Braces are one of the common dental treatments. Braces help you fix your crooked teeth and straighten them. Braces usually last 12 to 24 months depending upon the condition of your teeth. There are several types of braces, such as ceramic braces, traditional metal braces, lingual braces and self-ligating braces. Braces can also discolour your teeth if you don’t keep up with basic oral hygiene during the course. So, the question is how to whiten teeth with braces on and how to whiten them after braces.
Common Types of Discoloration on Teeth After Braces
Teeth discolouration is seen after braces treatment and it is caused by the build-up of plaque and tartar. It becomes difficult to brush off the plaque with braces on and as a result, it also becomes difficult to whiten teeth with braces on. The most common types of teeth discolouration observed are-
White Spots- When the enamel loses minerals due to plaque, it is called demineralisation due to which white spots occur.
Yellowing- Getting yellowish teeth after braces treatment is common. It occurs due to staining from bright-coloured food and acidic beverages.
Dark Spots- Dark spots are tooth decay that we observe during braces treatment.
Uneven Colour- After braces, you can also notice uneven colours in your teeth which occurs because braces sometimes ending up protecting the underlying enamel while the rest of it continues to be exposed to external factors.
When to Start Whitening After Braces
During the braces treatment, teeth discolouration is bound to happen if you don’t keep up with your dental health. Due to which, many people opt for teeth whitening after braces but how does that work and how long should you wait before getting it started?
According to dental professionals, you should wait for six months before you go for teeth whitening. Your teeth will be sensitive and weak immediately after braces so to avoid any further dental problems, it is advisable to wait.
Before going in for teeth whitening, there are a few things you should take care of-
Consult Dentist- Always consult with your dentist before going for teeth whitening after braces. They will be able to tell you when exactly you must start and how the treatment will work.
Professional Cleaning- Before starting whitening treatment, you must go for professional cleanup.
Choose the right method- There are many methods of teeth whitening, consult with your dentist to understand which method will work best for you.
Whitening Options After Braces
There are many teeth whitening options available to go for after the removal of your braces. After braces, your teeth become sensitive and weak, in light of which, dentists usually recommend teeth whtening after six months. So, these are the options that you can go for;
At-home Whitening- You can try at-home whitening treatments which are effective and affordable like teeth whitening serums or strips.
Whitening kit- You can also try aligning your overall routine towards teeth whitening with things like Perfora’s whitening kit at home post braces treatment.
Professional Treatment- One of the best teeth whitening after braces. For quick and immediate results, professional treatment is the best option available. However, consult with your dentist before deciding upon the treatment.
Post-Whitening Care
The best ways to whiten your teeth after braces are at-home treatments like whitening gels, whitening strips and professional treatment for immediate results.
However, post-whitening, you must maintain proper hygiene to maintain the condition of your teeth.
- Regularly brushing your teeth with whitening toothpaste.
- Avoid bright-coloured food and acidic beverages.
- Try the oil-pulling.
- Eat food which strengthens your teeth.
- Drink a lot of water.
- Eat bananas, yoghurt, milk and rice.
- Rinse your mouth with water.
- Use whitening toothpaste and fluoride-based mouthwash.
Conclusion
Braces treatment is done to fix your crooked teeth and give them a better alignment. Braces treatment is a long-term treatment and during which your teeth are likely to get discoloured. Teeth whitening after braces is done to remove all the stains you have gotten while your braces were on. Before teeth whitening after braces, always consult your dentist and take care of your oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you whiten your teeth after braces?
Answer- Yes, you can whiten your teeth after braces. Dentists recommend going for whitening treatment after six months because your teeth become sensitive and weak right after braces.
2. Why do teeth turn yellow after braces?
Answer- When you wash your teeth, chances are that the areas covered by braces are protected from getting stained. Teeth discolouration is usually caused by the build-up of plaque and tartar, it becomes difficult to brush off the plaque with braces on
3. How to remove brace stains?
Answer- The best ways to whiten your teeth after braces are at-home treatments whitening gels, serums and whitening strips. However, they are long-term solutions. For quicker results a professional treatment is recommended.