Whitening before braces? Good or bad?

[nancy13000]

Hello, I was wondering if getting your teeth whitened like using the strips would be a good or bad idea, since I want my teeth to be as white as possible before being braced. I have sensitive teeth now so will it make it worse or should I use baking soda? Im getting them on in 2 weeks. :)

[Crazy4Snow]

I whitened mine before braces, with Crest White Strips. They were a little sensitive when I got the braces on but I'd do it again. I wanted them as white as possible because I knew I wouldn't be able to whiten again until the braces come off.

[hazybubbles]

Bad idea if your teeth are crowded as you will only whiten the exposed parts. Unwhitened parts will come into view as the positioning improves and the differences in colour will make them look dirtier than if they had not been whitened at all.

[Angel269]

Do those Crest Strips actually work, have heard about them alot with non UK members?

[Crazy4Snow]

The whitestrips did okay, obviously they're not as good as the solution you get from your dentist. I also brush (once a week) with 1 teaspoon hydrogen peroxide mixed with 1 teaspoon baking soda and a dab of toothpaste. Mix that altogether and then brush for about 2 minutes. It will help maintain the whiteness you achieve with bleaching.

When my braces come off, I will be fitted with invisalign retainers which I can also use as bleaching trays so I'm stoked about that!

[plugnickel69]

I whitened beforehand with a whitening product I get from my dentist. I use a whitening rinse and periodically brush with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.There's no need to have dingy teeth just because you have braces.

[nancy13000]

What kind of whitening rinse did you use? Right now I'm using baking soda until I get my braces put on next monday then I'll stop because obviously I don't want spots on my teeth. Thanks!

[plugnickel69]

You won't get spots. If anything, the areas under your brackets are protected and when the brackets are removed those areas will be whiter than the surrounding areas unless you keep using whitening products.

[kbenz]

I whitened before. I have clear uppers and I think it helped them be less noticable.

[Ellabelle]

Thanks for asking Nancy, I wondered this myself. My teeth get really sensitive when I've whitened, so I wasn't sure if it'd be a great idea right before the braces go on.

[nancy13000]

Thanks for the replies. I ended up using some baking soda for a few days. They're not perfectly white but they are better. I now have the clarity braces on and ouch does it hurt.

[dizzy34]

ive just got some whitening strips, crest professional to try. i get my braces on 28th november.

[BracedSurgeryStudent]

I did and it actually helped to have them all nice and white so they wouldn't get too dirty or look too gross as if I it would had I not done it.