How Long After Removing Braces Should I Wait to Whiten Teeth?
Posted on 11/5/2021 by Star Orthodontics
Having your braces removed after months or even years is incredibly exciting, and you probably expect to see a perfect smile gleaming back at you when you first look in the mirror. However, even though braces straighten your teeth and repair a variety of dental issues, your teeth can become discolored during the course of your orthodontic treatment. If your smile is not as dazzling as you expected it to be after having your braces removed, keep reading to find out when it is safe to whiten your teeth.
Do Braces Cause Discoloration?
While braces on their own do not cause teeth to become yellowed or discolored, it is very common for teeth to appear uneven in shade after having your braces removed. It can be difficult to thoroughly clean between the brackets and wires of your braces, so plaque and tartar can build up in these areas and lead to discoloration. Plus, if you frequently consume acidic beverages like soda or coffee or eat a lot of sugary foods, your teeth can become stained as a result of your enamel wearing down.
Some people use whitening toothpastes or other brightening products while wearing braces in the hopes of preventing discoloration. This can actually do more harm than good, as whitening products will only brighten the exposed areas of your teeth, not the parts that are concealed underneath your braces. Therefore, your teeth would appear darker where the brackets were once your braces are removed and whiter around the edges.
When Can I Whiten My Teeth?
To prevent uneven whitening, we always recommend waiting until after your orthodontic treatment is complete before whitening your teeth. It is very common for braces patients to request professional whitening services once their braces are removed, but we usually suggest waiting at least a month or two first. Your enamel is especially sensitive after having braces removed, and teeth whitening products can be harsh and irritating. Waiting a few months before whitening will give your enamel time to heal and become strong enough to withstand whitening. After a month or two, you should be able to get a professional whitening treatment, which is the safest and most effective way to brighten your smile. Call us today to learn more.
About Star Orthodontics | Braces Corpus Christi, TX At Star Orthodontics, we are committed to providing our patients with Star Treatment and Star Results! Our office is conveniently located in Corpus Christi, TX! Star Orthodontics - Dr. Roxanne Robertson, 4750 S. Padre Island Dr. Suite 101, Corpus Christi, Tx 78411 \ 361-371-8555 \ starbraces.com \ 11/29/2023 \ Related Phrases: orthodontist Corpus Christi \
Having your braces removed after months or even years is incredibly exciting, and you probably expect to see a perfect smile gleaming back at you when you first look in the mirror. However, even though braces straighten your teeth and repair a variety of dental issues, your teeth can become discolored during the course of your orthodontic treatment. If your smile is not as dazzling as you expected it to be after having your braces removed, keep reading to find out when it is safe to whiten your teeth.