Metal Mouth Message Board

I will be getting braces soon, but I also want to get my teeth whitened.

Is that something I should do before the braces go on? If teeth are whitened with braces, does the surface covered by a bracket not change colour?

I'm sure other people are way more qualified/experienced to answer this than myself, but I believe the braces make the teeth more prone to staining. Because of this I'm planning to get my teeth whitened after the braces

I whitened just before braces, practiced great oral hygiene during my 18 months in braces, used whitening toothpaste and whitening mouthwash the entire time. I got my braces off two weeks ago and everything looked great and all white. Don't even need whitening!

I whitened my teeth shortly before braces and I just got my braces off yesterday a year and half later. It appears that any yellowing or discoloration I had during braces was pretty much only on the glue because after the glue was removed, my teeth were as white as they were before braces. I used a whitening toothpaste throughout my treatment, as well. I agree with the above poster that great oral hygiene is key.

veginess wrote:I whitened my teeth shortly before braces and I just got my braces off yesterday a year and half later. It appears that any yellowing or discoloration I had during braces was pretty much only on the glue because after the glue was removed, my teeth were as white as they were before braces. I used a whitening toothpaste throughout my treatment, as well. I agree with the above poster that great oral hygiene is key.

I wish I had anticipated that. Good move.

I used the over the counter strips before braces. I am using whitening toothpaste and have my teeth cleaned by a hygienist every 3-4 months. I noticed that my teeth do look stained but that might be due to the braces. I have about 2-3 months to go so we will see then.

I think you can have your teeth whitened without fear. The unique sort of staining that often occurs while you are in braces (say, tea stains) is usually easily removed by routine dental polishing and/or quality oral hygiene.

I feel like I'm brushing more than ever but they're looking dingy - the teeth, not the braces.