Teeth Whitening After Braces or Invisalign: What You Need to Know

Braces and Invisalign can help straighten your teeth and improve your smile, but they can also leave behind stains and discoloration. Fortunately, there are options for whitening your teeth after orthodontic treatment. Here’s what you need to know:

Teeth whitening after braces is a must-have for some people. After all, you’ll be eager to show off your newly found perfect smile. The surfaces of your teeth may show white spots where brackets have been placed, as well as other discolorations. Follow a good oral health care routine and schedule a hygienist appointment to stay on top of this.

Teeth Whitening After Braces

Teeth whitening after braces is a bit trickier than with Invisalign. This is because braces can leave behind dark squares on the teeth surfaces, and the whitening product may not be able to reach the covered parts.

However, once your braces are removed, your orthodontist may recommend using professional whitening treatments to help remove any remaining stains or discoloration. This can be done with in-office treatments or at-home whitening kits.

It’s important to note that teeth whitening should only be done under the supervision of an orthodontist, especially after orthodontic treatment. This is to ensure that the whitening products are safe and effective for your teeth and to avoid any damage or sensitivity.

Can You Whiten Your Teeth With Invisalign?

Yes, you can whiten your teeth with Invisalign aligners. This can be done by inserting whitening gel into your aligners or using separate whitening kits. However, it’s important to follow the guidelines and consult with your Invisalign orthodontist before doing so.

In fact, Invisalign now offers a professional-grade whitening system that is designed to work exclusively with your aligners or retainers. Your orthodontist can provide you with customized whitening trays for at-home use or offer in-office treatment options.

Can You Use Teeth Whitening Strips With Braces?

No, teeth whitening kits are not a good option. Doing so will add to the color discrepancies that you will face after the removal of braces. 

Also, remember your teeth move during treatment. Malocclusions will lessen, allowing new parts of some or all teeth and tooth enamel that haven’t been seen for years maybe decades to emerge. These new surfaces will need to be considered. 

Can You Use LED Teeth Whitening With Braces?

In short no! An LED light will accelerate the whitening process as a very strong (but safe) bleaching agent is applied. As with at-home tooth whitening, you might want to wait until you’re brace-free before getting professional teeth whitening.

How to Keep Teeth During Treatment

The first thing to note for keeping a sorted mouth, Invisalign users need to combat the reduction in saliva by drinking water. Saliva is a natural defense for teeth health. The lack of it will also add to discoloring. 

Avoiding teeth-staining foods and drinks like coffee and candy will reduce the need for whitening products. Remove surface stains with a good oral health routine.

How Soon After Removing Braces Can I Whiten My Teeth?

In order to whiten the teeth, it is recommended by most orthodontics to wait about six months after the teeth have been straightened. It is recommended because of two different reasons: tooth sensitivity and saliva production.

Remember, DIY home teeth whitening products kits are not as effective as a professional orthodontists for whiter teeth. You’ll find the skills and equipment in dental offices much more effective and delivered in an expert manner. Strong materials such as hydrogen or carbamide peroxide need to be handled well or health risks ensue. 

On to the home kits for discolored teeth. You can find a good array of products in stores and online. These are affordable and easy to use. Always ask for expert advice before using stronger products. Ingredients need checking too. That goes double when pregnant. Some teeth whitening products irritate sensitive teeth so stay alert for that. Some prevent surface stains.

Always use caution when beginning to use whitening products. The bleaching agents contain high levels of peroxide but the amount used is easy to keep a uniform practice and an even result.

Quora Threads

1. How can I whiten teeth after using braces? [1]
2. How can you whiten your teeth after getting Invisalign and/or braces done? [2]
3. Can you get your teeth whitened if you have braces and/or Invisalign treatment completed prior to starting the whitening process? [3]

These threads provide helpful tips and advice for whitening your teeth after braces, including waiting until after braces have been removed, using whitening toothpaste, and considering professional treatments. Keep in mind that it’s important to consult with your orthodontist before starting any whitening treatment to ensure that it’s safe and effective for your teeth.

Do Any Whitening Kits Work?

Is a tooth bleach kit really good for you? … Generally, in-office teeth whitening can improve the overall appearance by using an accelerated hydrogen bonding reaction, while the products usually have a concentration below 30 %.

Try the Professional Way

Professional whitening doesn’t need to be expensive. There are great ways to whiten your teeth in an expert office for those who want a superior finish. Let’s get into in-office whitening below. 

Zoom Treatment

Zoom is a bleaching whitening system process widely used throughout the country and around the world to lighten discoloration of enamel and dentin. Tooth discoloration may result from drinking coffee, tea, cola, and red wine; or from smoking. 

The aging process also can stain and darken your teeth. The Zoom in-office tooth whitening procedure uses the Zoom Advanced Power Chairside Lamp – said to accelerate the bleaching process – to activate the 25 percent hydrogen peroxide whitening. 

As the hydrogen peroxide is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin to bleach the stained substances, leaving the structure of the tooth unchanged.

Opalescence

Opalescence is only available from your dentist or orthodontic specialist and contains 15% hydrogen peroxide. It’s stronger than supermarket teeth whiteners; and, because of its prescription-strength formula, the Opalescence whitening system offers noticeable results within seven to ten days.

Opalescence is a simple, fast, and great-tasting (mint, melon, and peach flavors) way to start whitening or brightening your smile after orthodontics.

What Whitening Strips Are Recommend?

For Professional White Striping Try Crest 3D White Strips – Professional Effects. Each strip is manufactured using a similar formula to a dentist’s toothpaste to eliminate enamel contamination. 

Apply once per week daily for 20 days. Results last for a month or twelve months. Including whiter teeth. If you have any further questions you can contact us TODAY.

Conclusion

The above is a rough guide on what to expect in real terms when considering whitening teeth after braces. You can get all the information on American dental association-approved teeth whitening treatments and teeth whitening kits, whitening strips, and whitening toothpaste from Dr. Panucci at Beach Braces. 

They have the experience and dedication to give you and your child the best possible service.

Dr Patricia Panucci

Dr Patti Panucci attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry for four years, where she graduated with a DMD degree (May 2000) among the Top 10 in her class. Following that, she headed west to Los Angeles to complete her three-year residency at one of the top-ranked orthodontic programs in the country – the University of Southern California.

Along with her certificate in orthodontics, Dr. Panucci earned a master’s degree in craniofacial biology. During those three years, she fell in love with Southern California beach life and decided that this was where her future lay.