It’s natural to want a pearly white smile, even when you have braces. There are many ways to brighten your teeth. Depending on what type of braces you have, some methods may work better than others. Here’s how to whiten teeth with braces:
When considering whitening, it’s important to find the best whitening method for your type of braces (LINK: Types of Braces). Traditional braces, which have brackets that cover the front of the teeth, can limit your whitening options. Other types of braces, such a Lingual or Removable Aligners do not obstruct the surface of the teeth, allowing for a more thorough whitening treatment to be completed. Whatever type of braces you have, there’s a whitening option right for you.
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In-Office whitening treatments can be very effective for those with removable or lingual braces where the front surface of the teeth is uncovered. Completed over the course of one or two dentist visits, the procedure involves a strong bleaching agent being applied to lift stains and whiten teeth. Oftentimes, a special UV light is also used to accelerate the whitening effects.
Those with traditional braces should consider alternate whitening methods, as the brackets on the front of the teeth can prevent the whole tooth from being whitened, thus creating a two-tone effect once the braces are removed. For this reason, in-office bleaching treatments are usually recommended once your traditional braces are removed.
There are a few methods to quickly whiten your smile at home, including Crest 3D White Whitestrips or bleaching gels and trays. Like in-office treatments, these methods can be very effective and are only recommended for those with lingual braces or removable aligners. This is because traditional braces can make it difficult for these products to whiten the whole tooth. Additionally, whitening can cause some patients with braces to experience increased tooth sensitivity or gum irritation, especially as their teeth are shifting during orthodontic treatment.
Those with braces should also consider incorporating whitening products into their everyday oral care routine. No matter what kind of braces you have, a whitening toothpaste is a great way to keep your smile bright. Crest 3D White Toothpaste removes up to 80% of surface stains for a noticeably whiter smile. You can also use a whitening mouthwash, like Crest 3D White Luxe Multi-Care Whitening Mouthwash, to further whiten teeth and protect against stains while freshening your breath. Finally, switching from a manual to an electric toothbrush can work wonders for your smile, even when you have braces. The Oral-B Genius 8000 electric toothbrush has a whitening mode that polishes away surface stains that can form under your braces, leaving you with a brighter, more confident smile.
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