Professional Teeth Whitening and Orthodontic Treatment
We understand how exciting it is to watch your smile transform during orthodontic treatment. Many of our patients at Fort Washington Orthodontics can’t wait to show off their beautifully straightened teeth, and we often hear questions about teeth whitening long before the braces come off. If you’ve been wondering when the right time is to brighten your smile, you’re not alone. The answer depends largely on the type of orthodontic treatment you’re receiving.
Why Braces Wearers Should Wait
If you’re wearing traditional metal or ceramic braces, we strongly recommend holding off on any form of teeth whitening until after your orthodontic treatment is complete. This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s actually crucial for achieving an even, consistent result.
Here’s why: when brackets are bonded to your teeth, they cover a significant portion of each tooth’s surface. If you whiten your teeth while wearing braces, the whitening agents can only reach the exposed areas around the brackets. When your orthodontist near me finally removes those brackets, you’ll be left with a checkerboard effect. The spots where brackets were attached will be noticeably darker than the surrounding tooth surface, creating an uneven appearance that’s difficult to correct.
Additionally, the whitening process can sometimes cause temporary tooth sensitivity. When you’re already adjusting to the pressure and occasional discomfort of braces being tightened, adding whitening sensitivity into the mix can make your mouth feel even more uncomfortable. We want your orthodontic journey to be as pleasant as possible, so it makes sense to save whitening for after your braces are removed.
Another consideration is that both at-home whitening kits and professional treatments require good access to your tooth surfaces. With brackets, wires, and rubber bands in the way, it’s nearly impossible to apply whitening products effectively. You’d be wasting your time and money on a treatment that simply can’t work properly with braces in place.
The Clear Aligner Advantage
The story is quite different if you’re straightening your teeth with clear aligners like Invisalign. Because these removable trays can be taken out for eating, drinking, and oral hygiene, they don’t present the same obstacles as traditional braces. In fact, many patients successfully pursue teeth whitening while undergoing clear aligner treatment.
If you’re searching for an “orthodontist near me” who offers clear aligner treatment, you’ll be pleased to know that whitening can often proceed alongside your orthodontic work. You can use whitening products during the times when your aligners are out, or in some cases, your dentist in Fort Washington might even provide custom whitening trays that work similarly to your aligners.
The key is coordination and professional guidance. We always recommend consulting with both your orthodontist and your dentist in Fort Washington before starting any whitening regimen during clear aligner treatment. This ensures that the whitening process doesn’t interfere with your orthodontic progress and that you’re using safe, effective methods.
Professional Whitening vs. Over-the-Counter Strips
Whether you’re planning to whiten during or after orthodontic treatment, you’ll need to decide between professional whitening and over-the-counter options like whitening strips. Understanding the differences can help you make the best choice for your smile.
Professional whitening, performed in our office, uses higher concentrations of bleaching agents than you can purchase at the drugstore. This means more dramatic results in less time. We can typically brighten your teeth by several shades in just one or two appointments. Additionally, professional whitening is customized to your specific needs. We can adjust the treatment to address particular areas of discoloration and monitor your progress to ensure optimal results while minimizing sensitivity.
Over-the-counter whitening strips, on the other hand, offer convenience and a lower upfront cost. They’re available at most pharmacies and can be used at home on your own schedule. However, they contain lower concentrations of whitening agents, so results develop more gradually and may not be as dramatic. The one-size-fits-all approach also means they might not fit your teeth perfectly, potentially leading to uneven whitening or gum irritation.
Planning Your Perfect Smile
We’re here to help you achieve not just straight teeth, but a brilliant, confident smile you’ll love showing off. If you’re currently in orthodontic treatment and dreaming of a whiter smile, we encourage you to discuss your goals with us. Together, we can create a timeline that ensures you get the best possible results from both your orthodontic work and your whitening treatment. Your beautiful smile is worth the wait, and the team at Fort Washington Orthodontics is excited to be part of your journey every step of the way.
