with your parent or legal guardian before you receive treatment. This requires a cosmetic dentist to explain treatment options, risks, and outcomes for the treatment you’re receiving. Depending on the dentist, verbal consent or a signature will be required from a parent or legal guardian.

How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?

If your parents agree that you can have your teeth whitened as long as you pay for it, your dentist will let you know the fees associated with it. Your cosmetic dentist will require you to have a recent dental cleaning before your teeth are whitened. The cost of teeth whitening depends on the dentist and his or her location in the U.S.

The average cost in the U.S. is below. Your actual cost might differ.

Take-home whitening: $250-$400

In-office whitening: $450-$650

Keep in mind that although most people have no problems with teeth whitening, it isn’t for everyone.

Your cosmetic dentist needs to examine your teeth and gums to ensure they are healthy enough for whitening.
If there are stains in your teeth, the cause of the stains will be determined before your teeth are whitened.
In some cases, teeth whitening doesn’t help stains at all. It can even make stains worse.
Your dentist will let you know the results you can expect from bleaching your teeth.

It’s best to speak with your parents and calmly discuss the reasons you want your teeth whitened. Respect their decision. If you try to sneak and get it done anyway, the consequences might not be worth it.

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

ever since i was 13 i have been asking my mom 2 get my teeth whitened by she wouldn’t let me. now i am almost 17 & i work part time after school so she said it’sokay but she still thinks i am still 2 young. this is something i really want and i promise 2 keep up with the touchups and not overbleach bcz i know it will hurt my teeth if i do. i am wondering if there is a min. age for teeth whitening and if so what is that age. also will it be hard 2 find a place that will sell it 2 me or if teenagers might get carded for the bleaching stuff like we do for liquor even tho it’s not alcohol. thanks. leeya

Leeya – It sounds as if you are thinking of purchasing over-the counter whitening kits and doing the treatment yourself. We don’t recommend this at all.

As long as your permanent teeth are fully developed, whitening them should be safe. But there is no way to be certain of the outcome without visiting a dentist. Do you want your teeth whiter to improve your smile, or are there stains in your teeth?

An examination from a dentist will show whether or not whitening them will be helpful or harmful. A dentist will also let you know if you can expect sensitivity in your teeth from the bleaching gel. If sensitivity is expected, he or she will know which gel strength will be best for you. You will also receive customized trays to keep the gel in contact with your teeth and away from your gums, to prevent burning and pain.

You will not be carded, or asked to show identification, if you purchase do-it-yourself bleaching gel. The results may be limited though, and you can’t be certain how your teeth will respond to the gel.

Think about asking your dentist how he or she can make brightening your smile affordable for you.

This post is sponsored by Lowell cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.