Braces are great for straightening your teeth and giving you a confident smile. But what if you also want teeth whitening with braces? While traditional braces can’t be used with all whitening methods, there are still ways to brighten your smile during treatment.
How to Whiten Teeth with Braces?
Traditional braces are an effective way to achieve a straight smile. But what about teeth whitening with braces?
Since braces brackets are glued to teeth, evenly whitening isn’t possible. The wires also make it hard to use whitening strips or trays.
We suggest waiting until your braces are removed before trying whitening strips, trays, or LED treatments. Whitening with braces can lead to uneven results. The exposed parts of your teeth may brighten, but the areas under the brackets will remain the same color.
Which Whitening Options Are Safe to Use While Wearing Braces?
While waiting to whiten your teeth until after your braces come off is ideal, there are safe and effective ways to brighten your smile even with braces. Here are your top options:
- Whitening toothpaste and mouthwash: This combo is a good choice, no matter what type of braces you have. Whitening toothpaste gently removes surface stains with mild abrasives and chemicals. Whitening mouthwash keeps your breath fresh and helps prevent new stains from forming.
- Electric toothbrushes: Although they may not contain whitening chemicals, electric toothbrushes remove surface stains more effectively than manual brushes.
- Whitening gels: These at-home treatments use a bleaching agent or peroxide to lighten surface stains. Gels often come with a narrow tip for precise application, allowing you to target specific areas around the brackets.
*Remember: Before trying to whiten your teeth with any of these options while wearing braces, consult your orthodontist to confirm if it’s safe and suitable for you.
Can I Schedule an In-Office Dental Whitening Treatment with Braces?
In-office whitening uses stronger bleaching agents and special lights to whiten teeth. While very effective, this treatment usually needs to wait until your traditional braces are removed.
However, if you have lingual braces (placed behind your teeth) or removable aligners, you might be a candidate for in-office whitening during your braces treatment.
How Can You Prevent Tooth Discoloration While Wearing Braces?
Good oral hygiene is key to preventing stains while wearing braces. Brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes after every meal and floss daily to remove food particles stuck between your teeth and under the wires.
Here are some other stain-prevention tips:
- Limit staining foods and drinks: Coffee, tea, red wine, and dark berries can stain teeth. The same goes for sugary and acidic foods, which can damage enamel.
- Avoid tobacco products: Smoking and chewing tobacco not only stain your teeth but also harm your gums.
- Maintain regular dental checkups: Schedule cleanings at least twice a year. Ask your orthodontist about fluoride treatments, which can help protect your teeth from discoloration.
In a Nutshell
Keeping your teeth white with braces can be tough, but good oral hygiene helps reduce stains. If you notice mild discoloration, try a whitening toothpaste or mouth rinse. Depending on your braces, you might also use whitening strips, gels, or in-office treatments.
To learn more about in-office braces treatments, contact Nimmi Shine Dental of San Diego at (858) 999-8550.
