No, teenagers should not whiten their teeth while wearing traditional braces. Teeth whitening treatments only work on exposed tooth surfaces, so the areas covered by brackets would remain their original color, resulting in uneven, spotted teeth when braces come off. The good news is that whitening works beautifully after braces are removed, and there are steps your teen can take now to minimize staining during orthodontic treatment.
If your teenager is unhappy with the color of their teeth during braces, or you are planning ahead for when their braces come off, this guide covers everything you need to know about whitening and braces.
Why You Should Wait Until Braces Come Off
Whitening during traditional braces creates problems that are difficult to fix.
- Brackets block whitening agents. The metal or ceramic brackets bonded to the front of each tooth prevent whitening gel from reaching the enamel underneath. When braces are removed, the areas under the brackets will be a different color than the rest of the tooth.
- The result is uneven, two-toned teeth. Imagine each tooth with a darker square in the middle where the bracket was. This is the opposite of what your teen wants and can be worse than not whitening at all.
- Orthodontic adhesive creates a barrier. The bonding material used to attach brackets seals off the enamel underneath. Whitening agents cannot penetrate this barrier while braces are in place.
- It wastes money. Professional whitening during braces will only partially work, leaving you paying for another full treatment after braces are removed anyway.
The best approach is to focus on keeping teeth as clean and stain-free as possible during braces, then whiten after treatment is complete.
What Causes Yellow Stains Around Braces?
Understanding why staining happens during braces helps you prevent it.
- Plaque buildup around brackets. Braces create many small spaces where food particles and bacteria accumulate. Even with good brushing, it is harder to clean around brackets, wires, and bands. Plaque that is not removed hardens into tartar, which traps stains.
- Food particles trapped in wires and bands. Every meal leaves debris stuck in orthodontic hardware. If not cleaned promptly, this debris feeds bacteria and contributes to staining and decay.
- Consumption of staining foods and drinks. Soda, coffee, tea, sports drinks, and deeply colored foods stain teeth faster when braces make cleaning difficult.
The good news is that most staining during braces can be prevented with proper oral care.
How to Prevent Staining While Wearing Braces
Prevention during treatment is much easier than correcting stains afterward.
- Brush after every meal. Food sitting on teeth causes staining and decay. Brushing after each meal removes debris before it can cause problems. If brushing is not possible, at least rinse thoroughly with water.
- Use proper brushing technique around brackets. Angle the brush at 45 degrees to get bristles under the wire and around each bracket. Brush the top, front, and bottom of each bracket individually.
- Use interdental brushes. These small brushes fit between brackets and under wires to clean areas a regular toothbrush cannot reach. Use them at least once daily.
- Floss daily with a floss threader. Threading floss under the wire takes extra time, but flossing removes plaque between teeth that contributes to staining.
- Attend regular dental cleanings. Professional cleanings during orthodontic treatment remove plaque and tartar that brushing misses. Most dentists recommend cleanings every six months, or more frequently for patients with braces.
Can Whitening Toothpaste Help During Braces?
Whitening toothpaste is generally safe to use during orthodontic treatment, with some caveats.
- Whitening toothpaste provides minimal actual whitening. These products remove surface stains through mild abrasives, but they do not change the color of the tooth itself. The effect is subtle.
- It will not cause uneven coloring. Because whitening toothpaste does not bleach teeth, you do not have to worry about areas under brackets becoming a different shade.
Whitening toothpaste is a helpful maintenance tool during braces, but it is not a substitute for professional whitening after treatment.
Whitening Options After Braces Are Removed
Once braces come off, your teen has several excellent whitening options.
- Professional dental cleaning first. Before any whitening treatment, a thorough cleaning removes plaque, tartar, and surface stains. Many teens see noticeable improvement in tooth color from cleaning alone.
- Custom take-home whitening trays. A dentist creates trays fitted to your teen’s newly aligned teeth. Your teen applies professional-strength whitening gel at home over two to four weeks for gradual, even results. The trays can be reused for touch-ups in the future.
