Having braces can be a real pain, but it is worth it in the end when you have straight teeth and a beautiful smile. We are often asked many questions about teeth whitening with braces, such as:
Can I have teeth whitening while wearing braces?
Can I have teeth whitening after my braces are off?
Should I get my teeth whitened before getting braces?
In this article, we will explore the answers to each of these questions, but before doing so, we need to look at why your teeth became stained while wearing braces in the first place.
Why do teeth become discoloured while wearing braces?
- One of the most common reasons is that food debri can get caught in between the brackets and wires, which can cause staining over time.
- Another reason is that certain beverages like coffee, tea and red wine can stain teeth over time.
- And finally, braces themselves can sometimes cause teeth to become discoloured as they prevent the toothbrush bristles from reaching and cleaning all areas. It is also more difficult to clean between your teeth.
Teeth Whitening with Braces: Why It Is Not Recommended
These agents penetrate the enamel and break down stains, making your teeth appear whiter. Anyone who has had braces will tell you that their teeth were a bit of a mess and patchy once their braces were removed. Since straightening teeth with braces can take an average of sixteen to eighteen months, it’s not surprising that many clients want their teeth whitened once the braces are removed or before their braces are put on. The staining that has taken place over this time can appear splotchy and uneven, especially where the bracket was adhered to the tooth or where a tooth was once overlapped.
Teeth whitening works by applying bleaching agents, typically containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, to your teeth. If you have traditional braces with metal or clear brackets attached to each tooth and a metal wire, we recommend that you wait until your treatment plan is completed before considering whitening your teeth. Since the brackets are glued directly onto your teeth, whitening your teeth with the brackets in place can cause dark spots and uneven colouring once the braces are removed. The braces themselves may also change colour due to the hydrogen peroxide, an ingredient in the whitening gel that can react with the metal brace.
In breif, teeth whitening with braces complicate the process:
- Bracket Coverage: Whitening gels cannot reach the areas under brackets and wires, which can lead to uneven whitening once braces are removed.
- Sensitivity: Whitening products can sometimes increase tooth sensitivity, and braces can already make teeth more sensitive.
- Gum Irritation: Whitening agents can irritate gums, which may already be tender due to braces adjustments.
- Damage to the Metal: Using high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide with metal braces can damage the metal or cause discoloration of the metal.
- Damage to the Bracket: Since the brackets are glued directly onto your teeth, whitening your teeth with braces the brackets in place can cause dark spots and uneven colouring once the braces are removed
Can I whiten my teeth after Braces?
It is best to wait until you have completed your orthodontic treatment to begin a teeth whitening treatment. Once your teeth are free of brackets, your teeth whitening practitioner can provide professional whitening that reaches all surfaces evenly. You will achieve better, longer-lasting results, and you won’t have to worry about the whitening treatment being adversely affected by the braces. We recommend a one-month standdown period between having your braces removed and undertaking professional in-clinic teeth whitening.
Can I whiten my teeth before Braces?
It depends on your personal preference and the goals you have set for your smile. If you are searching for ways to improve your overall smile appearance, then getting your teeth whitened before getting braces is a better idea. This way, once you get rid of your braces, you’ll retrieve a stunning, straight smile shining bright. However, if your primary goal is to get braces for correcting orthodontic troubles such as misaligned teeth, crowding, or bite problems, then whitening teeth before braces does not make much sense.
So, what can I do?
You should schedule hygiene appointments with your dentist every six months, or more frequently if your orthodontist recommends it, to clean around braces and monitor oral health. During these visits, a hygienist will use specialized tools to thoroughly clean plaque and tartar from brackets and wires, and will provide advice on proper brushing, flossing, and other home care techniques to prevent issues like cavities and gum inflammation.
Professional In-Clinic Teeth Whitening Auckland
iSmile Professional In-Clinic Teeth Whitening Auckland offers the most developed, safe and gentle teeth whitening system available on the market today! iSmile Auckland Teeth Whitening Practitioners are fully qualified and registered members of the New Zealand Cosmetic Teeth Whitening Association (NZCTWA). Check out iSmile Teeth whitening treatment options.
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