Can You Whiten Teeth with Braces? How to Safely Use Whitening Strips

Using Whitening Strips with Braces

Having braces can make maintaining good oral hygiene more difficult. With wires and brackets in your mouth, it can be a challenge to properly brush and floss your teeth. Many people with braces also want whiter teeth to show off their new smile when the braces eventually come off. This leads to the common question: can you use whitening strips when you have braces?

Are Whitening Strips Safe with Braces?

The good news is that it is generally safe to use whitening strips, also called bleaching strips, while you have braces. However, there are a few precautions you should take to avoid complications:

• Use products made specifically for use with braces. Traditional whitening strip adhesive can damage or dislodge braces.
• Consult your orthodontist before using any whitening products.
• Closely follow all instructions provided with the whitening strips.

As long as you choose an appropriate product and use it correctly, using whitening strips with braces should not pose any major risks. However, it's always best to check with your orthodontist first.

Challenges of Using Whitening Strips with Braces

While whitening strips can still work when you have braces, you may face some unique challenges in the process:

• The braces and wires can prevent the whitening strips from properly adhering to your teeth.
• It is difficult to completely isolate teeth with braces, resulting in uneven whitening results.
• Some parts of teeth are covered by braces, limiting the area the whitening gel can treat.
• Excess gel or adhesive may get caught in tiny spaces between the braces.

These factors can make it more difficult to get the dramatic whitening results you might expect. However, as long as you account for these challenges and set realistic expectations, you can still use whitening strips to safely enhance your smile while wearing braces.

Choosing the Best Whitening Strips for Braces

If you decide to use whitening strips with braces, choosing the right product is vital. Here are the most important factors to consider when selecting whitening strips for use with braces:

• Specialized for Braces: Look for products specifically made for use with braces, as these will have adapters and molding trays to better fit around orthodontic hardware.
• Lower Hydrogen Peroxide Concentration: Chemically, most whitening strips contain hydrogen peroxide. For braces, choose options with lower hydrogen peroxide concentrations to limit irritation of oral tissue.
• Precision Strips: Thinner, more moldable whitening strips can wrap better around braces and provide treatment to hard-to-reach spots.
• Low Abrasiveness: Check that the adhesive and anti-slip agents will not scratch braces wires or bands.

Taking the time to find whitening strips designed for use with braces will provide a safer, less frustrating, and ultimately more effective lightening treatment.

Using Whitening Strips Correctly with Braces

Once youve found quality whitening strips for your braces, using them properly is also extremely important:

• Always follow the manufacturers directions exactly as written when using whitening strips with braces.
• Thoroughly brush and floss your teeth before applying strips to remove food debris and bacteria from around braces.
• Carefully apply the strips, molding them around braces hooks, wires, and bands as needed to isolate teeth.
• Check strips frequently while whitening to ensure they remain properly positioned.
• Rinse your mouth and brush gently after treatment to clear any remaining gel and prevent irritation.
• Maintain good oral hygiene between treatments for optimal results and gum health.

With some adjustments to your usual routine, whitening strips can still improve your smile dramatically even if you have braces. Just remember to take the necessary precautions.

Options for Whitening with Braces

Over-the-counter whitening strips are just one option for safely brightening your smile while undergoing orthodontic treatment. Depending on your specific needs and preferences, you may also want to consider:

Whitening Toothpastes and Mouth Rinses

Some toothpastes and mouthwashes contain gentle chemical or abrasive agents to remove surface stains over time. Using a whitening toothpaste alongside your regular brushing regimen can lead to gradual lightening. Mouth rinses are best for maintaining results rather than dramatic whitening.

In-Office Power Whitening

Your dentist may offer professional power whitening services right in their office. This involves using a stronger peroxide-based gel alongside specialized equipment like LED lights. In-office treatments work quickly, but are generally more expensive than at-home methods.

Custom-Fit Trays From Your Dentist

For more targeted whitening with braces, your dentist can provide customized dental trays. These tray molds fit precisely around your specific braces setup, allowing the bleaching gel to better reach all tooth surfaces.

Whitening Pens and Paint-On Gels

Small disposable pens and tiny brushes for applying whitening gel give you the most control for targeting stains in hard-to-reach spots. Concentrated peroxide gels often come in syringes for painting directly on teeth.

Talk to your orthodontist about the best whitening options to meet your needs based on the type and placement of your braces.

Caring for Teeth and Gums with Braces

Using whitening strips with braces puts additional strain on both your teeth and gums. Be diligent about proper oral hygiene to avoid permanent damage and other dental issues:

Brush Carefully After Eating

Food particles easily become trapped by wires and brackets, starting decay and gum disease processes. Brushing properly after meals removes this debris. Adjust your technique to reach all tooth surfaces without disturbing your braces.

Floss With Special Tools

Flossing helps dislodge food debris in tight spaces between teeth and braces. Use floss threaders or interdental picks to reach these areas around orthodontic bands. Ask your orthodontist to demonstrate proper flossing mechanics.

Use Prescription Fluoride Products

Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel to protect against staining and cavities. Your dentist may prescribe special high-concentration fluoride gels or rinses to promote healthy teeth throughout your braces treatment.

See Your Dentist Regularly

Schedule professional cleanings and checkups every 3-6 months while you have braces. Your dentist can remove buildup you cant reach with brushing and flossing alone. Monitoring gum and tooth health is also crucial.

Practicing excellent oral hygiene habits prevents damage from braces, retains your whitening results longer, and keeps your smile healthy.

Does Braces Affect Whitening Results?

Preventing Re-Staining After Whitening

While braces make whitening teeth more challenging in the short term, you can take steps to preserve your brighter smile over time:

• Avoid dark-colored foods and drinks which can re-stain teeth, including coffee, tea, red wine, berries, tomato sauce, and soy sauce.
• If you do indulge in staining foods/drinks, be sure to brush soon afterward.
• Use an alcohol-free mouth rinse to maintain a clean oral environment.
• Have touch-up whitening sessions periodically to keep stains away as braces treatment continues.
• Once braces are removed, incorporate ongoing maintenance whitening into your dental routine.

Setting up healthy lifelong habits prevents new stains from diminishing your whitening efforts with braces.

How Long Do Whitening Results Last with Braces?

On average, the whitening results from at-home strips and gels last between 9-12 months. However, having braces shortens this duration for several reasons:

• Braces prevent thoroughly lightening some enamel surfaces.
• Teeth are more prone to re-staining from poor oral hygiene with braces.
• Discoloration can occur if rubber bands or metals rust inside the mouth.

With braces, you can expect your whitened smile to gradually become duller again after roughly 6 months. Plan to re-apply whitening strips or undergo touch-up procedures every 4-6 months while your braces are still on.

Conclusion

Despite the difficulties braces can create, you can still use whitening strips or similar products to enhance your smile. Just be sure to:

• Choose products specifically designed for use with braces
• Get your orthodontists approval before whitening teeth
• Closely follow all directions for safe, effective use
• Practice excellent oral hygiene daily
• Discuss other whitening options with your dentist
• Have touch-up treatments periodically to maintain results

Applying these tips for whitening with braces allows you to feel confident showing off your smile with or without the wires and brackets. Just be patient through the process so you can safely transform your teeth without causing harm.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.