Professional Teeth Whitening After Orthodontic Treatment

Professional teeth whitening is an easy and quick way to improve a person's smile. Many people schedule this type of treatment to help their teeth look brighter while removing stains. It can be especially helpful for patients who have recently completed orthodontic treatment.

Why orthodontic treatment can stain teeth

There are many important reasons to have your teeth professionally straightened, including:

• Improving digestion
• Relieving or preventing oral or facial pain
• Helping with speech issues

Still, most people choose orthodontic treatment to help improve the appearance of their smile. However, these treatments can still leave teeth looking unsightly because of the staining that can develop during the process.

Traditionally, teeth are straightened with the help of braces, which involves placing brackets, wires, and bands around the teeth. This makes thorough brushing and flossing very difficult, leaving food particles behind to stain tooth enamel. Modern developments allow some patients to use clear aligner trays as an alternative to braces. However, this still involves mounting appliances to certain teeth to help the trays stay in place and can result in some minor yet noticeable color differences on teeth. Fortunately, professional teeth whitening can remove these stains for a whiter smile.

What to expect during a teeth whitening treatment

Once your orthodontic treatment is finished and all appliances have been completely removed, you can schedule an appointment with a dentist for a professional whitening treatment. Some people choose to have them done only every so often, such as once a year. Others return for treatment every few months to maintain a whiter smile.

The procedure is quick and very simple. To start, the dentist will provide protective eyewear because lights will be used during the treatment to help expedite the process. Your teeth will be checked and cleaned as needed. Dental dams, gauze, or a lip retractor may be used to keep the teeth dry and away from the soft tissues during the process.

Once the mouth is prepped, the dentist will apply a whitening gel to the surfaces of the teeth. The gel contains a hydrogen peroxide solution, which helps open tooth enamel and removes stains. The use of a UV light helps to activate the peroxide and enables it to work faster and more efficiently. After a few minutes, the treatment is complete.

The gel will continue to whiten your teeth for the next day or so and the enamel pores will remain open. It is important to stick to a white-food diet during this time and avoid anything that may cause new stains. Some patients experience an increase in tooth sensitivity during this time, but it should subside within a day or two.

There are some commonly asked questions about teeth whitening procedures.

Is it safe to use DIY home treatments?

You may wonder if you can replicate a teeth whitening procedure at home. It may seem like a good way to save the time and expense of a dentist visit. However, just because the dentist uses products you may already have at home, such as hydrogen peroxide, it does not mean you can complete the treatment effectively.

First, according to the National Capital Poison Center, hydrogen peroxide can be toxic if you ingest it in large amounts, so you would have to ensure you did not swallow any of it. Second, the concentration and exposure time your dentist uses is optimal. You might not be able to achieve the same ratios at home.

Baking soda is also known for its ability to whiten teeth. However, it can also be very abrasive. Misusing baking soda can increase your tooth sensitivity and damage your enamel. Despite online claims of the perfect ratio of home products for tooth whitening, you are taking a risk when you try to treat yourself.

How can you extend the benefits of teeth whitening?

Eating the right foods can help you keep your teeth whiter longer after treatment. Highly pigmented foods can cause your teeth to discolor. These foods include wine, berries, coffee, tea, curry, and pasta sauces. Try avoiding these foods to keep your teeth from staining.

On the other hand, tart foods increase your saliva production, which washes away tooth-staining food debris. Try eating citrus foods such as lemons, grapefruit, and tart apples.

Conclusion

Orthodontic treatment is a great way to improve the look of your smile. The process can cause unsightly stains, but these can easily be removed by a professional teeth whitening session. By taking advantage of both of these treatments, you can enjoy a straighter smile without sacrificing a bright, white hue.

Request an appointment here: https://www.bryancousindmd.com or call Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of the North Shore at (781) 443-8268 for an appointment in our Swampscott office.

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