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How Can You Get Your Teeth Whitened With Braces?

Dental braces can be used to correct the problems of having a bad bite, teeth overcrowding, and teeth misalignment. Undergoing this treatment helps achieve a healthy and perfect smile, ultimately boosting your self-confidence. But what if you want a bright smile along with having a properly aligned set of teeth? Is it necessary to remove the braces while whitening your teeth?

In this blog, we will discuss how to whiten your teeth while wearing braces and the treatment options available.

Which Teeth Whitening Options Are Safe To Choose While Wearing Braces?

Foods and beverages are not the only things that can stain your teeth; braces can do that too. Once the stains are formed on your teeth, they cannot be removed with the help of just brushing and flossing. Using a whitening agent can help resolve such an issue. The good news is that you do not need to remove the braces in order to whiten your teeth.

Going for teeth whitening while wearing braces can sometimes be the reason for uneven shades, as the whitening agent cannot reach areas that are covered by the brackets. The whitening treatment options available directly depend on the type of braces you are wearing.

Teeth Whitening Options Traditional Metal Braces Clear Removal Aligners & Lingual Braces
Whitening trays No Yes
Whitening strips No Yes
Electric toothbrush Yes Yes
Whitening mouthwash & toothpaste Yes Yes

Whitening Trays

Using whitening trays is an effective way to whiten your teeth if you wear clear removal aligners and lingual braces.

  • How do they work – You need to place a small amount of whitening gel in the tray. Insert the tray into your mouth for at least thirty minutes to one hour. Repeating the process every day is advisable until you achieve the desired results. This can take somewhere between two to three weeks.
  • Potential side effects – It is common to face some problems such as tooth sensitivity or gum irritation. 
  • What are the limitations – The whitening trays are not a good option for traditional metal braces wearers are the bleaching trays are directly placed over the teeth.

Whitening Strips

The whitening strips available in the market are considered the most inexpensive method for teeth whitening. These strips either contain a bleaching agent or peroxide. They are specifically designed to remove stains from the teeth’ surface. 

  • How do they work – You need to apply the whitening strips over your teeth once or twice a day for almost forty-five minutes. 
  • Potential side effects – The bleaching agent present in the whitening strips can be the reason for teeth sensitivity and gum irritation in the case of some individuals.
  • What are the limitations – The teeth whitening strips can be used only in case of lingual braces or clear removal aligners. Unfortunately, the whitening strips are not the best option if you wear traditional metal braces. These strips whiten the exposed tooth surfaces and do not penetrate the enamel present under bonded brackets. Therefore, your teeth can have two shades once the braces are removed.

Electric Toothbrush

An electric toothbrush can be used to remove surface stains and also whiten your teeth. The electric toothbrushes do not contain any type of chemical agent that can alter your teeth’ shade. But they are far more effective than a regular toothbrush. 

  • How do they work – You can use an electric toothbrush just like your traditional toothbrush. Some electric toothbrushes have specific orthodontic toothbrush heads that are designed for braces. 
  • Potential side effects – The rapid automatic motion of the bristles can be uncomfortable if you have sensitive teeth or gums. You are recommended to get a toothbrush that comes with different speed settings to reduce sensitivity. 
  • What are the limitations – Electric toothbrushes can be used with all kinds of braces. There is no such limitation when it comes to using an electric toothbrush.

Whitening Mouthwash & Toothpaste

Although you cannot use whitening strips or trays while wearing traditional metal braces, many oral care products can help to achieve a brighter and whiter smile.

The whitening products available in the market usually contain abrasive products such as silica that scrub away the surface stains on your teeth. Some of them can also have chemicals that dissolve the stains. The whitening mouthwash not only freshens your breath but also prevents the formation of new stains. 

  • How do they work – You need to brush your teeth with whitening toothpaste at least two to three times a day in order to notice positive outcomes. Also, rinse your mouth with a whitening mouthwash once a day.
  • Potential side effects – Some of the whitening toothpaste do not contain bleach and hence does not cause tooth sensitivity or gum irritation. However, kinds of toothpaste containing abrasives can wear down the enamel and cause teeth sensitivity. 
  • What are the limitations – There are no such limitations while using a whitening toothbrush or toothpaste. They can be used in all types of braces.

Can You Use DIY Solutions?

Though DIY teeth whitening methods such as baking soda, oil pulling, or hydrogen peroxide are usually safe when wearing braces, they can damage your metal or ceramic brackets. You might want to limit the usage of peroxide or a bleaching agent if you have sensitive teeth or gums.

Can You Schedule An In-Office Teeth Whitening Treatment With Braces?

Dental professionals use a stronger bleaching agent and a special ultraviolet to change your teeth’ color. Though this dental treatment seems more expensive than the other teeth whitening options, it offers the most effective outcomes.

You need to wait until you have removed the traditional braces to schedule a visit for in-office teeth whitening. However, you can undergo this treatment anytime if you wear removable or lingual braces.

Book your appointment with South Airdrie Smiles if you are looking for the best quality teeth whitening treatment in Airdrie, AB. Our dentists will guide you throughout the process of teeth whitening and make sure that you witness the best possible outcomes.