Teeth Whitening After Braces: What You Need to Know

Both teenagers and adults who have had braces on their teeth report that they have stained and yellowed with time.

While braces, whether ceramic or traditional, may contribute to discoloration, the wearer’s poor oral hygiene is ultimately to blame.

For those with braces who find it challenging to care for their teeth while brushing properly, eating, and flossing, it may be necessary to undergo teeth whitening after the braces have been removed.

Cause of Staining

Plaque forms on your teeth as a natural byproduct of eating and drinking. Plaque buildup on the teeth can lead to yellow or brown discoloration. Brushing and flossing daily is the best method to remove plaque from the teeth. Dentist visits for cleanings and checkups are also essential.

Don’t be alarmed if you recently had your braces removed and detect stains or white spots on your teeth. This is normal. Discoloration like this is highly prevalent. Most of the time, you can still improve your appearance.

Read More: How to Prevent Stains from Braces? For First Time and Long-Time Users


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Treatment

During the course of months of orthodontic treatment, your teeth are subjected to constant strain. Increased dental sensitivity is common after braces are removed. Because they break up stains by penetrating the microscopic pores in your enamel, teeth whitening procedures can further increase sensitivity.

Waiting to get your teeth whitened may help prevent the pain of overly sensitive teeth. Dentists frequently advise their patients to wait six months before whitening their teeth. In many cases, a person’s saliva is all that’s needed to lighten the dark spots left behind by their braces.

When it comes to teeth whitening, there are a variety of solutions, from toothpaste to trays. While over-the-counter tooth whitening treatments are available, professional help is recommended for the greatest results. 

Whitening toothpaste

The most affordable and accessible way to whiten your teeth is with a tube of whitening toothpaste. Opalescence whitening toothpaste removes surface stains and can brighten your teeth by two shades in just 30 days using a particular tri-silica combination. Use it daily without fear of irritation. 

Using a whitening toothpaste can take a few weeks before you see any noticeable improvement in your teeth. Because the color of your teeth isn’t changed by using a whitening toothpaste, any results you achieve can be ruined by continuing practices that create stains or stop using the product.

At-home whitening kits

Most teeth-whitening regimens call for daily use for four to fourteen days, depending on the package. You must leave their bleaching ingredients on your teeth for at least an hour to get the desired results.

The amount of treatments included in any given kit is entirely up to the user. To ensure that you get the most out of your kit, be sure to read the included instructions carefully. To keep track of your progress, they include a shade guide.

There are certain benefits to using at-home teeth whitening solutions, but some drawbacks are also. Only a small percentage of discoloration and stains can be removed using over-the-counter teeth whitening solutions. The hydrogen peroxide concentrations used in in-office teeth whitening treatments are up to 40% higher than those found in most store-bought whitening solutions and kits, making them more effective.

Professional teeth whitening

While over-the-counter treatments are readily available, if you want the most remarkable results for your smile and your health, you should visit your dentist or orthodontist for professional teeth whitening. They employ more potent products, which means your teeth will be whiter in less time. They also know exactly what chemicals are in each product, so you can rest easy knowing the products you’re using are safe for your gums and teeth. 

You can expect to get your teeth whitened in several short appointments with in-office professional whitening treatments. This procedure takes about an hour and a half, during which time the bleaching chemical is left on for 15 to 30 minutes at a time.

Contact Kumra Orthodontics to learn more about teeth whitening after braces

So, your braces are coming off! You’re probably excited to see the transformation in your smile, but don’t be surprised if your teeth aren’t as white as you were hoping. Many patients choose teeth whitening after braces to get that dazzling smile they always wanted. 
At Kumra Orthodontics, we can help you understand what to expect when your braces come off and how to achieve the best possible results with teeth whitening. Contact us today to learn more about this procedure and how it can benefit you!