How to avoid yellowing while braces are on?

[nkbm]

I've only had my braces on for 5 months - clear ceramic on top and metal on bottom. But, my teeth appear dingy and yellowish and I cannot get them to look better no matter what I do. They do look slightly better when the bands are changed around the brackets, but it is the teeth themselves that are looking yellow, not the clear brackets. Does anyone have any ideas? I've tried baking soda w/ hydrogen peroxide but no change. Thanks for the advice!

[cei]

My dentist told me to use whitening toothpaste but that was of little help...I try to go in for a cleaning once in 6 months. My ortho removes the wire, I go to the dentist for the cleaning and then back to the ortho for re-wiring.

[nkbm]

Dear cei - thank you so much for your reply. I guess I'll just get them cleaned more often. And try a few of the whitening toothpastes, too. Appreciate your response.

[unspec]

I've avoided yellowing by starting out with yellow teeth probably jot the best advice but um going to get mine nice and straight them get them whitened.

[cei]

No problem, nkbm

[starfish88]

Yup I'm another one whos going to put up with it for another year and a bit and then get them whitened. I figure the braces are still the dominant part of my smile and white teeth won't really matter until I'm debraced...looking forward to it though.

[kbenz]

I'm noticing the same thing. Before braces I would whiten my teeth regularly. I use a whitening toothpaste and have my 6 month cleanings but I can tell I'm losing my pretty white color! If anyone finds a whitener you can use with bracees I would love to try it!