Teeth Whitening & Wearing Braces: What to Know

Why Whitening With Braces Can Be Problematic

Traditional braces, whether metal or ceramic, are made up of brackets that are bonded directly to the surface of your teeth, along with wires that guide their movement. When you whiten teeth while wearing braces, the whitening agent cannot reach the enamel beneath the brackets. As a result, the exposed portions of your teeth may lighten while the covered areas remain unchanged. Once the braces come off, this uneven whitening effect becomes apparent, leaving unsightly patches where the brackets were attached.

Even using whitening toothpaste during orthodontic treatment can pose challenges. Many whitening toothpastes contain abrasive ingredients designed to polish stains off the surface of your teeth. However, these abrasives can wear down enamel over time and may not evenly clean around the brackets, leaving behind inconsistencies in your tooth color.

What About Clear Aligners & Lingual Braces?

There are some exceptions to the general advice against whitening teeth during orthodontic treatment. Patients wearing clear aligners or those who come to us with lingual braces may have more flexibility. Lingual braces are placed on the backs of your teeth, leaving the visible front surfaces untouched. This allows whitening treatments to be applied evenly across the front teeth.

For those in the midst of clear aligner treatment, whitening may be an option since the aligners are removable. However, there are important limitations. Aligners must be worn for 20–22 hours per day to be effective, meaning you would have minimal time to complete the teeth whitening process without disrupting your orthodontic progress. For most patients, it’s still smarter to wait until the aligners are no longer being worn consistently.

Benefits of Waiting to Whiten Teeth

Delaying whitening until after your braces are removed offers the best chance for achieving even, professional-looking results. When braces come off, we will polish away any residual bonding adhesive and ensure your teeth are fully cleaned, leaving a smooth surface that is ideal for whitening. You can then choose from various options, such as our teeth whitening services, a take-home kit from your general dentist, or over-the-counter whitening strips.

Waiting until after getting braces removed also ensures that any minor discoloration or staining that occurred during treatment is addressed comprehensively, without the risk of uneven whitening.

How to Maintain White Teeth With Braces

While whitening during orthodontic treatment may not be the best choice, there are plenty of ways to keep your teeth looking bright and healthy while wearing metal or ceramic braces:

1. Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene: Brush at least 2 times a day and floss daily to remove food particles and plaque that can cause discoloration.
2. Use a Non-Whitening Toothpaste: Opt for a toothpaste with fluoride to strengthen enamel and protect against cavities instead of one with abrasive whitening agents.
3. Rinse with Water: After consuming stain-causing foods or drinks, such as coffee, tea, or berries, rinse your mouth with water to minimize staining.
4. Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks: Limit your intake of dark-colored beverages like soda and red wine, as well as sticky or sugary snacks, to reduce the risk of stains.
5. Regular Dental Cleanings: Schedule professional cleanings with your general dentist to remove plaque and tartar buildup, keeping your smile fresh during treatment.