Yellowing of teeth.... and whitening whilst in braces....???

[Fionisimma]

Is it just me or is it common for teeth to really look yellow soon after getting braces - despite ongoing good oral hygiene....??? I'm only one week in Clarity SL ceramics and already my teeth (which aren't naturally really white) appear very yellow... Of course I've always loved drinking coffee but before braces, rinsing and brushing afterwards kept the bad staining away.... now, not so much..... Could the "etching" process at braces application have made my teeth even more prone to yellowing...????

Please don't tell me to quit coffee.... I'm still in the early sensitive teeth/ripped up inside of mouth due to hooks stage, so whilst I can't enjoy eating anything much that isn't sloppy or slippery, I do still get to savor a great big cup or two of my favorite brew....

My Orthodontist's office did tell me that I could do whitening whilst in braces. Has anyone done that?
If so, what did it involve/cost and what were the results like..?

Thanks for any advice!!!

[chichi]

I do believe braces make your teeth look yellower, especially ceramics. With the exception of a few people on here who have blindingly white teeth (I am jealous of all of them), the ceramics will almost always be whiter than your teeth, making your teeth look worse than they really are. So, drink your coffee and brush afterwards... you'll be fine

[Fionisimma]

Thanks ChiChi.... and also for posting your story - sounds as though you are a survivor of many of the early challenges that "newbies" like myself are dealing with.... It's definitely encouraging to know that things get better and/or easier to deal with....

[catwanabee]

It does get yellow faster, even with green tea for me. However, if you brush after it should go away =]

[chichi]

There has been some talk of the fact that your lips aren't in contact with the surfaces of your teeth so they're not "wiping" your teeth as they naturally would. Since you're brushing afterwards, I wouldn't worry.

And Fionisimma, I'm glad to share my story It's always nice to see what others are experiencing with their braces. It's also a comfort to know that there are others going through the same things and that we're not alone in this

[plugnickel69]

I whitened before braces and used a whitening toothpaste and whitening mouthwash throughout. Teeth looked white with braces and didn't even need to be whitened upon removal.

[Matilda]

I whitened before braces and used a whitening toothpaste and whitening mouthwash throughout.

I'm using a whitening toothpaste as well.

[SunshineRay]

What whitening toothpaste are you guys using? I have the same thoughts as the OP.

[Fionisimma]

I whitened before braces and used a whitening toothpaste and whitening mouthwash throughout. Teeth looked white with braces and didn't even need to be whitened upon removal.

Wish that I had whitened before braces too... but still hoping to hear from someone who has experience of whitening whilst in braces.....

In the meantime, which whitening toothpaste is best...???

Is whitening mouthwash worth it....??? I'm currently using a fluoride mouthwash after brushing but would a different one prior, help budge the yellow/matte looking dinginess that has become very apparent after the etching/application of ceramic braces...???

As always, input and advice are gratefully received....

[Matilda]

What whitening toothpaste are you guys using? I have the same thoughts as the OP.

I'm currently using Tom's of Maine Whitening toothpaste but I'll be soon switching to their Botanically Bright.

[plugnickel69]

I used and still use Optic White toothpaste (Colgate) and 3D White mouthwash (Crest). I do not like the 3D White toothpaste and Optic White mouthwash.

[28monthjourney]

I use Colgate Total whitening toothpaste (it's a thick toothpaste and annoying to spit out, but it's the best toothpaste I've found, it leaves my mouth feeling exceptionally clean. It doesn't bleach your teeth like some others though, it just removes surface stains).

[beckyboo0205]

Are you using the blue Crest Pro Health mouthwash?

[Sailrgrl]

When I asked why my teeth were so yellow at my first adjustment appointment, my ortho said they put on sealant when they applied my brackets, and it was the sealant that was yellowish in color. They removed it because i was so unhappy with the look of yellow teeth! They did say that, without the sealant, I should be very good with my oral hygiene, which I am.

Damon clear on top in May 2013, metal on bottom in Sept. 2013. Expected end date: Nov. 2014.

[Fionisimma]

When I asked why my teeth were so yellow at my first adjustment appointment, my ortho said they put on sealant when they applied my brackets, and it was the sealant that was yellowish in color. They removed it because i was so unhappy with the look of yellow teeth! They did say that, without the sealant, I should be very good with my oral hygiene, which I am.

Damon clear on top in May 2013, metal on bottom in Sept. 2013. Expected end date: Nov. 2014.

Thank you Sailrgrl for this info - I'm going to ask my orthodontist if they used sealant that could be exacerbating the rough/yellowed feel and appearance.....