Whiter Teeth During Braces

How to Brighten Your Smile Even When You Wear Braces

When you get orthodontic treatment, there are typically two reasons: to fix tooth misalignment that affect your oral health, and to create a more esthetically pleasing smile. It's not uncommon to combine orthodontic treatment with cosmetic treatments to fully enhance and reimagine your smile.


If you are currently going through braces treatment, it may seem hard to reach your ideal pearly whites. In this blog post we'll cover what teeth whitening treatments are available to those wearing braces, such as whitening gels and special rinses that won't harm your hardware.


We also look at several ways to keep your teeth clean and healthy whilst wearing braces. Finally, we'll finish with a conclusion summing up the teeth whitening options available while using braces

WHAT IS TEETH WHITENING

Teeth whitening is a process that helps to lighten the color of your teeth and remove surface stains caused by food, drinks, aging, or other external factors. It can be done in several ways, but the main two are professional bleaching treatments at the dentist’s office, and over-the-counter products like gels or strips.


A professional treatment with a dentist will give you the best results in the least time, but has an associated cost. At-home remedies will allow you to achieve similar results for less money, but will take substantially more time -- days or weeks, rather than just hours.


When you have braces, however, you need to keep in mind how the whitening may interact with your oral appliances.


WHAT TEETH WHITENING CAN YOU GET WHILE WEARING BRACES?

For those with braces, it is important to know the teeth whitening options available.


Professional bleaching treatments are typically not recommended for those wearing braces due to the risk of damaging the metal hardware. Instead, over-the-counter products such as gels or strips can be used safely and effectively while still maintaining your orthodontic appliance.


Additionally, special rinses may also provide an effective way to help reduce staining caused by food and drinks without causing any harm to your braces.


Lastly, regular brushing with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing will help keep teeth clean and healthy in between whitening treatments.


Ultimately, choosing the right type of teeth whitening product depends on how white you want your smile to be and what fits into your budget.


HOW TO KEEP TEETH CLEAN WHILE USING BRACES

Maintaining clean teeth and healthy gums while wearing braces is essential for achieving the best outcome.


To keep your smile looking its best, it's important to brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste. When brushing, use a soft-bristled toothbrush that can reach between all of the brackets and wires on your braces to ensure thorough cleaning. It is also recommended to floss at least once per day using an interdental cleaner or special orthodontic floss threader.


Additionally, regular visits to your dentist are necessary in order to check for any plaque buildup or other problems caused by having braces on.


Finally, taking care of your appliance itself is equally important; make sure you follow instructions from the orthodontist regarding what foods should be avoided and how often elastics need replacing or tightened up in order for treatment to progress as scheduled.


WHAT TO AVOID WHILE WEARING BRACES

When wearing braces it is important to avoid certain foods and drinks in order to maintain clean teeth and healthy gums.


Avoid sticky or chewy foods like hard candy, caramel, and gummy bears as these can get stuck in the braces and be difficult to remove. Also stay away from sugary drinks like soda and sports drinks: stuck food and sugary drinks will feed bacteria that cause tooth decay and staining, greatly impacting your oral health.


TEETH WHITENING OPTIONS YOU CAN GET WHILE USING BRACES

Overall, teeth whitening while wearing braces is a safe and effective way to get the bright smile you’ve always wanted.


Professional bleaching treatments are typically not recommended due to the risk of damaging the metal hardware, so over-the-counter products such as gels or strips can be used safely and effectively instead.


Additionally, special rinses may provide an effective way to help reduce staining caused by food and drinks without causing any harm to your braces.


Lastly, regular brushing with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing will help keep teeth clean and healthy in between whitening treatments.


Ultimately choosing the right type of teeth whitening product depends on how white you want your smile to be and what fits into your budget; however taking care of your oral health while using braces will ensure you have a sparkling white smile after treatment is over.

About Orthodontics
October 1, 2022
When it comes to Halloween candy and orthodontic braces, most would make the immediate assumption that the two are frightful when mixed together—but that could not be farther from the truth! In fact, as Halloween is one of the most celebrated occasions of the year—it certainly is one of our favorites here at the Smile Shoppe—there are some amazingly simple tricks braces-wearing patients can follow to enjoy those treats. So, with that in mind, let’s review a few dos and don’ts when it comes to what snacks you do not have to be frightful of.
August 1, 2022
It seems as if just yesterday we were wishing our patients a happy summer! But, as with most enjoyable things, time flies when you’re having fun—meaning the time has come to head back to school for another year filled with studying, clubs, activities, friendships, and goals! To make sure our braces-wearing patients have a fantastic school year while on their journey to a beautiful smile, we’ve put together some hacks—tips—that are sure to make this school year with braces the very best yet!
July 1, 2022
Whether the decision to move forward with aligners or traditional braces for yourself or your child was determined quickly, or one that was pondered over for some time, we’re pretty sure the desired result was the same: To achieve a beautiful set of straight and healthy teeth in the most efficient, comfortable and cost-effective manner. You’ll be happy to know, at the Smile Shoppe, we completely agree, which is why we spare no expense when it comes to investing in the very latest high-tech equipment to ensure your results are nothing less than perfect.
June 26, 2022
It’s hard to miss The Smile Shoppe’s signature logo—a tooth that encapsulates the simple word ‘Smile’. It’s the premise of the mission set out by Alessandra Chacon, DDS, MS and Ryan Reyes, DDS, MS—partners in business, as well as in life as husband and wife—that is multi-layered in creating a beautiful and healthy smile, leading down the path of success through positive self-confidence.
Beaches, Bathing Suits and Braces
May 2, 2022
The countdown is on for the remaining days of school, and while top of mind for you and your children is probably beaches and bathing suits—what you should be thinking of is biting the bullet and looking into starting the kids on braces. Why may you ask? It’s simple—flexible scheduling, adjusting to a new you, and practicing good hygiene!
April 2, 2022
If you’re patting yourself on the back as a parent because you’ve remained vigilant on each of the above exams—good for you! Being a great parent is one of the most difficult jobs out there, and it’s easy to overlook things amidst the demands of school, homework, and extracurricular activities, as well as your own personal responsibilities. Because of this, there’s one exam you may be missing—and it’s a big one—your child’s teeth! Surprised to hear that? Most people are. But learning about your child’s teeth and jaws and whether they’re developing properly can save them from severe issues down the road that can be quite costly to fix if not treated at the appropriate time!
Show More