If you're considering whitening your teeth while wearing braces, there are a few things to keep in mind. Traditional orthodontic appliances, such as metal braces, usually require you to wait until they are removed before scheduling an in-office whitening treatment. However, if you have lingual or removable braces, you can still get in-office whitening. Over-the-counter (OTC) teeth whitening products, such as whitening strips, gels, and toothpaste, claim to be able to whiten teeth even with braces.
These products are said to be able to work around orthodontic appliances and remove stains without causing discomfort. It is best to wait until the teeth are straight and the braces are removed for complete and professional teeth whitening. If you have traditional orthodontic appliances, the brackets are attached to your teeth and the whitening products won't be able to reach the surfaces underneath them. If you have removable or hidden appliances, you can still whiten the front of your teeth while wearing them. To avoid this problem, it is recommended that you use a whitening toothpaste if you're more likely to have stains build up even before wearing braces.
A combination of whitening toothpaste and mouthwash will help keep your smile bright. The best toothpaste for orthodontic appliances is one that is not abrasive and does not contain whitening ingredients. Flossing with braces can seem overwhelming, but skipping it can cause gum disease or tooth decay. Whitening strips are available at most pharmacies and online, so you can start using them the same day your braces are removed. The most effective, comprehensive, or professional teeth whitening procedures should be performed after treatment with orthodontic appliances. This way, you can ensure that all of your teeth are properly whitened and that no stains remain underneath the braces.
