How to whiten teeth after braces

Professional Teeth Whitening

After braces are removed, many people are unhappy with the discoloration and discolored patches left on the teeth. Professional teeth whitening can help improve the look of your smile and give it a brighter and whiter appearance. This article will discuss the different options available for professional teeth whitening after braces.

You’ll learn why you might want to consider this option and how it works:

  • Why consider professional teeth whitening after braces?
  • How does professional teeth whitening after braces work?

Visit your dentist for professional whitening

When it comes to professional teeth whitening, the best option available is visiting a dentist for in-office whitening treatment. This is the safest and most effective way to ensure maximum results. Typically, this procedure involves the application of a higher concentrated bleaching solution directly to your teeth, after which a special light source is used to activate and accelerate the whitening effects. This method can produce dramatic transformation in as little as one visit.

After removing your braces, you may find that there are still some stains or discoloration left behind on your teeth due to diet and lifestyle habits such as smoking or drinking red wine. Professional whitening with a dentist can help remove these deep stains by penetrating tooth enamel so that earer- lifting stain are also reduced and eventually erased.

As with any medical procedure, it’s always important to seek advice from an experienced professional before making any decisions about treatment. Your dentist will be able to evaluate your mouth and determine whether whitening can take place safely; they will likely recommend other options such as veneers if the condition of your teeth is more severe than expected.

Ask your dentist about laser whitening

If your teeth are discolored due to braces and you’re looking for an effective and safe way to whiten them, laser whitening may be the solution for you.

Laser teeth whitening is a process where your dentist uses a laser light to activate the bleaching gel that has been applied directly to your teeth. This procedure has proven to be more effective than other at-home or in-office bleaching options due to its ability to penetrate deeper into the enamel of the tooth and the intensity of its light.

During this procedure, your dentist will protect your gums with a barrier before coating them in hydrogen peroxide-based gel and then using the laser light on each tooth one by one. The gel accelerates the whitening process by as much as 5 times faster than traditional methods and results can be seen in as quickly as 1 hour depending on how dark or stained your teeth currently are. The effects of this procedure usually last 1 – 3 years if you maintain proper dental care habits.

Talk with your dentist today about which type of whitening is best for you based on factors such as age, lifestyle, diet, oral hygiene practices, staining conditions and more.

Natural Teeth Whitening

If you’ve recently had your braces removed, you may be wondering what the best way to whiten your teeth is. Fortunately, there are many natural alternatives that can help you whiten teeth after braces. These natural solutions are usually gentle on your teeth, and can help you restore your teeth to its natural color.

In this article we’ll be discussing some of the natural teeth whitening methods that you can use to whiten your teeth:

Brush your teeth with baking soda

Using baking soda when brushing your teeth can help to naturally whiten them after braces. Baking soda is an abrasive substance, so it removes any excess plaque or buildup on the teeth, leaving them brighter and whiter.

To brush your teeth with baking soda, wet your toothbrush bristles and dip it into a cup of baking soda. Make sure the bristles are covered in a thin layer and then brush the teeth for two minutes: making sure to cover all surfaces evenly. After you have finished, rinse your mouth out well to remove any remaining baking soda and you are done!

Baking soda should be used no more than twice a week as over-abrasion of the enamel on your teeth can lead to damage if used too often.

Use hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a well known and effective way to whiten teeth. It has the ability to whiten both natural and artificial tooth surfaces. However, when deciding on using hydrogen peroxide as a method of whitening teeth after braces, it’s important to practice caution and consult your dentist first. Too much hydrogen peroxide can cause tooth sensitivity or damage the enamel on your teeth.

It’s best to use a diluted form of hydrogen peroxide – such as a 3 percent solution – mixed with equal parts water so that you’re not putting too much hydrogen peroxide on your teeth. Dip your toothbrush into the mixture and brush gently for a few minutes, then rinse with water afterwards. You should only do this for two minutes at most, twice a day (and not more than once every three months). Be sure to check in with your dentist at least once every six months to ensure that your teeth are healthy and no damage has been done.

Rub your teeth with lemon or orange peels

Using fruit to naturally whiten your teeth is an age-old method that is still being used today. Rubbing your teeth with lemon or orange peels can help to remove both surface and deep staining from the enamel without damaging your teeth. It is important to note that this method should not be used for long periods of time, as the acidity in citrus fruits can erode the enamel on your teeth over time.

