Metal Mouth Message Board

Are whitening rinses, such as Listerine whitening rinses, okay to use while wearing braces? I have ceramic brackets on top and metal on the bottom. Just wondering what orthos advise on this topic. I guess I need to ask mine on the next visit.

I don't really see the point. If they work then your teeth would look funny when you get braces off as the area where the bracket was bonded would be yellower then the rest of the tooth. I'd just do some type of whitening tray or strip program once the braces come off.

Let me explain a little more. I'm 47 and just starting my 11th month in braces. I have clear ceramic brackets on top and metal the bottom. This is my first round of braces in my life and I'm so glad I made this decision to finally get braces. Estimated time of wear is 2 yrs.

One thing I haven't been able to do, of course, is wear my old whitening trays. I used to whiten my teeth about once every 6 months and did this for about 5 yrs. My teeth were very nice and white, but crowded and I have a crossbite. I believe the tooth surface under the glued brackets is remaining white. I want to use the whitening rinses to rid the tea stains, blueberry stains, etc.

My question is, can whitening mouth rinses be used with braces or are there reasons we should avoid them? I started using the Listerine whitening rinse and I think it really does a good job, especially after eating or drinking something that can stain the teeth. Do orthos recommend against using rinses? I guess I need to ask my ortho next time I see him.

Thanks for any feedback.