According to Dr. Ryne Johnson of Newton Wellesley Dental Partners, more and more young patients are seeking movie star smiles as a result of societal pressures. A study done by the State of the Cosmetic Dentistry Industry Survey noted that teeth whitening procedures for patients under the age of 20 have increased 12% over the last 5 years.

The media plays a large role in our life, and teenagers are not immune. They want the smiles they see on TV and in magazines.
The most the most popular procedures for teens: whitening, cosmetic bonding, cosmetic re-contouring, and tooth replacement for missing or deformed incisors.
Teen teeth whitening is the number one cosmetic procedure. But, parents should be aware of some concerns and should always seek professional treatment for children and teens. Here are some answers to common whitening questions asked by parents:
Q. What’s the average age when kids can whiten their teeth?
A. We look at each case individually. A major consideration is if the teen's yellow tooth color is so socially unacceptable that it is affecting their self-esteem. We first educate parents about what causes teeth to yellow, and then explain teeth whitening benefits and risks. Generally, teens are safe to whiten once all of their permanent teeth have come in.
Q. What causes yellow teeth in kids?
A. The most common reason young people have yellow teeth, besides genetic factors, is the lack of good brushing and flossing habits. Another cause may be the antibiotics that many teens take for acne. Also if a teen drinks a lot of dark colored soda or pigmented foods such as tomato sauce, that can impact tooth color as well. The key is to brush and floss after each meal and visit the dentist at least twice a year for cleanings.
Q. Is there societal pressure to whiten at younger ages?
A. Sometimes. However, girls have a higher awareness of themselves and how they project to others. Boys on the other hand, tend to not really notice (if at all) until they are in the work force or looking for that special someone to settle down with.
Q. Should teens whiten less often than adults?
A. Yes, because they typically respond faster and should only whiten as needed. This is one of the reasons you should not use over the counter teeth whiteners.
Q. Would either in-office whitening or home whitening kits be acceptable?
A. In-office teeth whitening works best since it allows the practitioner more control by doing the some of the whitening up front. The caution with young teeth is that the sensitivity after whitening can be greater; therefore it is important to have the whitening process managed.
If you have a teen who is interested in Teeth Whitening or other cosmetic dental procedure, contact Dr. Johnson at NewtonWellesleyDentalPartners.org . And remember, “See a Specialist…The Difference will Make You Smile”.
PRWeb

A smile is said to be worth a thousand words. Our smiles are certainly a first impression, especially when on a job interview, a date or anytime you are interacting with someone. But we often overlook our smiles, aesthetically speaking. But taking care of your teeth is essential and really improves your overall appearance.
You need your smile to be all it can be. A smile conveys who you are, make it count. To replace missing teeth,