If you’ve recently had braces, congratulations on your beautiful new smile! Wearing orthodontic equipment can be a lot of work, and it can be challenging to keep your teeth looking their best during treatment. Now that you’re finally able to enjoy your gorgeous new grin, however, you may be noticing your smile isn’t quite as white as you’d like it to be. Enter professional whitening. If your teeth are braces-free and look a little lackluster, here’s how this safe, effective cosmetic treatment can help!
Professional Whitening vs. Over the Counter
When it comes to whitening your smile, many patients believe that saving a few dollars on OTC whitening kits or white strips from the store is a good idea. After all, why spend all that money when you can get the same results for less? But the truth is that OTC products don’t usually provide the same results as professional whitening. In fact, because they use diluted ingredients, they take much longer to work, thereby exposing your teeth to extended sensitivity and costing much more than you bargained for.
Professional Whitening after Braces
When you wear braces, it can be difficult to keep your teeth free of stains and discoloration, because your orthodontic equipment can make it harder to clean every surface of the tooth. Thus, when your braces come off, they may look discolored, stained, or simply dirty.
The first thing you should do is schedule an appointment with your dentist for an exam and cleaning. This will ensure that your teeth are healthy and strong and that there are no cavities or other injuries that need to be treated first. Furthermore, your professional cleaning will remove the built-on plaque that is preventing your smile from looking its best. Then, if you still have any stains or discoloration after, your dentist can discuss your whitening options once he knows your teeth are in good health.
In-office vs. Take-home Whitening
Now it’s time to decide which method of whitening you’d prefer; take home whitening kits can remove up to eight shades of discoloration in about two weeks. With your kit you’ll get a set of custom whitening trays that can be reused repeatedly, and if your teeth are in good health you can return to your dentist for refills as needed.
Conversely, in-office whitening can remove the same eight shades of staining, but in about one hour. You will need to make another appointment and return for touch ups, but this treatment is extremely convenient, especially if you have an upcoming event like a wedding or graduation that your smile needs to look its best for!
Remember, now that your braces are off, it’s natural to want to show off your smile. If stains or discoloration are leaving your teeth looking a little lackluster, don’t despair. Speak to your dentist about your professional whitening options and get ready to showcase your gorgeous new grin!
About Dr. Funk
Dr. Derek Funk is a proud, third-generation dentist! He earned his undergraduate degree at Brigham Young University, and his dentistry degree at UCLA School of Dentistry. To date, Dr. Funk has earned over 100 hours of continuing education in topics like dental implants, oral surgery, orthodontics, and cosmetic dentistry. If you’d like to discuss your options for professional whitening both after braces or for any other reason, please schedule a consultation with Sweeny Family Dental by visiting our website or calling us at 979-548-2184.