When we think of a beautiful smile, we usually picture perfectly aligned teeth and a healthy mouth. Orthodontic treatment offers you the possibility of achieving that while addressing all kinds of dental issues, such as crooked teeth, overcrowding, and misaligned bites.

Orthodontists will advise you on what is the best treatment for your specific case and tell you whether you need traditional orthodontic braces or modern clear aligners. In other words, orthodontic treatment goes beyond physical health, affecting the aesthetics of the patient’s smile and contributing to increased confidence.

Now that we talked about straight teeth, you might be wondering: What about a whiter smile? And how can you make your teeth whiter? Especially if you are undergoing orthodontic treatment like metal braces. Well, here we will answer the questions you might have about teeth whitening with braces.

Is it Possible to Whiten My Teeth if I Have Braces?

The food and drinks that you consume can produce stains on your dentures and produce that yellowish color. It could be really frustrating to brush your teeth thoroughly and still notice those little stains on the surface of your teeth. In this case, you could need a whitening agent that helps you get the results you want.

Whitening your teeth while wearing braces can be challenging since it is hard for the whitening agent to clean all the areas of your teeth, especially the ones that are under the metal brackets and wires. In addition, you need to be extra careful whitening your teeth while you are wearing braces because you need to ensure the integrity of the appliances.

Here are some common cosmetic dental procedures to whiten teeth and their benefits:

1. Professional Whitening

This is the best option to whiten your teeth since dental professionals can supervise the whole process and find the proper treatment that suits your situation. Usually, they use a specialized gel with higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide to whiten your teeth. This is a great method that ensures careful application and avoids damaging your appliances.

2. Whitening Toothpaste and Mouthwash:

These products can contain chemicals that help dissolve stains and protect against new ones. As a consequence, they can help you scrub surface stains on your teeth while freshening your breath. You can apply the whitening toothpaste several times a day, while you can use the mouthwash once a day. One of the benefits of these products is that you can use them with any type of orthodontic treatment. On the other hand, they may not produce dramatic results, especially on teeth covered by brackets.

3. Electric Toothbrush:

If you want a whiter smile, you can try using an electric toothbrush because it can remove more stains than a regular toothbrush, giving you the appearance of a cleaner and brighter smile. These brushes don’t use chemical agents, so they are safer to use.

In conclusion, you don’t need to wait for your orthodontic treatment to be over in order to have whiter teeth. Although, we recommend you whiten your teeth after you conclude your treatment. This way, you can have better results and enjoy a straight-white smile!

We also recommend that you consult with your dental professional before pursuing any teeth whitening treatment while wearing braces. They are the only ones that can ensure the safety of your orthodontic treatment and the desired cosmetic results.

Are Teeth Whitening Procedures Safe?

As long as teeth whitening is done under professional guidance, sure. It can be a safe and effective procedure. Dental professionals will asses your case and determine if you can whiten your teeth, advising which method suits you better. Let’s explore this further:

1. Thin Tooth Enamel

If you have thin tooth enamel, the use of strong whitening agents might exacerbate these problems, leading to more rapid enamel erosion; this means that the protective outer layer of your teeth can gradually wear down.

2. Improper Application

Remember to follow the instructions because if you overuse the products or leave them for longer periods than recommended, it can lead to excessive exposure of whitening agents to the surface of the teeth. This can have a negative impact on the tooth enamel, making it thin and weak.

3. Lack of Professional Supervision

We don’t recommend that you choose your own whitening treatment since it may increase the risk of damaging your tooth enamel. You should always ask for professional supervision that will ensure that the treatment is right for you.

We understand that having a beautiful and bright smile is really important. However, you need to consult with a professional to determine which is the safest approach to achieving the smile of your dreams without compromising the health of your teeth.

Discover the Best Orthodontic Treatment and Teeth Whitening Options

If you are still wondering how to whiten your teeth or want to look for a professional opinion, then we recommend you schedule an appointment with a team of experienced orthodontists. You can find this personalized care and the latest advancements in orthodontic technology in Balhoff Orthodontics! We offer the best services on adult orthodontics, including traditional braces and Invisalign.

In their office, Dr. Donald Balhoff will gladly answer all your questions and create a customized treatment plan that will address your dental issues when you set an appointment.

Don’t wait any longer to take the first step toward a more confident and radiant smile.