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Whitening Teeth with Braces
For many people, braces are a must if you want a straight smile and a healthy mouth. However, braces can also lead to dingy teeth if you aren't careful.
If you want to whiten your teeth with braces, it's important to do it carefully and to get your orthodontist's approval first. Here's what to keep in mind.
Stick to recommended cleaning procedures
It's important that you take extra time each day to clean your teeth while you have braces, and that you follow the instructions given to you by your orthodontist closely. Brush and floss your teeth as recommended, and be sure to ask your orthodontist for helpful tips if you need more guidance.
Start with whitening toothpaste
If you already have spots on your teeth that were there before you got braces, you might feel the urge to remove them during treatment. However, keep in mind that you will need to do another whitening treatment once your braces are off to even out the tone of your teeth. A good way to start is with a whitening toothpaste. These are safe to use with braces and don't cause sensitivity. They'll give your teeth a nice boost of whitening without the complications of other whitening products.
Talk to your dentist about in-office treatments
Although you can technically use whitening pens with braces, it's difficult to get a nice, thorough clean while you are using them. There are also some at-home whitening products that can actually damage your brackets. Instead, it might be worthwhile to invest in a professional treatment by your dentist or orthodontist. They can adjust your whitening treatment to accommodate for your braces and minimize sensitivity. If you are scheduled to have your braces on for a long time and want a brighter smile, this is a solution that could work for you.
Just because you have braces on doesn't mean you have to settle for dingy teeth. Talk to your orthodontist about the best ways to maintain a bright smile while having braces.