At Lyons Orthodontics, we understand that it can be very challenging to keep your teeth clean and sparkling if you wear braces. You shouldn’t have to hide your beautiful smile even if you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment. Our team wants you to know that anyone with braces can benefit from teeth whitening products and techniques. Here are some of the teeth whitening products that Lyons Orthodontics in El Dorado Hills recommends to patients with braces.
Chairside Teeth Whitening
This procedure is also known as in-office teeth whitening. It requires one or two visits to your dentist in El Dorado Hills.
Dr. Tim Lyons, an orthodontist in El Dorado Hills, explains that the process involves applying a strong bleaching agent to your teeth. This application could be followed by shining a special light on the bleaching compound so that its effects are brought on faster.
Because the bleaching agent used during chairside teeth whitening is very strong, you are likely to leave the office with a brighter smile. However, this method can make your teeth have two color tones. The professionals at Lyons Orthodontics suggest that you undergo this procedure once your orthodontic treatment is completed, and all surfaces of your teeth can be reached by the bleaching agent. For people with brackets on the back surfaces of their teeth, there is no problem undergoing in-office teeth whitening at any time during your orthodontic treatment.
At-Home Teeth Whitening Trays
Dr. Tim Lyons, an orthodontist in El Dorado Hills, explains that at-home teeth whitening trays also come in a gel that is similar to what is used during in-office teeth whitening procedures. The only difference is that the concentration of the at-home teeth whitening gel is less than that of the chairside teeth whitening compound.
If you wear braces, the custom tray you will use as you whiten your teeth will be made once the braces are in place. This will ensure that there is ample room for the bleaching gel and the brackets of your braces in the tray that is made for you.
However, a small proportion of patients say that their teeth become more sensitive as they undergo their orthodontic treatment after using these trays to keep their teeth white. So, make sure you consult with your Folsom orthodontist about your desire to whiten your teeth. Our Lyons Orthodontics team will recommend the most appropriate product to use to avert these mild side effects.
Teeth Whitening Toothpastes
Another alternative that you can consider if you wear braces and would like to whiten your teeth at home is the whitening toothpaste. Toothpastes have mild abrasives that are effective in getting rid of stains on the surfaces of your teeth.
We asked our friend, Dr. Fardi Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, about how to keep your teeth white with braces. Dr. Farhat says it is important for you to note that whitening toothpastes will not work as well as whitening strips or in-office dental whitening. Dr. Tim Lyons, a Folsom orthodontist, wants you to know that your smile will be brighter once the whitening toothpaste removes the surface stains that were making your teeth look discolored.
The trick in reaping maximum benefits from these whitening toothpastes lies in your ability to reach behind the wires and brush there as well. Orthodontists in El Dorado Hills recommend that you use an interdental toothbrush to access the hard-to-clean areas covered by the brackets of your braces. In this way, you will not get an unpleasant surprise when the braces are finally removed by Dr. Tim Lyons and his team at Lyons Orthodontics only to reveal badly stained or even decayed sections on your teeth where the brackets sat.
As you can see, you have many options to select from if you wear braces and you would like to whiten your teeth. However, it is better for your overall dental health (and pocket) if you emphasize a preventive approach by brushing and flossing as recommended by your orthodontist in El Dorado hills. If, for some reason, your teeth are still stained, then you can visit Lyons Orthodontics, and our experts will advise you on the best way to whiten your teeth without putting your braces at risk.