Quick answer
The best time to bleach your teeth is typically after getting your braces off. Bleaching too soon before braces can damage your teeth and lead to issues with bonding the brackets. Bleaching while you have braces is also very difficult and less effective. Get any major teeth whitening done once your braces are removed for the safest, most effective results.
Should you bleach before braces?
It’s generally not a good idea to whiten your teeth right before getting braces for a few reasons:
- Whitening too soon before bonding brackets can weaken enamel and cause issues with properly adhering the brackets to your teeth.
- Results will be less noticeable. Braces cover most of the surface of your teeth.
- Whitening won’t last as long. Your teeth are more likely to become stained again during orthodontic treatment.
Most orthodontists recommend waiting until after your braces are removed to do any major teeth whitening treatments. At minimum, you’ll want to wait 2-4 weeks after bleaching before getting your braces put on.
However, touch-up whitening that only brightens a few shades can sometimes be done right before braces as long as you wait at least 2 weeks before bonding. Talk to your orthodontist first.
Should you bleach during braces?
Bleaching your teeth while you have braces on is possible but challenging. Here are the downsides:
- Braces cover most of your teeth, limiting the surface area you can whiten.
- The brackets and wires make it very hard to properly apply bleaching products.
- Irritation is more likely since bleaching increases tooth sensitivity.
- Stains can still occur around brackets or under bands.
While inconvenient, using hydrogen peroxide-based whiteners in a mouthguard or paint-on strips can lighten teeth a couple shades during orthodontic treatment. Just avoid overuse as too much bleaching can damage enamel over time.
For any major whitening, it’s best to be patient and wait until your braces are off. Temporary options like whitening toothpaste, gels, and removal trays can help maintain your current level of brightness.
Should you bleach after braces?
Getting your teeth professionally whitened after your braces come off is the most effective strategy. Here are some key reasons to wait:
- All tooth surfaces are accessible for whitening with the braces off.
- Braces protect teeth from new stains.
- Results last longer post-treatment.
- No risk of compromising orthodontic appliances.
- Professional options like in-office bleaching work best.
Plan to get your teeth whitened 2-4 weeks after your braces are removed. This allows time for any temporary sensitivity or discharged cement on teeth to resolve.
How long should I wait to bleach after braces?
Most orthodontists recommend waiting at least 2 weeks after getting your braces off to whiten your teeth. This gives your teeth time to physiologically recover from having braces on them.
The exact time frame can vary depending on factors like:
- How long you had braces on
- Amount of bonding cement used
- General gum/tooth sensitivity after braces
Two to 4 weeks is a good general guideline to allow discharge and adhesive to fully clear from tooth surfaces. Wait longer if you experience sensitivity or irritation from your braces. This ensures your teeth and gums are in optimal health for bleaching.
What’s the best way to bleach after braces?
Professional in-office whitening performed by your dentist is usually the most effective option after orthodontic treatment. Common choices include:
- In-office bleaching – Whitening gel is applied to teeth and activated by a special light to lift 15+ shades in one visit.
- Take-home trays – Custom trays are filled with carbamide peroxide gel to safely bleach teeth over 1-2 weeks.
- Whitening strips – Disposable strips coated with hydrogen peroxide can whiten slightly in just a few days.
Over-the-counter strips or paint-on gels from your local drugstore can also work moderately well. Just be aware these take longer and won’t produce the same dramatic results as professional whitening.
In-office vs. at-home whitening after braces
| In-Office Whitening | Take-Home Whitening Trays |
|---|---|
| Much faster, brighter results in one visit | More gradual lightening over days/weeks |
| 15+ shades of whitening possible | Lightens typically 8-10 shades |
| Higher risk of tooth sensitivity | Lower sensitivity due to slower peroxide exposure |
| Higher long-term relapse rate | Results can last 1-3 years with touch-ups |
| Higher cost for single treatment | More affordable overall for take-home system |
While instant, in-office power bleaching is tempting, take-home whitening often provides longer-lasting results over time with less sensitivity. But combining both can deliver a fast initial brightening followed by periodic touch-ups at home.
What are the risks of bleaching after braces?
Side effects from teeth whitening are usually mild and temporary but increase with excessive bleaching. Potential risks include:
- Tooth sensitivity – Common 1-2 days after bleaching due to dehydration of enamel.
- Gum irritation – Peroxide can inflame gums if whitening products contact soft tissues.
- Throat/digestive irritation – Can occur if bleaching gel is swallowed.
- Tooth defects – Repeated bleaching over time can weaken enamel.
- Color relapse – Teeth gradually dim again without occasional touch-up treatments.
Properly following your dentist’s post-whitening instructions reduces the likelihood of complications. Overuse of peroxide whiteners or inadequate oral hygiene practices increase the risk.
How to prevent stains after whitening
To prolong your brightened smile after bleaching, be diligent about your daily oral hygiene and avoid stain-causing habits like:
- Drinking dark sodas, coffee, teas, or red wine
- Smoking tobacco products
- Chewing or sucking on candy
Also, be sure to:
- Brush thoroughly twice a day
- Floss at least once daily
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash
- Drink through a straw to bypass some staining
- Get regular dental cleanings every 6 months
Being consistent with basic oral hygiene and limiting discoloring foods/drinks helps keep your teeth whiter longer after braces. Avoid behaviors that dry out your mouth as well.
How white can I realistically get my teeth after braces?
Most people can safely bleach their teeth to become approximately 8 to 12 shades lighter after braces. However, the final whiteness depends on factors like:
- Your initial tooth color and staining
- Thickness of enamel
- Natural whiteness of your teeth
- If you have restorations that won’t lighten
Teeth naturally range from light yellowish-grey to almost translucent white. Very dark or grayish teeth tend to bleach more dramatically than teeth that are already fairly light. But nearly all teeth can be lightened at least slightly with professional whitening treatments after orthodontics.
Talk to your dentist about achievable levels of whitening based on an exam of your unique tooth characteristics. Realistic expectations help you be satisfied with your level of oral brightness.
How long does teeth whitening last after braces?
On average, teeth whitening results can last:
- In-office power whitening: 6 months to 1 year
- Dentist-provided take-home trays: 1 to 2 years
- Over-the-counter products: Less than 6 months
Without periodic touch-up treatments, your teeth will gradually relapse and dim again from stain build-up over time after bleaching. This re-darkening process occurs at varying rates based on your oral habits.
To sustain a bright smile long-term, get professional take-home trays from your dentist so you can periodically refresh your whitening results as needed down the road after orthodontics.
Conclusion
For the best cosmetic outcome, have your teeth professionally whitened around 2 to 4 weeks after getting your braces removed. This allows time for any oral sensitivity or adhesive residue to resolve while taking advantage of freshly straightened teeth. Stick with daily oral hygiene and limit staining foods or drinks to keep your bright smile lasting as long as possible!