ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the need for treatment of patients younger than 18 and to assess who should be exempt from the legislation. The European Tooth Whitening Group and the Council of European Dentists Working Group on Tooth Whitening are now considering the research on whitening in patients younger than 18. According to the Whitening Group, the limit established by the current regulations makes it difficult to easily and cost-effectively treat patients; however, those with the following indications should be given priority: enamel conditions, and white spots and small white marks. Whitening treatment should be undertaken if the type of discoloration can be classified into the severe or moderate category, the child is aware of the discoloration, and the discoloration has an impact on the child's life. Whitening is an easier, a more aesthetic, and a more cost-effective treatment than bonding or placing composite or stainless steel crowns with aesthetic facings, given the short life of the primary tooth.
