Having a white and bright smile can have a big impact on your self-confidence, but it’s not always easy to achieve. Braces often leave you with teeth that are less than perfect—they may be crooked or discolored.
Fortunately, there’s one thing you can do to improve your smile after braces: whiten your teeth. Here are some tips and tricks to whiten that freshly brace-free smile! While you can do some basic things at home, you’ll never reach a whiter smile than working with a dental professional!
Whitening with a Professional
If you’re looking for a whiter smile and don’t want to go through the hassle of wearing braces, there are several options available. One of these options is professional whitening.
Professional whitening is more effective than over-the-counter products because it uses higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (the active ingredient) and also provides better results when used in conjunction with custom trays that fit your teeth perfectly.
Professional whitening can only be done at your dentist’s office. If you want to get your post-brace teeth whiter faster, there’s no better way than visiting your dentist.
You may think that a DIY kit is cheaper than visiting your dentist, but this isn’t always true. The kits often include treatments that are ineffective or dangerous, and they don’t give you access to the same level of expertise as a professional.
Keeping Your Teeth White At Home
Drinking plenty of water will help keep your mouth clean and reduce staining on your teeth. It also helps prevent dry mouth, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease if left untreated long enough.
Both coffee and tea contain tannins, which stain the surface layers of enamel (the hard substance that makes up most of our teeth). So while they’re great for keeping us awake in college class (or work), they’re not so great for our smiles!
However, there are now exceptional brands made specifically for people who want to continue drinking these beverages but still want whiter teeth, like Verve Coffee Roasters or Tully’s Coffee Tea Company’s Mint Chocolate Chip Latte line.
While there are a few basic things you can do at home to whiten your teeth post-braces, we always recommend coming to a professional like Dr. Andres de Cardenas. At-home tactics pale in comparison to whitening treatments completed by a dentist.
The Bottom Line
If you’ve had braces, you’re probably well aware that they can cause teeth discoloration and sensitivity.
But what many people don’t know is that there are ways to reverse these effects. Whitening your teeth after braces is a great way to make them look whiter and healthier, even if it’s not as effective as getting veneers or crowns (which are permanent solutions).
The good news is that there are lots of options available: professional whitening at the dentist’s office; at-home kits in drugstores; over-the-counter treatments like Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips Professional Effects Vivid White toothpaste for sensitive gums; or home remedies such as baking soda mixed with water or hydrogen peroxide mixed with baking soda (it may take longer than other options but it costs nothing!).
However, keep in mind that whitening can be expensive–especially if done by a professional–so weigh whether its benefits outweigh its cost before deciding which method best suits your needs!
Feel Better About Yourself with Andres DeCardenas, MD
White teeth can help you feel better about yourself and make a great first impression.
Braces cause discoloration of your teeth, which is often referred to as tooth staining or “tartar.” A white smile may be one of the most important things to consider when getting braces, especially if you are looking for employment or pursuing a relationship.
To sum up, there are many reasons why you might want to whiten your teeth after braces. It’s a great way to improve your self-confidence and make sure that your smile looks its best. If you’re ready to get started but aren’t sure what method will be right for you, talk with a professional who can help guide you through the process or answer any questions along the way!
