Is it possible to whiten teeth immediately after removing braces?

At the moment when the doctor informed the patient that the treatment process is over and that the braces system can be removed, teeth whitening after removing the braces becomes the most significant and important aspect for the client of the dental clinic. This is explained simply, because having received the desired result in the form of an even and beautiful row of teeth, the patient often faces unpleasant side effects in the form of stains on the tooth enamel. To get rid of such troubles, it is necessary to perform whitening so that no plaque or tartar remains on the teeth.

Is it possible to whiten teeth after braces?

It is not difficult to understand a patient who, after removing braces, suddenly discovers spots of different colors on his teeth; his desire to whiten looks quite natural. Of course, you can whiten your teeth after removing braces, but you will have to wait a little, about a month, before starting this procedure. By the way, there are also situations when a specialist recommends increasing the waiting period due to the individual characteristics of the patient’s oral cavity and the poor condition of his teeth. Whitening is based on a chemical reaction, as a result of which the released active oxygen penetrates the upper layers of the teeth and brightens them. Such an intervention is stressful, hence some pain experienced by the patient after its completion.

In any case, there is no need to rush, even if the appearance of the jaw is so smooth and beautiful because of its color. There are two important aspects that support this statement:

• during the waiting period, the enamel will be restored and will no longer be depleted and weak;
• the natural color of some areas can be restored without external aggressive intervention.

How to do whitening?

The teeth whitening procedure is one of the most effective and highly popular among dental patients. Its rather high cost is not the most pleasant moment, but the result obtained justifies all financial investments and costs.

When contacting a dentist with a similar problem, you can count on the following methods to solve the problem:

• hygienic cleaning with the help of which removes plaque and tartar, and also restores the natural color of the enamel;
• laser cleaning, which requires perfect cleanliness but gives excellent results;
• the use of special whitening strips that remove the yellow color of teeth and return them to their natural color.

Advantages and disadvantages of whitening

The key advantage of the whitening procedure is manifested in a person’s beautiful snow-white smile. In addition, yellow teeth are not only not very beautiful, but also not very stable, and this is not only a problem with the appearance of the teeth. Whitening makes it possible to get rid of plaque and tartar, prevents the growth of bacteria in the oral cavity, and accordingly the risk of developing caries is reduced.

However, whitening also has disadvantages, in particular the likelihood of certain complications, which are not difficult to avoid; it is necessary to visit the dentist in a timely manner to diagnose the condition of the enamel.

Why is there a need for teeth whitening?

A very common unpleasant surprise for patients who have undergone treatment with braces, which is not possible to predict in advance, is a change in color in areas of the enamel not covered by the system. The most likely cause of such unattractive stains is eating foods with dyes, smoking and insufficient attention to oral hygiene. The bracket system serves as reliable protection against darkening, but after its removal, a real color imbalance is observed, which has to be restored with the help of bleaching.

How to care for braces after eating

Caring for braces requires thorough adherence to the rules of oral hygiene. There are several rules for caring for structures that guarantee a beautiful smile and straight, healthy teeth. At the same time, hygiene will not require any special effort from a person - just a little more attention to one’s health than usual. To avoid the development of diseases, you should follow simple rules of care:

1. Use special accessories. To ensure that food debris is completely removed from the teeth, it is important to use special devices made specifically for this purpose. They will provide soft and delicate cleansing of the interdental space and enamel.
2. Avoid eating solid foods. There is no need to create a special diet, but it is better to temporarily exclude nuts, roasted vegetables, crackers and other hard foods.
3. Rinse your mouth after every meal. Rinsing can be done with plain water or special products that strengthen the gums and are sold in any store.

Thus, all that is required from a person is more careful attention to dental health. To prevent diseases, it is recommended to visit the dentist every 3-6 months.

Three ways to solve the problem

The problem of darkened enamel can cause serious inconvenience not only after removing the structure, but also during its wearing. In this case, the option of removing the system and performing teeth whitening is acceptable, but this is only permissible in a frankly advanced case, as well as if the patient has very decent funds, because you will have to pay for the additional work of a specialist. In all other situations, there are two other ways: teeth whitening after removing braces professionally or at home.

Retention stage after braces

The retention period occurs immediately after removal of the structure and other orthodontic products. After this, you need to install retention devices to maintain the result. If a person refuses this stage, a violation of occlusion may occur and the jaw will not close normally. This will cause the enamel to wear away and periodontal diseases will appear.