To adequately use citrus peel for teeth whitening, you will need to:

  • Rub the inside of a fresh, clean peel onto each tooth individually for 15-20 seconds at a time, making sure that all of your teeth are covered.
  • Test a small area first to make sure that it does not cause any adverse reactions on sensitive areas of your mouth before applying it onto all of your teeth.
  • Rinse vigorously with water and brush normally with a fluoride-enriched toothpaste.

Over-the-Counter Whitening Products

Over-the-counter whitening products can be a great way to get whiter teeth after braces. These products are readily available, cost-effective, and easy to use. From whitening toothpaste to whitening strips, there are many options available on the market today.

Keep reading to learn more about the different products and how to use them:

Use whitening strips

Using a safe and effective tooth whitening product is an important part of post-orthodontic care. Whitening strips are the most popular product because they are easy to use and they don’t require a fluoride treatment or professional supervision.

Whitening strips generally consist of two parts – one containing a dental bleaching agent and the other containing a compound to help activate the bleaching agent so that it can do its job more effectively. The typical whitening strip fits along the gum line and covers your top teeth only; lower teeth may have to be whitened separately with another set of strips. Each set usually comes with enough strips for one week’s worth of treatments, which means that you may have to purchase multiple kits for a brighter smile.

When used as directed, whitening strips are very effective at removing surface stains, restoring the natural shade of your teeth, and giving you an overall brighter looking smile. Keep in mind that these products may damage delicate tissues if overused or mishandled, so it’s important to read all instructions carefully before using any over-the-counter whitening product.

Use whitening toothpaste

Using whitening toothpaste is one of the easiest, most affordable ways to help whiten teeth after braces. Whitening toothpastes typically contain mild abrasives that help remove surface stains more effectively than regular toothpaste. Some products also use special chemical agents, such as hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, to lighten the color of teeth.

It’s important to note that these ingredients are generally not as effective as professional whitening treatments, so users might find it takes a long time to see results. Additionally, these toothpastes can be harsh on sensitive teeth, so always read the product label before using and follow all usage instructions carefully.

Use whitening gels

Whitening gels are a type of whitening product that can be found over-the-counter and have proven to be effective in whitening teeth after braces. Typically saved for moderate to severe cases of tooth discoloration, whitening gels come in different levels of strength, with variations ranging from 10% carbamide peroxide all the way up to 40%. When using gels, an activation light is not necessary for best results.

In general, the higher the peroxide level and more frequent applications will give you better results. The gel should be applied directly to your teeth using a special trays or molding made from your dentist. While whitening gel does carry many of the same risks as other whitening products if not used correctly, results may vary depending on how often it is used as directed and how well it is tolerated by your teeth and gums. Make sure to use a reliable brand like Whitestrips® as some lesser known brands may not contain enough active ingredients to effectively handle your stain removal needs.

Diet and Lifestyle Changes

Whitening your teeth after braces may seem like a daunting task, but if you make some simple diet and lifestyle changes, you can achieve brighter and whiter teeth. Eating and drinking certain items can contribute to staining, so it’s important to consider these when trying to whiten your teeth. In this section, we will discuss some of the most effective diet and lifestyle changes that can help you whiten your teeth:

  • Avoid foods and drinks that can stain your teeth, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored fruits and vegetables.
  • Brush your teeth twice a day with a whitening toothpaste.
  • Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth.
  • Use a whitening mouthwash to help remove surface stains.
  • Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco.
  • Visit your dentist regularly for professional teeth whitening treatments.

Avoid staining foods and drinks

When you have braces, the teeth on either side of the brackets need to be extra clean and free from debris. To help keep your newly whitened teeth sparkling, it’s important to avoid staining foods and drinks that can discolor your teeth over time. Avoid soda, coffee, tea, energy drinks and other beverages known for their staining capabilities. If you feel that your teeth still need extra cleaning after drinking any of these beverages, try using an electric toothbrush to help remove built-up plaque more easily.

Hard or crunchy foods can also cause damage to your braces or residual pain in your gums when chewing. Steer clear of hard candies or other hard treats like taffy or chips that might become sticky when wet. They can pull wires loose inside the braces and create uncomfortable pressure points in between each bracket.

For a brighter smile after having braces taken off, opt for lighter-colored food items like green smoothies full of fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits with nuts or other soft fruits like bananas instead of already sugary treats like muffins and donuts that appear to be much easier to eat while wearing braces. Prepare meals at home with ingredients full of healthy fats like avocados and organic oils rather than reaching for fast food options where grease can accumulate on the braces. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will also help minimize dry mouth symptoms if saliva production is a concern for you!

