Braces can correct a bad bite, overcrowding, and align your teeth, giving you a healthier smile and boosted self-confidence. But this process takes time, and while you’re waiting for the magic to happen, you may have noticed your teeth aren’t as pearly white as you’d like them to be.
After all, braces are notorious for causing stains due to the ease at which food and bacteria can become trapped in their wires and brackets.
Due to the boom in whitening strip popularity, your first thought is probably, “Can you use whitening strips with braces?” Unfortunately, we may be unable to give you the answer you hoped for. However, we guarantee the following sections will enlighten you on the whole teeth whitening with braces escapade!
Can You Use Teeth Whitening Strips with Braces?
Whitening strips are an inexpensive, safe, and effective at-home teeth whitening solution. Containing either peroxide or a bleaching agent, they’re purpose-built to lift stains off teeth, resulting in a bright, confidence-inducing smile after applying the strips over your teeth for the duration outlined on the packaging.
Despite the efficacy under normal circumstances, they aren’t a recommended whitening option when wearing traditional metal braces. Why? Because they will only whiten the exposed surfaces and won’t penetrate the enamel sitting under the bonded brackets. Once your braces are removed, you’ll end up with uneven or two-tone colour. For this reason, most dentists advise against using whitening strips with braces.
Risks of Using Whitening Strips with Braces
Uneven whitening may be the main reason the majority of dentists advise against strip use with braces, but it certainly isn’t the only one. The three major risks are as follows:
- Uneven whitening — As mentioned, the bonded brackets make it impossible for the peroxide or bleaching agent to penetrate the hidden enamel, causing uneven whitening. Moreover, braces prevent even application of the strip, further contributing to an uneven result.
- Tooth sensitivity—Whitening strips can lead to tooth sensitivity, which is often more pronounced when wearing braces, as the wires and brackets may already increase sensitivity.
- Orthodontic damage — The chemicals in whitening strips may damage your braces’ brackets and wires and weaken the adhesive used to bond them to your teeth, leading to increased dental visits and decreased orthodontic treatment effectiveness.
Safe Whitening Options with Braces
Just because you shouldn’t use whitening strips with braces doesn’t mean you need to be unhappy with your tooth colour until they come off. There is a plethora of safe whitening options that will help you love your smile.
Professional Whitening
In-practice, dentist-led treatments involve applying a strong bleaching agent to your teeth, followed by a special light that speeds up the process. Professionals can offer customized whitening solutions that are brace-safe, ensuring even whitening of the exposed enamel and reduced gum irritation and sensitivity.
That said, most dentists will still recommend waiting until after your braces for any whitening treatments. Why? Because despite the bleach’s strength, it won’t whiten underneath the brackets. Therefore, you’ll see where they were once they’re removed.
Whitening Toothpaste and Mouthwash
Whitening toothpaste and mouthwash are arguably the most cost-effective ways to whiten teeth with braces. While you won’t see results immediately, this gradual, gentle option eradicates the risks of tooth sensitivity, uneven whitening, and orthodontic damage.
Typically, these toothpastes contain abrasive material (like silica) that scrubs stains and chemicals to dissolve particularly stubborn ones. Using a whitening mouthwash on top of that helps prevent new stains from forming, providing a long-lasting brighter smile over time.
Good Oral Hygiene
Proper oral hygiene can help prevent discolouration and stains while wearing braces. Brush for at least two minutes twice a day, and always use floss to remove food stuck between your teeth and under your braces’ wires.
If you’re serious about preventing stains and discolouration, brushing and flossing after every meal is wise. While this isn’t always possible, doing so as much as possible will ensure you reap the ultimate good oral hygiene rewards.
Dietary Choices
Since braces make you more at risk of tooth discolouration, you should avoid foods and drinks that cause staining, such as:
- Tea (including green tea)
- Coffee
- Red wine
- Cola
- Fruit juices
- Curry
- Balsamic vinegar
- Tomato-based sauces
- Soy sauce
- Beetroot
- Berries
- Sweets
You should also restrict high-acidic and high-sugar foods that can cause extra damage to your teeth, like sour sweets, fizzy drinks, ice, citrus fruits, crisps, and dried fruits.
Best Time to Whiten Your Teeth: Before or After Braces?
While everybody is different, whitening your teeth after braces is generally a better idea, particularly if you’re correcting orthodontic troubles like overcrowding, misaligned teeth, or bite issues. Your teeth will move a lot while wearing braces, making whitening beforehand obsolete.
Not to mention that braces heighten your risk of stains, potentially undoing any whitening work you completed before they were fitted.
Your best bet is to prevent stains while wearing braces by following good oral hygiene and avoiding staining foods/drinks, and receive whitening treatments afterwards.
The Bottom Line
As a braces wearer, you should avoid using whitening strips, as they can cause uneven whitening, tooth sensitivity, and potential brace damage.
Instead, practice good oral hygiene, use whitening toothpaste and mouthwash, and make smart dietary choices to achieve a bright, white smile while straightening your teeth.
If you’ve just had your braces removed and want to whiten your teeth – Order Crest 3D White Strips here!
