Contact Us Today!
How To Whiten Teeth With Braces or Invisalign
Posted on January 30th, 2025
We all want to have a bright, white smile, but this can be hard to achieve when you have braces on your teeth or you’re using Invisalign. This is because whitening agents aren’t meant to be used in conjunction with orthodontic treatments. However, just because you’re in the process of straightening your teeth doesn’t mean whitening them is impossible.
There are effective ways to get around orthodontic devices to brighten your smile. Continue reading to find out what the best, most effective whitening methods are for patients wearing Invisalign or braces.
What Causes Tooth Discoloration While Wearing Braces or Aligners?
Often, patients undergoing orthodontic treatment will have a tougher time keeping their teeth white and stain-free. Several factors can lead to discoloration, such as:
- Food gets stuck between the metal brackets and wires in traditional braces, causing staining as time passes.
- Braces make it hard to clean entire surfaces of teeth by blocking toothbrush bristles from effectively reaching all areas.
- Clear aligner trays, like Invisalign, can trap food particles against your teeth if you don’t maintain good oral hygiene.
If you’re dealing with tooth staining or dullness because of braces or Invisalign, you’ll be relieved to know there are ways to fix these issues. Below, we go into detail about whitening treatment options for patients undergoing orthodontic care.
How Can You Whiten Your Teeth With Invisalign?
If you want to brighten your smile, you can safely use Invisalign and whitening treatments for great results. For example:
- At-home whitening methods, like whitening gels and strips, work wonderfully for Invisalign wearers. Because the aligners are removable, patients can use whitening agents that are applied directly to teeth.
- Professional, in-office teeth whitening is also safe for patients undergoing Invisalign therapy.
How Can You Whiten Your Teeth While Wearing Braces?
If you’re asking how you can whiten your teeth with braces, the answer will depend on what type of braces you’re wearing. Lingual braces, for example, sit on the backs of teeth. This design gives the wearer more options for whitening, like professional teeth whitening at a dentist’s office.
However, teeth whitening with Invisalign or lingual braces is much easier than with traditional braces. This is because braces have brackets that sit on the fronts of teeth. This can lead to bracket-shaped marks after the braces are removed if gel, whitening strips, or professional bleaching agents are applied to only the exposed parts of teeth.
If you have traditional braces, the safest ways to brighten your smile include:
- Using whitening toothpaste or mouthwash. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a whitening toothpaste recommended by your dentist. You can also use a whitening mouthwash at least once a day.
- Using an electric toothbrush, which helps get rid of stubborn plaque and keeps your teeth clean. Some electric toothbrushes even come with a polishing mode that helps remove surface stains.
- Using an interdental brush daily. These help clean around brackets, wires, and between narrow spaces, which can help keep your teeth white and healthy.
- Rinsing your mouth with water between meals. This is especially important if you’re consuming foods or beverages that commonly stain teeth, such as red wine, coffee, tea, etc.
The best way to prevent the need for tooth whitening treatment is to maintain good oral hygiene. Always remember to stick to a good at-home care routine and visit your dentist regularly for exams and teeth cleanings.
Contact Us at Windy City Family Dental
If you’re struggling with dull, yellow, stained, or otherwise discolored teeth, Windy City Family Dental can help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our trained cosmetic dentists in Chicago. We’ll help you find the best way to brighten and whiten your smile.
