Tooth whitening for the under-18-year-old patient

Abstract

Following changes in the EU regulations, it became legal for bleaching to be undertaken by dentists and their trained team. However, restrictions remained on bleaching for patients under the age of 18. A revised position statement by the General Dental Council (GDC) determined that bleaching could be undertaken on these patients if it was wholly for the purpose of treating or preventing disease. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the safety, efficacy, indications and techniques for under-18 bleaching.