Whitening Your Teeth With Braces: What are Your Options? (2024)

Can I whiten my teeth with braces? What are my options?

So, you want whiter teeth but have braces on. What are your options? A lot of people look for whitening solutions. The problem is that you may not know what solutions you can implement. It all depends on the type of braces you have on.

Whitening Options for People With Braces

Whitening Your Teeth With Braces: What are Your Options? (1)Source: Healthline

Whitening strips

Whitening strips are a popular at-home teeth whitening treatment. They work by attaching to the teeth and using peroxide-based whitening gel to break up the molecular bonds of tooth discoloration. The gel is then absorbed by the tooth enamel and breaks down the pigmentation that causes teeth to yellow over time.

Limitations with Braces: You can only use this whitening method Invisalign® or Invisible braces. Whitening strips are not a good option if you have traditional metal braces. This is because the whitening strip can not penetrate the tooth properly with brackets in place. You may end up with uneven color in your teeth once the braces are removed.

Whitening Toothpaste and Mouthwash

The best option for all types of braces is whitening toothpaste/mouthwash. Most of these products contain abrasive material that helps to scrub stains away. Some chemicals may be involved in order to dissolve the stains. Mouthwash helps to protect against new stains.

Limitations with Braces: There are none. Toothpaste and mouthwash can be used with all kinds of braces.

Conclusion

If you have braces and are looking to whiten your teeth, you should stick with whitening toothpaste and mouthwash. They are your best bet no matter what kind of braces you have. Speak to an orthodontist today about what is best for your situation. Simply schedule a free consultation with our team of professionals.

Whitening Your Teeth With Braces: What are Your Options? (2024)

FAQs

Whitening Your Teeth With Braces: What are Your Options? ›

If mild discoloration occurs, using a whitening toothpaste or mouth rinse can lift surface stains. Depending on the type of braces you're wearing, you might also be a candidate for whitening strips, whitening gels, or in-office dental treatments.

What happens if you whiten your teeth with braces? ›

Not only are whitening products ineffective when it comes to brightening under your brackets but any use during orthodontic treatment can result in an uneven overall color. After the orthodontist removes your braces you're likely to see noticeably darker marks where the brackets were, even if you don't have stains.

How do you explain teeth whitening? ›

Tooth whitening is any process that lightens the color of a tooth. Whitening may be accomplished by physical removal of the stain or a chemical reaction to lighten the tooth color. Bleaching is defined here as the chemical degradation of the chromogens.

How to make teeth white naturally from yellow with braces? ›

At-Home Remedies for Teeth Whitening with Braces

Mix a little baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to make a paste. Apply this mixture to your teeth, avoiding the braces, and rinse thoroughly. This dynamic pair can remove surface stains for a dazzling grin.

How do you get rid of yellow plaque on your teeth with braces? ›

Causes of teeth discoloration when you have braces

When plaques build upon the teeth, it changes to brownish or yellow discoloration. Regular brushing and flossing is the most effective way to remove the plaque from teeth.

Do teeth go yellow with braces? ›

Yellowing and staining on your teeth while you have braces is completely normal for people of all ages. Braces are tough to clean thoroughly, which can lead to diminished oral hygiene that causes stains.

Do braces push your lips out? ›

They don't actually make your lips bigger, but braces can make them appear bigger since they push the lips out somewhat. This effect is temporary, and your lips will return to their natural positioning once the braces are removed.

Does baking soda whiten teeth? ›

Baking soda can be used with some water to remove the stains on the surface of the teeth. It can also be used with hydrogen peroxide to enhance its whitening effects. Baking soda can be used by individuals with regular toothpastes too. It is also used commercially in some teeth whitening products and toothpastes.

How to whiten teeth in 2 minutes? ›

Baking-powder eliminates stains on the surface of your teeth and lemon juice as we already said has multiple components that lighten teeth. Just mix a teaspoon of baking powder and a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and brush your teeth with the paste this mixture will work wonders in just two minutes.

Does swishing hydrogen peroxide whiten teeth? ›

A simple hydrogen peroxide mouthwash may help remove mild stains. However, a person should avoid leaving hydrogen peroxide solutions on their teeth for extended periods. For people who have darker stains, stronger whitening options are available both over the counter and from a dentist.

Can old yellow teeth be whitened? ›

It's natural for teeth to appear darker as they age, but a bleaching product with hydrogen peroxide or urea peroxide can help turn back the clock – and a whitening toothpaste is an easy way to get a jump-start.

How to whiten teeth if you have braces? ›

The best way to gently whiten your teeth and prevent stains while you have braces is to use a whitening toothpaste or whitening mouthwash. Since you're already brushing twice a day, using whitening toothpaste is an easy way to achieve a brighter smile with little effort.

What color cancels out yellow braces? ›

However, if you are looking to have the illusion of whiter teeth, consider the following. Darker blues and purples will create contrast and make your teeth look whiter. This is because blue is the contrasting color of yellow and the two will cancel each other out. Some shades of purple can also do this.

How can I make my braces white again? ›

Get alcohol free mouthwash and gargle with it 3 times a day, making sure to keep it in your mouth for at least 2 minutes at a time. This should be able to break up most stains, but not all of them. If you are serious about removing them, use a bit of sodium bicarbonate and apply it to a toothbrush.

Is it normal to have yellow teeth with braces? ›

It is entirely normal for teeth to discolor in the course of teeth straightening. Cleaning your teeth with braces can be tricky, and it is common for plaque to build up around it.

Do whitening strips work with braces? ›

Whitening strips

Limitations with Braces: You can only use this whitening method Invisalign® or Invisible braces. Whitening strips are not a good option if you have traditional metal braces. This is because the whitening strip can not penetrate the tooth properly with brackets in place.

What are the best colors for braces to make your teeth look whiter? ›

Generally, lighter and cooler tones such as white, silver, clear, light blue, or light pink can create the illusion of whiter teeth. How do certain braces colors create the illusion of whiter teeth? Lighter colors reflect more light, which can make teeth appear brighter.

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