If you choose to straighten your smile with braces, you may be disappointed to see uneven discoloration after your braces have been removed. The good news is that this doesn’t need to be a permanent problem. Professional teeth whitening can help to lift stubborn stains from the teeth, leaving you with a more uniform, even smile. Continue reading to learn why teeth can become discolored during orthodontic treatment and possible solutions.
How Do Braces Discolor Teeth?
Teeth can become discolored during orthodontic treatment due to the foods you eat, tobacco use, and your oral hygiene. While these things can cause staining at any time, their effects can feel heightened due to the increased focus on your teeth after your braces have been removed. If you’ve had braces for a long time, you may notice differences in color on your teeth because the brackets are adhered to the teeth protecting the enamel from exposure in those areas. The saliva in your mouth will help to reduce this uneven appearance over time. However, some patients prefer to whiten their smile to reduce staining quickly.
Ways to Whiten Your Teeth After Braces
Depending on the sensitivity of your teeth, you may want to wait a few months after you get your braces removed before you whiten your smile. Here are your options:
- Over-the-Counter Whitening Products: This includes whitening strips, whitening toothpastes, whitening pens, and whitening trays. This products are affordable, but have less effective whitening agents, so it can take a long time before you see any results.
- Professional At-Home Whitening: If you want to whiten your smile in the comfort of your own home, at-home teeth whitening is an excellent option. Your dentist will provide you with custom-made trays and a whitening solution that is stronger than anything you can find over the counter. In about two weeks, you will see beautiful results.
- Professional In-Office Whitening: For those who want quick, dramatic results, in-office teeth whitening is an excellent solution. Your smile can be whitened 5 to 10 shades in as little as an hour! Results can last anywhere from a few months to a couple of years depending on how well you care for them.
Now that you’ve finished your orthodontic treatment, teeth whitening may be the icing on top that you are looking for. You will be showing off your newly straight smile with confidence in just a matter of time!
About the Author
Dr. Khushboo Gandhi has been working in the field for nearly two decades. She earned her dental doctorate from the Oklahoma College of Dentistry and still takes continuing education classes at Baylor College of Dentistry. Currently, she is a proud member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, and Texas Dental Association. To learn more about teeth whitening or to schedule an appointment at her office in Murphy, visit her website or call (972) 532-6506.