Taking care of your braces is incredibly important! Your braces are durable, but they also need your support to stay in the best shape. We understand the temptation to whiten your teeth during your treatment, but are whitening strips a good idea?
According to the ADA (American Dental Association), teeth-whitening products are considered safe. However, it’s not a good idea to whiten your teeth during treatment with traditional braces. Whitening your teeth will only lighten the tooth surfaces that aren’t covered by your braces.
Although, if you choose Invisalign with us, you can whiten your teeth during your treatment! You’ll simply remove your aligners to whiten your teeth. If you have questions about whitening your teeth during Invisalign treatment, please reach out to us!
Whitening strips can cause several adverse effects too, and sensitivity can be one of them. While using whitening strips you may experience temporary dental sensitivity due to the key ingredient, hydrogen peroxide (a substance with strong bleaching properties).
Another side effect is gum irritation. This can last for several days—especially if you already suffer from gum sensitivity.
Before you purchase any whitening products, always look for the American Dental Association’s seal of approval. This means it’s safe when used correctly. And consult with one of our amazing orthodontists, Dr. Caudill and Dr. McNeight. We’ll help you make the best decision for your smile. We offer custom bleaching trays and gel to give you the best results!
Why are my teeth turning yellow with braces?
Are you worried about getting yellow teeth during your orthodontic treatment? Luckily, stained teeth can be easily avoided by prioritizing your oral hygiene!
At Caudill & McNeight Orthodontics, before any of our patients get braces, we always take the time to talk to them about the new hygiene habits they’ll need to adopt to prevent stained teeth. Here are the top four rules to keep your teeth pearly white throughout your treatment!
1. Brush your teeth
Brushing your teeth and tongue two to three times a day is critical! Brushing diligently prevents cavities from forming and prevents stains from forming on the exposed areas of your teeth. Plus, did you know that your mouth is home to over 6 billion bacteria at any given time?! Imagine the amount of bacteria your teeth are harboring if you don’t clean them regularly. Bacteria build-up on the teeth leads to tooth decay, discoloration, and bad breath. (Don’t forget to brush your tongue!)
2. Floss like a boss
Flossing is another critical part of your oral hygiene routine! We know it can be tricky to floss with braces on, so our amazing orthodontic team will take time to explain how to floss your teeth and show you how to do it the day you get your braces. Keep in mind that flossing can prevent gum disease and tooth decay too!
Bonus tip: A water flosser or WaterPik is an excellent option to add to your oral hygiene routine to clean plaque and food debris from between the teeth and around the gum line.
3. Say no to dyed foods and beverages
Be cautious of fast food, coffee, wine and soda beverages while undergoing your orthodontic treatment. They’re infamous for causing stains, because they use abrasive ingredients that expose the dentin (the layer of tooth material underneath the enamel) – which can cause the teeth to turn yellow.
Pro tip: Try to make minor changes in your fridge by opting for non-dyed foods, like bananas, dairy, tasty fruit smoothies, and scrambled eggs. And don’t forget to drink plenty of water!
4. Attend all of your appointments!
Last, but certainly not least, it’s important that you don’t miss any of your orthodontic appointments! Dr. Caudill or Dr Mcneight are here to guide you and advise you throughout your treatment. At your regular appointments, we’ll assess your progress and provide you with any resources you need to maximize your end results!
Committing to an effective oral hygiene routine, attending your regular orthodontic appointments, and visiting your dentist for professional cleanings every 6 months will ensure that you have dazzling, healthy teeth when your braces are removed and your new smile is revealed!
(If you prefer an orthodontic treatment that allows you to whiten your teeth during your treatment, consider Invisalign®! We offer Invisalign for kids, teens and adults.)
If you’re ready to start your smile journey, schedule your complimentary exam with us in Melbourne, Merritt Island or Viera today. Come smile in 321 style!