- In-office professional whitening. For faster results, professional whitening at the dental office can lighten teeth several shades in one appointment. This option is ideal for teens who want immediate improvement for a special event.
“Results are typically seen in 2 to 4 weeks with take-home trays,” says Dr. Yury Slepak, board-certified pediatric dentist at Bite Squad Dental of NYC. “We recommend custom-fit trays because they ensure even coverage and let patients maintain their results at home.”
How Long to Wait After Braces for Whitening
Timing matters for the best whitening results after orthodontic treatment.
- Most dentists recommend waiting at least one to two weeks after braces are removed. This allows gums to heal from bracket removal and any sensitivity to subside.
- Professional cleaning should happen first. Schedule a cleaning appointment soon after braces come off. This removes any buildup from treatment and prepares teeth for whitening.
- Addressing white spots may take priority. If your teen has white spots from demineralization during braces, the dentist may recommend remineralization treatment before whitening. Whitening can make white spots temporarily more noticeable.
White Spots After Braces: A Different Problem
White spots are not the same as yellow stains and require different treatment.
- White spots are areas of demineralized enamel. They occur when acids from plaque damage the enamel surface around brackets. This is a structural problem, not just surface discoloration.
- Whitening does not fix white spots. In fact, whitening can temporarily make white spots more noticeable by lightening the surrounding tooth while the spots remain chalky white.
- White spots require remineralization treatment. Fluoride varnishes and products containing calcium and phosphate can help restore minerals to damaged enamel over time.
If your teen has both white spots and yellow staining after braces, the dentist will create a treatment plan that addresses both issues in the right order.
Post-Braces Whitening at Bite Squad Dental of NYC
At Bite Squad Dental of NYC, we help teens complete their smile transformation after orthodontic treatment. Dr. Yury Slepak is a board-certified pediatric dentist with over 20 years of experience caring for children and teens in Brooklyn.
Our post-braces whitening services include:
– Professional cleaning to remove buildup from orthodontic treatment
– Evaluation for white spots or other issues that need attention first
– Custom-fit take-home whitening trays designed for your teen’s newly aligned smile
– Pediatric-safe whitening gels with appropriate concentrations for developing teeth
– Clear guidance on timing and maintenance
With over 1,950 five-star Google reviews, Brooklyn families trust us for gentle, effective care. Our office at 2464 Coney Island Ave is designed to make teens feel comfortable.
Is your teen getting braces off soon? Call us at 718-998-2424 to schedule a consultation. We will evaluate their teeth and create a plan for achieving the bright, straight smile they have been waiting for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whitening strips while wearing braces?
No. Whitening strips only whiten exposed enamel, leaving the areas under brackets darker. This creates an uneven, spotted appearance when braces are removed. Wait until after braces to use any whitening products.
Will my teen’s teeth be yellow when braces come off?
Some discoloration is common after orthodontic treatment, especially if oral hygiene was difficult to maintain. However, professional cleaning and whitening can address this. Preventing stains during treatment with proper brushing and limiting staining foods helps minimize discoloration.
How much does whitening cost after braces?
Professional cleaning is often covered by insurance or costs $100 to $200. Take-home whitening trays typically cost $200 to $400, and in-office whitening ranges from $300 to $800. Many families budget for whitening as part of the overall orthodontic investment.
Can Invisalign patients whiten during treatment?
Yes. Because Invisalign aligners are removable, patients can take them out to whiten with strips or even apply whitening gel inside the aligners. This is one advantage of clear aligners over traditional braces. Consult your dentist for specific guidance.
How do I get rid of white spots after braces?
White spots require remineralization treatment, not whitening. Products containing fluoride, calcium, and phosphate can help restore minerals to damaged enamel. For stubborn spots, treatments like resin infiltration or microabrasion may be recommended. Your dentist can evaluate the spots and suggest the best approach.
Disclaimer
Medically reviewed by Dr. Yury Slepak, DDS.
This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.