Can You Bleach Your Teeth if You Have Braces? | ClearClub
Getting braces doesn't mean you have to put your whitening goals on hold. Although having clean and healthy teeth should be your top priority when getting braces on, you still have several ways to maintain your white smile.
Yet, the process of tooth whitening under braces is somewhat different from whitening without them, as the brackets will cover some areas of your teeth, and some whitening procedures might react to orthodontic materials.
So, can you whiten your teeth if you have braces? Let’s look at when whitening may be possible, which options to consider, and when it’s better to wait.
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Can You Whiten Your Teeth While Wearing Braces?
Indeed, it is possible to whiten teeth when one has dental braces on, but this will all depend on the type of orthodontic treatment and tooth whitening being done. Teeth whitening can indeed be conducted for bracketed teeth in some instances, but whitening around brackets remains a difficult task.
WebMD also notes that certain whitening treatments may affect the adhesive used to attach braces to your teeth. Research similarly suggests that bleaching agents can weaken the bond between brackets and teeth, which is why the timing of whitening may be important during orthodontic treatment.
If you are wearing clear aligners, then whitening may still be an option, although many dentists advise that you use a different whitening tray altogether.
When Is the Best Time to Whiten Your Teeth?
Whitening after getting your braces off is a great way to go for some people. After getting your braces off, you have access to all sides of your teeth, which means that your whitening will be more evenly done. Whitening becomes easier because there are no braces to work around.
If you're considering whitening during or after orthodontic treatment, check with your dentist or orthodontist first. They may be able to recommend proper time and way of whitening for you.
What About Whitening Toothpaste?
Whitening toothpaste may also be used along with braces to whiten teeth from discoloration. However, whitening toothpaste is not effective in whitening the spots under the braces. Hence, when the braces are off, the teeth would seem to have different shades. According to research, the performance of whitening toothpaste depends on its composition.
For more noticeable whitening, you may want to wait until your braces are removed before trying professional or at-home whitening treatments.
How to Keep Your Smile Looking Bright During Braces
Even if you have braces, that doesn’t mean you have to give up on keeping your smile bright. The important thing is to maintain hygiene of your teeth while selecting the whitening method suitable for your orthodontic care.
Maintain your teeth white and sparkling when you have braces using the following easy tips:
- Rinse After Eating: Particularly after eating or drinking anything that may discolor your teeth.
- Brush Around Your Brackets: Clean the area around your brackets and wires with an interproximal brush.
- Floss Regularly: Remove any leftover pieces of food and plaque which might get trapped in between your teeth.
- Use a Whitening Toothpaste: It can prevent surface stains, but it won’t work for whitening areas covered by your braces.
- Teeth Whitening Methods: Based on your treatment option (professional or at-home), you may get whitening done either before or after your braces come off.
Want to learn more about at-home whitening options and how to use them effectively? Check out our guide next: At-Home Teeth Whitening: How It Works & Is It Safe | ClearClub
Keep Your Smile Clean and Bright with ClearClub
If you have braces on or even if you are done with orthodontic care, it is essential to clean your teeth for maintaining that bright smile. Teeth Whitening Kits from ClearClub provide you with various levels of whitening to choose from.
You can also add a Cleaning + Whitening Foam to your routine for a convenient way to help keep your smile fresh and clean.
Both products are available through our renewal plan, so you can easily stay stocked up on your favorites. Explore ClearClub’s whitening options and find the right fit for your smile today.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can you whiten your teeth while wearing braces?
Teeth whitening may be possible while wearing braces, but it depends on the type of braces and whitening procedure. Traditional braces can make whitening difficult because the brackets cover certain areas of your teeth, which may result in uneven whitening.
❓ Can you whiten your teeth with clear aligners?
Yes, whitening may be possible with clear aligners. However, using a separate whitening tray or waiting until orthodontic treatment is complete may help achieve more even results.
❓ Why is whitening harder with braces?
Braces cover certain areas of your teeth, preventing whitening products from reaching all surfaces evenly. As a result, your teeth may appear unevenly colored after the braces are removed.
Looking for something else? Check our full FAQ section.