whitening after braces gone?

Message

#1 Post by **michael33** » Fri Jan 06, 2006 1:22 pm

How long after braces removed can I do professional whitening?

#2 Post by **Destor** » Fri Jan 06, 2006 4:57 pm

Wouldn't mind an answer to this myself, is there any amount of time you have to wait after having them removed?

#3 Post by **ThatsMrsGeek2U** » Fri Jan 06, 2006 5:28 pm

I am sure different orthodontists have different opinions on this, but mine told me I can bleach as soon as they come off if I want. I am waiting a week because I can't get into the dentist before then. If you have any puffiness of your gums you may want to wait for that to go down just because there will be a little tooth surface covered with gums that normally isn't...and it would not get bleached. He told me to wait for any bonding/crowns/etc until 6 weeks after they come off because your teeth need to "settle" before you do things that might change your bite.

#4 Post by **Evelyn** » Fri Jan 06, 2006 6:21 pm

I'm planning on trying out the Crest Whitestrips when I get my braces off since they're not as strong as proffesional whitening and won't be as harsh on puffy gums. I'll see how they work, and if I want any more whitening then I'll talk to my dentist at my next appt. on May 9. I think Mrs. Geek pretty much summed it up about the puffy gums, you might want to wait a while after you get your braces off just to let the puffiness go down.

#5 Post by **nvcarissa** » Fri Jan 06, 2006 10:45 pm

since they're not as strong as proffesional whitening and won't be as harsh on puffy gums

I have only used Crest White Strips once, for one week, twice a day. Toward the end of the week my gums were feeling tender and raw from the whitening. Just warning you that you may experience some discomfort. They work really well though!