Pediatric Teeth Whitening in St. Louis, MO

Children’s teeth whitening brightens the shade of permanent teeth for kids and teens who want a more confident smile. We begin with a complete exam to make sure gums are healthy, enamel is ready, and any plaque or tartar is removed. Then we discuss the causes of discoloration and set clear expectations for shade change, comfort, and maintenance. Our goal is to deliver noticeable improvement without compromising oral health.

Teeth whitening is most helpful for extrinsic stains, which live on the outer enamel surface. These often come from colored drinks, sports drinks, tomato sauces, and normal wear. For deeper or intrinsic discoloration, we explain what cosmetic whitening can reasonably accomplish and outline alternatives if needed.

There is no one perfect age for teeth whitening for children. Many children are ready once the permanent teeth that show in the smile have erupted, which is often around age 12. This timing helps us treat a more stable smile and reduces the chance that emerging teeth will create uneven shade.

If a younger child is very self-conscious and avoids smiling, we may consider limited cosmetic whitening after an exam. We evaluate enamel maturity, sensitivity history, and daily habits to decide what is safe and appropriate for that child.

Your visit includes shade photos, an oral health check, and a conversation about goals. Based on age and needs, we may recommend:

• In-office teeth whitening for older teens who prefer a fast, supervised result
• Custom professional whitening trays for flexible at-home brightening
• Professional-strength whitening strips dispensed by our office for mild to moderate stain
• Conservative polishing for light surface discoloration

We give detailed instructions for sensitivity prevention, outline how many applications to expect, and schedule follow-ups as needed. You will know what the process costs, how long results typically last, and how to maintain the shade with simple habits.

Discoloration has many sources. Common causes include plaque buildup, missed flossing, and frequent exposure to dark beverages. Diets rich in colored sauces and berries can add up. Orthodontic appliances may trap plaque and make brushing difficult. Some children have naturally thinner or more translucent enamel, which can look less bright even when perfectly healthy. A careful evaluation helps us decide which whitening treatment will work best.

Stain often comes from frequent exposure to tea, coffee, soda, sports drinks, tomato sauces, and berries. Helpful tips include:

• Avoid all-day sipping of colored drinks
• Rinse with water after dark foods and beverages
• Use a straw when appropriate
• Keep regular cleanings and daily brushing and flossing on track

Small changes make a big difference in keeping enamel bright after professional teeth whitening.

Yes. We do not whiten baby teeth. Teeth whitening for teens and older children is reserved for permanent teeth. If a primary tooth appears dark or yellow, we first look for the cause, such as trauma or decay, and treat that condition directly. This protects developing smiles and supports long-term oral health.

Whitening can improve the look of some intrinsic stains, including mild fluorosis, but results vary. We set expectations carefully. For more complex cases, we may suggest a phased approach that begins with professional whitening and includes additional cosmetic options if needed. Your child’s dental treatment plan will prioritize comfort, enamel safety, and natural-looking results.

Longevity depends on the original cause of discoloration, diet, home care, and orthodontic factors. Many teens reach a goal shade with a single in-office whitening session or a short series with custom whitening trays. Maintenance typically looks like occasional at-home touch-ups. Some patients refresh monthly in small doses, while others maintain once or twice per year. We will recommend a schedule that fits your child’s habits.

Pricing reflects the method selected, the number of applications, and any planned maintenance. Teeth whitening is usually an elective cosmetic service. During the consultation we provide a precise estimate, discuss payment options, and help you compare in-office teeth whitening with professional take-home whitening. Our team makes costs clear so you can choose confidently.

Your child’s plan is created by a board-certified pediatric dentist who considers:

• Oral health stability and cavity risk
• Completion of orthodontic phases when relevant
• Enamel maturity on visible teeth
• Sensitivity history and realistic shade goals

We recommend the safest, most effective approach for long-term success.

Protect your child’s brighter shade with simple routines:

• Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste
• Floss once daily to block stain between teeth
• Limit frequent exposure to tea, coffee, and soda
• Rinse with water after dark foods and drinks
• Keep regular cleanings and checkups

Good habits extend the results of cosmetic whitening and support lifelong oral health.

Families choose Lenahan Smiles for a warm, anxiety-aware experience and results they can trust.

• Board-certified pediatric dentists with advanced training
• A friendly environment designed for kids and teens
• Clear communication, no surprises, and no unnecessary treatments
• Options that include in-office whitening, custom whitening trays, and professional whitening strips
• Comprehensive cosmetic treatments for growing smiles
• Convenient St. Louis location on Telegraph Road with easy scheduling by phone, text, or online

Lenahan Smiles Pediatric Dentistry offers children’s teeth whitening in St. Louis, MO with careful planning and a calm, supportive approach. Schedule a whitening consultation at our Telegraph Road office. Call or text to connect with our team and take the first step toward confident professional teeth whitening for your child.