You may be unaware, but it is possible that your teeth may not appear even in color after having your braces removed. Especially when wearing traditional metal brackets and wires, the area directly underneath the bracket can appear discolored in comparison to the rest of your teeth. You may be looking for ways to address this problem, but can you whiten your teeth after braces? A local dentist explains why it is best to wait to avoid causing problems with your smile.
Why It’s Better to Wait
The moment your braces come off, you may notice that small bit of tooth enamel that appears a slightly different shade. It’s often the size of your metal brackets but can feel as if it is more noticeable than your braces.
It’s natural to want to immediately do something about your uneven appearance, but the truth is that you really should wait, and here’s why:
The first is that your teeth are likely to be more sensitive immediately following the removal of your braces. This is because they may not feel quite as strong as they did before orthodontic treatment. As a result, teeth whitening solutions may be uncomfortable.
The second reason is because of your saliva. Over time, its production may be enough to alleviate the discoloration and create a more even and balanced smile.
When Can Teeth Be Whitened?
Most dental professionals recommend that you wait at least six months before attempting to whiten your teeth after braces. This not only gives your smile time to become less sensitive, but it also gives saliva time to try and remove discoloration. If it still appears noticeable, teeth whitening may then be a viable option.
Of course, purchasing a store-bought kit will likely cause you more disappointment because of the watered-down products and ill-fitting trays or strips. Professional teeth whitening will ensure that you achieve optimal results thanks to professional-grade bleaching gel and customized whitening trays.
There is also the option of Icon Treatment, which is a new and innovative way to remove white spot lesions as they are known.
Because these can form as a result of orthodontic treatment, your dentist can use this form of micro-abrasion to expose the tiny channels inside the tooth before applying an etching material. When the resin is applied, it will be able to properly penetrate the tooth.
Once the resin is added to the tooth, it will soak it so that it bonds correctly and creates an even color. This occurs with the help of a curing light, which is used to harden the resin before the tooth is polished for a complete look.
The spots left behind by your braces don’t have to be permanent. There are options available to improve the look of your teeth, so don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist about what you can do to start seeing an even, beautiful smile.
About the Author
Dr. Joanne Bancroft has been practicing dentistry since 2003. Earning her dental degree from the State University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine in 2002, she completed a General Practice Residency at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. As one of Colorado’s Top Dentists in 2020, she and her team at J.B. Dental provide both professional teeth whitening and Icon Treatment to individuals who have white spots after wearing braces. If you want to say goodbye to your own orthodontic remnants, contact us at (720) 458-6561.