If you intend to professionally whiten your teeth while wearing braces, you may need to reconsider your decision. You risk getting uneven results and a two-tone effect as the braces are taken out. It’s best to wait for the day when your braces treatment is over before you attempt whitening your teeth.
But if that day is far away, don’t sweat it. There are a few methods you could try at home. Although they don’t promise a pearly white smile, they can still make a difference. Learn everything you have to know about how to whiten teeth after braces and what to expect.
Key Takeaways
- Specialists advise against in-office whitening during treatment with metal brackets.
- The only exception would be orthodontic treatment with lingual braces. The latter is attached to the back of the teeth, so a strong bleaching agent poses no risk.
- You can still go with an at-home whitening agent, while you wait for your orthodontic treatment to be over.
- Some whitening methods are better than others, depending on the type of braces you have. None of them yields results as good as professional whitening.
How to Whiten Teeth with Braces at Home
Although many dentists in Singapore offer quality teeth whitening services, it is often cheaper to do it at home. As a result, at-home teeth whitening kits continue to grow in popularity.
The most common home remedies are whitening strips, trays, and toothpaste. Please keep in mind that the same techniques apply if you are wondering how to whiten teeth after braces at home.
Whitening toothpaste during orthodontic treatment
If you're wearing braces, whitening toothpastes are a great option, if not the best. Whitening dentifrices eliminate surface stains without whitening your teeth. Not to mention, they come with fluoride which strengthens tooth enamel.
Because they don't change the colour of your teeth, there won't be any unpleasant surprises when it's finally time to remove your braces. The most common ingredient is baking soda.
Any whitening toothpaste that eliminates stains can be paired with a good whitening mouthwash and an electric toothbrush. This will ensure the best results.
This method is also recommended after using any other whitening treatment. Studies have shown more consistent results in patients who brush with whitening dentifrices compared to those who use regular toothpaste. It doesn't matter if they have braces or not.
Whitening strips during braces treatment
Teeth whitening strips have either carbamide or hydrogen peroxide. That way, they whiten your teeth just like bleach does your clothes or hair. The agent lightens the colour of your teeth to bring back their natural colour.
Most whitening products of this kind are made of polyethylene, a type of thin, elastic plastic. It is coated with a bleaching agent in different amounts.
You need to apply the whitening strip to your teeth as directed on the package so that the peroxide comes in contact with your enamel. This allows the substance to remove stains from your teeth.
Here is a tip. Always brush your teeth before putting the whitening strips on. Otherwise, bacteria will get stuck in between. Needless to say, this makes you more likely to develop cavities or other dental problems. Also, if there is plaque or bacteria on the teeth, it is more difficult for the product to do its job.
Be that as it may, orthodontic patients should wait at least half an hour after regular brushing to apply the strips over the braces. Or else, the whitening products might irritate the gums.
At-home whitening trays while wearing braces
This is a treatment that you can do from the comfort of your own home. But before you get to this part, you need to visit your dentist and make impressions of your teeth. They will be then sent to a lab that will fabricate customised trays for your upper and lower teeth, respectively.
Next, the trays are delivered to the patient. You will receive a complete teeth whitening kit with syringe dispensers and whitening products.
The first step is to open the dispensers with the whitening gel and apply it evenly to each tray. There is no need to cover the back teeth because they are not usually visible when you smile.
Do not put in more whitening products than necessary. This won’t accelerate the whitening process but it can make your teeth overly sensitive. Let the gel dry. The whitening substance is of the highest quality, enabling you to whiten teeth with braces.
The next step is to put the trays on your teeth and press gently to fill any gaps. Make sure the gel doesn’t come in contact with the gums since this might trigger irritation.
Depending on the treatment plan, you will either wear the trays twice a day or put them on overnight for 1-2 weeks. If you have removable aligners, this whitening option is easier. Only take out the removable aligners while wearing the whitening tray.
Can You Whiten Your Teeth While Wearing Braces Using In-office Bleaching Treatments?
Now, if you are wondering how to whiten teeth with braces at the office, you need to know that this is highly imprudent.
You should not use in-office treatments while wearing braces. Hence, you will have to complete your braces treatment before you can have your teeth bleached by a dental professional. No dentist will allow you to undergo the procedure with braces on.
The only exception is for lingual braces since they are attached to the back of the teeth. It goes without saying that you don’t normally whiten that part during in-office treatment.
What to Do After You Lift Stains and White Marks
- Avoid sugary foods and drinks for a beautiful smile
- Avoid foods and drinks that stain the teeth such as berries, curry, tomato-based sauces, cola, red wine, coffee, etc. to prevent staining
- Cut out smoking as it can lead to staining
- Visit your orthodontist to make any adjustments to the braces as necessary
FAQ
Can I whiten my teeth while I have braces?
It depends on the type of braces you have. It’s not recommended to do in-office whitening treatment while you are still wearing your traditional braces because this may create uneven results. But you can use over-the-counter strips and pastes to remove surface stains. However, if you have invisible braces or lingual braces, you can remove existing staining with in-office whitening.
How do you get rid of yellow teeth from braces?
The whitening method will depend upon your personal preferences and needs. There are different options that you can go with after you remove the braces. Here are a few examples worth noting: veneers, microabrasion, professional whitening, and remineralization. Brushing with an electric toothbrush and whitening toothpaste is also recommended. It adds to healthy teeth and a beautiful smile.
Is it okay to have yellow teeth with braces?
Yes. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for people with braces to get stains and yellow teeth. This is because the appliances keep you from cleaning your teeth well, which then leads to different dental issues.
How can I get my teeth white fast with braces?
You could try whitening strips and whitening trays but you should keep in mind that the results are not as good as with professional bleaching.
Do orthodontists whiten teeth after braces?
An orthodontist does not usually provide teeth whitening options. Their job is to address bite problems and misaligned teeth. If you want to whiten your teeth, you should see a dental hygienist or dentist rather than an orthodontist.
Do traditional braces stain teeth?
Traditional braces themselves do not stain your teeth. But you can get stains around them if you don't brush your teeth well after meals. Food can get trapped, increasing your odds of cavities and plaque buildup.
Are there any adverse effects of teeth whitening?
Treatments for white teeth might lead to ineffective results, gum irritation and tooth sensitivity. The best way to avoid that is to opt for in-office whitening whenever possible.