How To Whiten Teeth With Braces?
What about brightening your smile while straightening your teeth with braces? Traditional braces have been shown to effectively align teeth for a healthy smile, but can they also be used for teeth whitening?
The presence of braces on your teeth can make it difficult to whiten them evenly because the brackets are attached to the surface. Using whitening products such as strips or trays can be difficult when wearing braces due to the wires.
It is recommended to wait until after braces are removed before using teeth whitening products like strips, trays, or LED treatments. Whitening teeth with braces can be challenging due to the presence of brackets and wires, potentially leading to uneven results. The areas of the tooth that are not covered by brackets may lighten up, but the parts hidden by the brackets will likely remain the same color as before.
Individuals with braces can maintain a bright smile and prevent stains by using whitening products such as toothpaste or mouthwash as part of their daily oral care routine. The addition of whitening toothpaste to a regular brushing routine may enhance the brightness of teeth with minimal effort.
To maintain bright teeth, incorporate an electric toothbrush and whitening toothpaste into your daily routine and remember to floss every day. Proper oral hygiene can prevent food residue buildup that may cause tooth discoloration and cavities.
Considerations before whitening your teeth with braces
When considering whitening teeth with braces, it is important to consider certain factors.
1. Kind of braces
There are different types of braces available, including permanent and removable options, as well as metallic or transparent materials, with or without wires.
2. Pre-existing conditions
Intrinsic tooth staining is caused by factors such as tooth injuries, excessive fluoride exposure, or genetic predisposition, while extrinsic discoloration originates from outside the tooth itself.
It is recommended by professionals to finish your teeth straightening treatment before starting a whitening treatment in any situation.
What whitening options are recommended for individuals while wearing braces?
Braces, along with food and drinks, have the potential to cause staining on teeth over time.
If your teeth are stained, simply brushing might not be enough to make them shine. Consider using a whitening product instead. The best part is, you can keep your braces on while achieving a brighter smile. Although, it’s generally advised to wait until after having braces to whiten your teeth.
Getting your teeth whitened with braces on can lead to uneven results due to the challenge of reaching all areas with the whitening product. Braces can cause changes in tooth color due to their coverage of the teeth and their movement into new positions.
1. Whitening strips
Whitening strips, a popular choice for brightening your teeth in the comfort of your own home, are both affordable and efficient. These strips are designed with a bleaching or peroxide solution to effectively remove tough stains from tooth enamel.
- How they work: Typically, whitening strips are applied to the teeth daily for one or two sessions lasting up to 45 minutes each.
- Potential side effects: Some people may experience gum irritation and tooth sensitivity while using whitening strips because of the bleaching agent in the product.
- Limitations: If you are using clear removable aligners or lingual braces, you have the option to whiten your teeth using this method. However, it is not recommended to use whitening strips with traditional metal braces because they will not effectively whiten the teeth underneath the bonded brackets. After the braces are taken off, it’s possible that your teeth may show signs of discoloration or uneven coloring.
- Cost: Between $30 and $40 for enough medication to last 30 days.
- Where to purchase: Pharmacies are available for access both in person and online.
2. Whitening trays
One method for whitening teeth involves using a bleaching gel applied to custom trays that conform to the shape of your teeth.
- How it works: Apply a small amount of whitening gel onto the tray, then place the tray in your mouth for 30 to 60 minutes. This process should be repeated daily until reaching desired results, typically within 2 to 3 weeks.
- Potential side effects: If you do not encounter any discomfort or pain, you have the option to extend the duration of wearing the tray to up to 2 hours for each session. Gum or tooth sensitivity may be felt during this time.
- Limitations: Bleaching trays are not recommended for use with traditional metal braces due to their placement directly over the teeth. They are best suited for lingual braces and removable aligners, although the fit may not be ideal with lingual braces.
- Cost: The price for this teeth whitening method you can do at home will depend on where you buy the kit. Kits sold in stores range around $30, while purchasing one from your dentist could be $100 or higher.
- Where to purchase: Get your dental supplies from your dentist’s office, local pharmacies, or online sources.
3. Whitening toothpaste and mouthwash
Whitening strips and trays cannot be used with metal braces, but there are other oral care products available that can help whiten your smile.
Whitening toothpastes use rough particles such as silica to eliminate surface stains on teeth and may also contain chemicals to break down stains. Additionally, whitening mouthwash serves dual purposes by freshening breath and helping prevent the development of new stains.
- How to use: To achieve the best results, it is recommended to brush your teeth with whitening toothpaste two to three times a day and use whitening mouthwash at least once daily.
- Potential side effects: Certain toothpastes are formulated without bleach, reducing the risk of tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. On the other hand, certain toothpastes can be rough and may lead to tooth enamel erosion, which can result in sensitivity problems.
- Limitations: There are no restrictions on using toothpaste and mouthwash with any type of braces.
- Cost: A three-pack of toothpaste can cost between $10 to $15, while a three-pack of mouthwash can range from $20 to $30 in price.
- Where to purchase: Toothpaste and mouthwash are available for purchase at grocery stores, pharmacies, and on the internet.
4. Electric toothbrush
Electric toothbrushes can help remove surface stains and improve the whiteness of your teeth without the need for chemical solutions. Electric toothbrushes are more efficient than manual toothbrushes at removing surface stains from teeth, leading to a brighter smile.
- How to use: When shopping online, consider looking for electric toothbrushes with specialized orthodontic toothbrush heads for braces. Use them in the same way as a regular toothbrush.
- Potential side effects: The rapid bristle movement of automatic toothbrushes may be uncomfortable for those with sensitive teeth or gums. Choose an electric toothbrush with adjustable speed settings to reduce sensitivity.
- Limitations: No restrictions exist on using electric toothbrushes with any type of braces.
- Cost: There is a wide price range for these toothbrushes, starting at $10 and going up to $70.
- Where to purchase: Most pharmacies and online are widely accessible.
Additional methods for keeping teeth white while wearing braces
It is important to practice good oral hygiene and be cautious of the foods you eat while wearing braces. Preventive measures are important for maintaining a bright smile by avoiding stains. By implementing some simple tips, it is possible to maintain a whiter smile.
Avoid Tooth-Staining Foods and Drinks
- Avoid consuming foods and drinks that are known to cause teeth discoloration, such as black tea, coffee, red wine, dark cola, and tomato sauces.
- Remember to drink water after consuming staining foods or drinks to remove residue from your mouth and prevent stains.
Avoid Tobacco Products
- Avoid using tobacco products like cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco as they can cause teeth discoloration and health problems.
Maintaining a bright smile involves more than just preventing stains; it is important for overall oral health.