If you’ve had braces on for several months or years, you might notice that some of your teeth are lighter in color. It is caused by the brackets affixed to your teeth that shielded the enamel from contact with the food and beverages you have consumed. The resulting uneven appearance will fade with your saliva over time.

However, some patients would rather not wait and opt to have professional teeth whitening done as soon as their braces are taken off to make their freshly straightened smile even more radiant. And this is completely common. You spent a lot of time, money, and effort straightening your teeth, so it only makes sense that you ensure they are as white and clean-looking as possible. However, it’s crucial to visit your dentist for a dental checkup and cleaning before your teeth whitening treatment.

Common causes of teeth stains after wearing braces

After getting braces off, your teeth won’t always be white. It primarily depends on how well you take care of your teeth throughout the postoperative phase. Your teeth will stay pearly if you practice good dental hygiene. Nevertheless, despite your best efforts, you can still have stains on your teeth.

Consuming beverages, including tea, coffee, juice, wine, and soda – that can stain the tooth enamel can result in stains. These beverages tend to stain behind your braces because you can’t clean the enamel below your brackets very effectively, which can leave you with discoloration on your teeth.

White spots are another typical problem. You could get white spots around your brackets if you don’t brush thoroughly. Enamel demineralization, which occurs when acidity drains the minerals on your teeth, is what causes them. Fluoride treatments and teeth whitening can restore them.

How to get your teeth whitened after braces?

Although over-the-counter solutions are readily available, if you want the best results for your smile and for yourself, you should visit your dentist or orthodontist for professional teeth whitening. They often use stronger products that will whiten your teeth more quickly. Additionally, they are aware of the chemicals that go into each product, so they can ensure the components are safe for you, safeguarding the fragile enamel on your teeth and gums. The teeth-whitening process can either be done in-office with a powerful whitening machine or at home with bleaching trays and gel.

How soon after braces can teeth be whitened?

Waiting at least six months to whiten your teeth after having your braces removed is generally advised by experts since your teeth may temporarily feel weak and sensitive after having your braces removed. It will prolong the process and increase comfort and effectiveness by giving your teeth ample time to strengthen and acclimate to life without braces. Give saliva a few months to work its magic before opting to have your teeth whitened by a certified dentist or orthodontist. Remember that saliva will significantly lessen the intensity of the discoloration over time.

Do teeth whitening side effects occur?

Although teeth whitening is completely safe, you could suffer from certain side effects, such as the following:

• Teeth and gums sensitivity
  Some patients experience sensitive gums or teeth during and after teeth whitening procedures. It results from the dentin layer becoming exposed during whitening. Tell your dentist if you’ve ever experienced sensitive teeth or gums while eating, brushing, or during prior brightening procedures. There may be a whitening technique that may work better for you.
  
  

• Gum irritation
  Soft tissue irritation may result when the whitening solution touches the gum tissue during the procedures. Your gums will appear white and painful as a result. Any exposure to concentrated hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide should be avoided at all costs. Most of the time, the discomfort and whiteness go away quickly, but persistent contact with these substances might lead to gum inflammation.

How long does teeth whitening last?

The duration of teeth whitening can vary depending on the technique you apply. When you had braces, maintaining proper oral hygiene and visiting your dentist for regular cleanings will keep your teeth white for as long as possible.

With time, stain-causing foods and beverages, smoking, and some medications, your teeth will be yellow. Visit your dentist when the timing is right for a follow-up procedure to whiten your teeth further.