Quit smoking

Smoking is a major contributing factor to yellowed or stained teeth and can even affect the longevity of your teeth after wearing braces. Quitting smoking not only protects your teeth, but also your overall health. In order to start a healthier lifestyle and achieve whiter teeth after braces, it is important to quit smoking.

Since quitting smoking can be difficult, there are resources available to help such as nicotine patches, gum, or medications prescribed by a doctor. Additionally, seeking the help of an addiction specialist or finding support groups in the community can make all the difference when it comes to quitting successfully and achieving whiter teeth in the long run.

Along with quitting smoking, try limiting coffee and tea intake as both contain chemicals that can stain your teeth. Cutting down on sugary snacks and drinks will also benefit you as sugar promotes plaque buildup on your teeth which is a common cause for yellowing after wearing braces.

By following these simple adjustments in diet and lifestyle habits you will be well on your way to achieving brighter, whiter teeth after removing your braces!

Drink more water

Drinking water after meals and snacks is one of the simplest and most effective things you can do to help whiten your teeth after braces. This is because saliva helps aid in the digestion process, neutralize acids that cause discoloration, protect against bacterial growth, and wash away food remains from your mouth. Water also works to glue particles of food together before they have a chance to attach themselves long-term to the enamel of your teeth.

It’s best to swap out sugary drinks or beverages with high sugar content for water whenever possible. Staying hydrated, especially with water, is key for proper oral health to ensure a brighter grin is on the horizon even after braces have been removed.

Maintenance

Having a healthy, white smile after wearing braces is possible with the right maintenance. Proper maintenance routines for your teeth and braces can help you keep your teeth looking beautiful and help maintain good oral health. Maintaining your teeth after braces can be a challenge; let’s look at the maintenance steps you should take to keep your teeth white after braces:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day.
  • Floss at least once a day.
  • Use an interdental brush or floss threader to clean between brackets and wires.
  • Rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash.
  • Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.

Visit your dentist regularly

During your treatment with braces, it is important to visit your dentist regularly to ensure that wear and tear beyond normal limits are not present. At these appointments, your dentist will check the fit of the brackets and wires, test bite force and make adjustments as needed. They may also take X-rays of the teeth to look for signs of decay or damage behind the braces.

Once the braces have been removed, it is important to continue regular visits with your dentist to prevent further damage or stain buildup after braces. Your dentist may use special whitening procedures on discolored areas that have been caused by braces. They may also recommend a particular toothpaste that targets stain and plaque prevention for protection against new staining from forming on teeth post-brace removal.

Use a whitening mouthwash

Using a whitening mouthwash is an easy way to increase the level of whiteness of your teeth. Whitening mouthwashes are readily available from most pharmacies, so you can simply add it to your daily routine for noticeably whiter teeth.

Typically, these mouthwashes contain active ingredients that work to remove plaque, reduce discoloration, and help keep your teeth clean and healthy.

When shopping for a whitening mouthwash, read the label carefully. Assess the product’s effectiveness by looking for approved active ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Some ingredients to avoid include sodium laureth sulfate (SLS), which can cause irritation of the gums and tongue, and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLES), which can be drying.

It is important not to overuse a whitening mouthwash long-term as prolonged use may damage enamel and give rise to other oral problems such as gum irritation or sensitivity in the affected area. In general, using it no more than once or twice a day should be enough to remove stains without causing any harm.

Use whitening trays

Whitening trays are the most common method used by people with braces to whiten their teeth. The trays are custom-fitted to your mouth and are made from a soft, non-toxic material that is designed to comfortably fit around your braces. Whitening trays come with either hydrogen peroxide solution or a similar bleaching agent, which you need to apply to the tray before placing it in your mouth. When you are wearing the tray, make sure you keep your lips sealed around the tray to keep saliva from getting in and diluting the whitening solution. You may need to wear the whitening trays overnight depending on how yellow your teeth have become due to the staining caused by the braces.

It will take some time for results to appear, but after several treatments with whitening trays you should start seeing a noticeable difference in tooth color. It’s important to note that while this method is effective at removing stains caused by braces and other orthodontic treatments, it won’t be as effective against deeper stains or discoloration that comes from years of coffee and tea drinking or smoking cigarettes. It’s also important not to overuse this method, as it could potentially cause damage if used frequently or incorrectly.