For several months, or perhaps even a few years, you probably eagerly looked forward to the day when your braces would get removed. You could not wait to see your new smile! However, you might have felt a bit of disappointment when your braces were taken off and you noticed that your teeth looked a little lackluster. Perhaps they had a bit of yellow on them or had spots of uneven coloration. Should you undergo teeth whitening after braces in Lebanon to brighten up your smile? This blog post discusses a few key things you should know before you schedule your cosmetic appointment.
Teeth Tend to Be More Sensitive After Braces
Orthodontic treatment uses continuous force over an extended period of time to push the teeth into their proper positions. Given that, it is easy to understand why teeth might be extra-sensitive once braces are removed. Unfortunately, teeth whitening formulas have the potential to worsen that sensitivity.
Since your cosmetic dentist wants you to be able to avoid the discomfort of highly sensitive teeth, they may not approve you for a whitening treatment right away after your braces are taken off. Most professionals recommend a waiting period of at least six months. Even if you plan to use over-the-counter whitening methods, it would be wise to hold off on treatment for a time.
Safe Teeth Whitening
Anyone who wants to whiten their teeth should take appropriate precautions, and this is especially important for people who have recently gotten their braces removed. The increased sensitivity of your teeth, combined with the possibility that your gums might be swollen, necessitates extra caution. Here are a few safety tips:
- If you opt to use an over-the-counter whitening product, be wary of trends and fads, such as charcoal. Instead, stick to using items that have a seal of approval from the American Dental Association.
- Make sure that any strips or trays that you use fit your teeth well. They should not apply any whitening formula to your gums or other soft oral tissues.
- Ask your dentist for guidance. They can provide personalized tips to make sure your whitening process is as smooth and successful as possible.
Your Teeth’s Color May Improve Naturally
During the six months between braces removal and your whitening attempt, you might be pleasantly surprised to find that the color of your teeth improves without any special intervention. This often happens as saliva reaches portions of the teeth that it could not previously touch. Now, it is able to wash away food particles and surface stains.
Additionally, since it is easier for you to clean your teeth without braces, your normal routine of brushing and flossing could also help to even out the color of your teeth.
There is no need to be overly worried if your teeth look a bit off-color immediately after your braces are removed. With patience, thorough oral hygiene, and help from your dentist, you may soon have a radiant, bright smile.
Meet the Practice
The dentists at Santavicca Dental Professionals are highly experienced oral care experts who are proud to offer a broad range of services, including take-home and in-office professional teeth whitening. If you have questions about how you can brighten up your smile, our team would be pleased to speak with you. Contact us at 603-215-7108.