Whitening Your Teeth With Braces: What are Your Options?

Can I whiten my teeth with braces? What are my options?

So, you want whiter teeth but have braces on. What are your options? A lot of people look for whitening solutions. The problem is that you may not know what solutions you can implement. It all depends on the type of braces you have on.

Whitening Options for People With Braces

Source: Healthline

Whitening strips

Whitening strips are a popular at-home teeth whitening treatment. They work by attaching to the teeth and using peroxide-based whitening gel to break up the molecular bonds of tooth discoloration. The gel is then absorbed by the tooth enamel and breaks down the pigmentation that causes teeth to yellow over time.

Limitations with Braces: You can only use this whitening method Invisalign® or  Invisible braces. Whitening strips are not a good option if you have traditional metal braces. This is because the whitening strip can not penetrate the tooth properly with brackets in place. You may end up with uneven color in your teeth once the braces are removed.

Whitening Toothpaste and Mouthwash

The best option for all types of braces is whitening toothpaste/mouthwash. Most of these products contain abrasive material that helps to scrub stains away. Some chemicals may be involved in order to dissolve the stains. Mouthwash helps to protect against new stains.

Limitations with Braces: There are none. Toothpaste and mouthwash can be used with all kinds of braces.

Conclusion

If you have braces and are looking to whiten your teeth, you should stick with whitening toothpaste and mouthwash. They are your best bet no matter what kind of braces you have. Speak to an orthodontist today about what is best for your situation. Simply schedule a free consultation with our team of professionals.