Drinks and food are not the only things capable of staining your teeth, braces can too. And once there are stains on your teeth, brushing might not be enough to brighten the teeth. Whitening agents are more suitable in this case. The good news though is that you don’t have to pull off your braces to get those white and beautiful teeth you desire.
One way to get white teeth while wearing braces is by using whitening products and also purchasing the best toothbrush for braces. However, using whitening teeth products while using braces often results in uneven shades of teeth. This is because it’s often difficult for the whitening agent to get to the areas concealed by the brackets; these whitening products are also often unable to get to areas where the teeth overlap and shift.
But when used properly, these whitening products are like magic. There are various types of whitening options depending on the type of braces purchased. Some of the whitening options to consider include:
All medical content on this site, including this guide and other product reviews, is written by our team of experienced writers and researchers. All writers from The Toothbrush Expert are recommended and reviewed in the industry. You support us through our editorially chosen links, which earn us commission. Learn more
All of our picks have the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance.
1 – Whitening mouthwash and toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste contains elements such as silica and other particles to scrub away stains from the surface of the teeth. Some others also contain chemicals that help to dissolve the stains. Also, mouthwashes are ideal; they not only freshen one’s breath but also protect the teeth against stains.
To achieve the best result, apply the paste two to three times daily while the mouthwash can be applied at least once a day. Mouthwashes and toothpaste are cheap—toothpaste costs between $10 to $15, while mouthwash costs between $5 to $30.
2 – Electric toothbrush
Electric brushes are more effective in removing surface stains and whitening the teeth. They do not contain chemicals; thus, they are safer to use. A good electric toothbrush cost anywhere between $30 to $120 and can be purchased from any online store.
3 – Whitening Trays
The following product is a lot harder to use due to the brackets. Whitening trays can also be used to clean up the teeth and make them white while wearing braces. Whitening trays involve the use of a bleaching gel and a whitening tray molded to fit your teeth. Place a small portion of the gel on the tray and then insert the customized tray on your teeth for about 30 minutes to an hour. Do this every day for 2 to 3 weeks to achieve the desired result.
The cost of whitening trays varies but could cost anywhere between $30 to $100. Note that bleaching trays are not ideal for traditional metal braces; they only work for detachable aligners and lingual braces.
4 – Whitening Strips
The following product is a lot harder to use due to the brackets. Whitening strips are home-use whitening methods that are effective, safe, and affordable. These strips contain either peroxide or bleaching agents and are designed to remove stains from the surface of the teeth. To enable the strip to work effectively, apply over the teeth once or twice a day for about 45 minutes. If you wear an invisalign it is possible, but with brackets it is impossible.
Final Thought
Dental braces are ideal for aligning the teeth, correcting overcrowding and bad bites, thus resulting in brighter smiler, healthier teeth, and increased confidence. However, this often comes at the cost of white teeth. Having white teeth while wearing braces is achievable, albeit challenging. All that’s needed is proper oral hygiene, discipline, and consistency.
Dr Michael Jones is the proud founder of The Toothbrush Expert. He has been working as a dentist for 21 years now. Besides his work as a dentist, Michael wants to help people to find the right dental products. His goal is to provide everyone with honest expert reviews on all kinds of dental care products.