How long after braces are removed must I wait for whitening?

[Kymberlee]

My braces come off in November and I have planned to get my teeth whitened asap afterward but I've recently heard cautionary advise against it. Anyone have some insight here?

[SDFD TSchott]

There is no reason not to. If you don't have any fillings in your front teeth or any cosmetic work done for straightening, like any kind of veneers, yes go ahead.

Make sure they got all the adhesive off your teeth before you do so! If there is any of that stuff still on the surface of your tooth it won't whiten and you will get very patchy looking result.

Good luck!

[drrick]

I suggest you wait a little while before whitening.

6 weeks is generally a safe amount of time (wait 3 months before any significant anterior cosmetic dentistry -- veneers, etc)

Your gingival tissues may be a bit enlarged after braces and if you get whitening the whitening may not go all the way down to the neck of the tooth (which is the hardest part to whiten anyway) Also retention at this stage is critical and when you are whitening you do not have your rets in.

[lindesd]

I suggest you wait a little while before whitening.

6 weeks is generally a safe amount of time (wait 3 months before any significant anterior cosmetic dentistry -- veneers, etc)

Your gingival tissues may be a bit enlarged after braces and if you get whitening the whitening may not go all the way down to the neck of the tooth (which is the hardest part to whiten anyway) Also retention at this stage is critical and when you are whitening you do not have your rets in.

Dr. Rick, would bonding be considered significant cosmetic surgery?

[drrick]

If it is just the edges I would say no.
If it approaches the gum tissue (for diastema closure, etc) I would say yes