Whitening after Orthodontic Treatment

When people finish their orthodontic treatment, they usually breathe a big sigh of relief. The waiting is over, and it’s finally time to enjoy the brand new smile. It feels great to have smooth, even teeth and eating is no longer a potential problem area.

Some patients find that during the time they have braces, it is difficult to clean every single part of the teeth – this can cause them to become a little stained or less white than the rest of the teeth. People who have made the commitment to get this kind of cosmetic dentistry are often keen to get a whitening treatment to complete the work they have had done.

There are lots of options when it comes to teeth whitening. However, it is worth bearing in mind that in the initial period following the removal of braces, the teeth can be a little more fragile than usual. Because of this, it’s really important to make the right choice when it comes to getting the treatment.

Is it ok to whiten teeth at home?
There’s a huge amount of choice in shops and online when it comes to teeth whitening – with many products promising great results. However, some of these may weaken the teeth, so they are best avoided. This is especially true for people who have recently completed orthodontic treatment.

The British Dental Association has said that not only do home whitening kits potentially make teeth more vulnerable; they often do not produce the expected results. Only a qualified cosmetic dentist should perform teeth whitening, and people can protect their teeth by choosing this option over DIY kits.

When and how should the teeth be whitened?
People who have recently completed orthodontic treatment should not undergo a whitening procedure straight away. Instead, they should wait for a month (or even two to three months) after getting the braces removed. Wearing braces can mean that the teeth are somewhat depleted when it comes to important minerals – so they need time to restore themselves.

Waiting for a month or two after getting the braces removed also means that the patient can remove much of any staining off the teeth simply with regular brushing. The extra time also allows the gums to get back to normal – which means that using whitening trays will be more effective.

It is essential to visit an expert professional for teeth whitening in order to protect the teeth and to get the best possible result. They assess each patient on an individual basis, firstly to ascertain their eligibility for a whitening treatment. The dentist will also discuss what will be involved in the treatment, and outline the expectations the patient should have regarding the result.

It’s also important to follow the dentist’s instructions on caring for the teeth both during and after the whitening treatment. If this is done, and a high standard of oral hygiene is maintained by the patient, the results can be especially great and longer lasting.