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How to Whiten Teeth with Invisalign® or Braces
Posted on March 15th, 2023
How to Achieve A Whiter Smile During Orthodontic Treatment
We all want to have a bright, white smile, but this can be hard to achieve when you have braces on your teeth, or you’re using Invisalign® in Chicago to straighten your smile. This is because whitening agents aren’t meant to be used in conjunction with orthodontic treatments. However, there are some ways to quite literally get around orthodontic devices in order to whiten your smile.
Continue reading to find out what the best, most effective whitening methods are for patients undergoing Invisalign® therapy or other orthodontic care.
How to Whiten Your Teeth With Braces or Invisalign®
If you’re wondering how to make your teeth white with braces on, the answer is going to depend on what type of braces you’re wearing. Lingual braces, for example, sit on the backs of teeth, allowing for more options, such as in-office professional teeth whitening in Chicago, IL.
At-home whitening methods, such as whitening gels and strips, work wonderfully for individuals undergoing Invisalign® treatment. Invisalign® clear aligners are removable, therefore, it’s easy to use almost any treatments that involve leaving a whitening agent on your teeth. Professional in-office teeth whitening is also safe for patients using Invisalign®.
However, the same methods that are safe for patients wearing lingual braces or Invisalign® are not recommended for patients with traditional braces. This is because metal braces with brackets that sit on the fronts of teeth can lead to uneven whitening if gel, whitening strips, or even professional bleaching agents are applied to the surfaces of teeth and not beneath the brackets.
If you have traditional metal braces, the easiest and safest way to brighten your smile is to use whitening toothpaste and mouthwash in your everyday oral care routine. That means, brush your teeth at least twice a day with a whitening toothpaste recommended by your dentist, and use a whitening mouthwash at least once a day.
Additionally, you can use an electric toothbrush instead of a regular one, which will help get rid of stubborn plaque and keep your teeth clean. Some electric toothbrushes even come with a polishing mode that is made to eliminate surface stains. Interdental brushes, which are made to clean around brackets, wires, and between narrow spaces can also help keep your teeth white and healthy.
It’s also important to rinse your mouth with water between meals, especially if you are consuming foods or beverages that commonly stain teeth, such as red wine, coffee, tea, cola, balsamic vinegar, curry, etc.
Contact Us Today at Windy City Family Dental
If you’re struggling with dull, yellow, stained, or otherwise discolored teeth, our team of River North dentists at Windy City Family Dental can help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our trained cosmetic dentists in Chicago and find out exactly how best to brighten and whiten your smile.