Retention devices and structures:

1. Removable retainers. Metal plates with arcs that will be installed in such a way that the incisors are in the correct position. The product will limit their movement and also secure them in the desired position. Retainers are installed on the inside of the teeth. A person will not feel them, they will not yet be visible.
2. Removable retention guards. They are made from biopolymer materials based on an impression of the incisors. The products will follow the desired shape of the dentition and hold the teeth.
3. Fixed retainers. The products are placed on the inner surface of the crowns. They are fixed only with special glue. Plates with arches that will support the dentition in the desired position.
4. Cast splinting retainers. They are used during the period of retention in those people who suffer from malocclusion and periodontal disease. The products are not removed, but hold the crowns tightly so that they do not move in any way.

It should be remembered that teeth should acquire a stable position after braces. It is best to adhere to certain rules so that the incisors are beautiful and even. Now you know what is put on your teeth after braces .

Features of teeth whitening after orthodontic treatment

There are many different methods that can successfully answer the question of how to whiten teeth, but not all of them are suitable for a patient who has just finished wearing braces. That is why it is so important to carry out this procedure only with the help of a specialist, using exclusively professional techniques. Each person has his own individual characteristics of the mucous membrane and enamel; accordingly, the selection of the necessary whitening gel, its composition and the concentration of the necessary substances in it must be carried out by a specialist. If this aspect is ignored, then the lack of the expected result will be less of a nuisance, but it will be much worse if serious damage is caused to the enamel.

Note: It should be understood that for teeth, especially if they have been damaged or weakened after installing and removing the braces, whitening is a serious stress.

Therefore, teeth whitening after removing braces should be performed no earlier than a month after their removal, so that the enamel has time to strengthen and the teeth to adapt to the new shape. True, whitening is not required in all situations; it happens that it will be quite enough to remove plaque without resorting to more radical solutions.

Summarizing all of the above, we can formulate three key rules for teeth whitening after the braces are removed:

1. Use only professional techniques.
2. You can start whitening after removing the system after a month.
3. It does not always make sense to perform whitening; after consultation with a doctor, you can limit yourself to professional teeth cleaning.

What products are needed to care for teeth with braces?

Caring for teeth with braces

Types of teeth whitening after removing braces

Existing teeth whitening techniques can rightfully be called unique and specific, but they all have common features:

• The whitening procedure should be preceded by a diagnosis of the enamel and its condition, because if it is severely weakened, then chemical intervention will cause even more harm to it, accordingly, it will first need to be strengthened;
• in all cases, a key role is played by a special gel made taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient;
• the basis of the bleaching agent is made up of chemical elements such as hydrogen and carbonate peroxide, the concentration of which is approximately 20%;
• the whitening effect is achieved due to the release of active oxygen that penetrates the enamel as a result of a chemical reaction;
• Upon completion of whitening, it is necessary to perform procedures to strengthen the top layer of teeth.

The main difference between different bleaching methods will be in the methods of accelerating the reaction, which in turn directly affects the final result of the entire process.

Preparing for whitening in the clinic - teeth cleaning

When the orthodontist has completed the procedure for removing braces, he then proceeds to the procedure of professional teeth cleaning, which involves the following operations:

1. Elimination of glue residues from enamel. It is a well-known fact that the clasps of the braces structure are attached to the teeth using an adhesive base. Some of this substance remains on the enamel after removing the system, therefore, it must be completely removed.
2. The procedure for removing plaque and tartar, without this it is not possible to perform whitening.

Let us assume the option of using special trainers, which in this case will be used with a bleaching composition.

air flow

It is important to understand that you should start doing professional oral cleaning before installing orthodontic systems. As a rule, this is a prerequisite before starting treatment. In this case, any method of cleansing is suitable, since they all allow you to cope with hard deposits and small particles of food in the interdental spaces.

The Air Flow procedure is painless and cannot damage the structure of even the most fragile braces, so its use is approved by all dentists and orthodontists. Cleaning should be done when a large accumulation of plaque is detected, as well as to prevent its occurrence. However, even when using such technology, there are a number of nuances that should be taken into account.

Usually the doctor works with a regular aqueous solution, which is applied to the surface of the enamel under strong pressure. This jet instantly removes deposits and massages the gums well, improving blood circulation. The result after the procedure lasts for a long time.

Be patient

Many patients, who are ready to amaze the world with their truly snow-white and dazzling smile after removing braces, almost panic when they see darkened spots on their teeth and immediately intend to carry out the whitening procedure. You should not rush; you will need to wait at least a month, or even more, for the tooth enamel to return to normal and recover after wearing braces. Moreover, it happens that after some time it returns to its usual appearance on its own and bleaching becomes an absolutely unnecessary operation. In addition, you should always remember that its action is based on a chemical reaction, which is aggressive in nature; you should weigh everything well and think it over before exposing your teeth to such effects.

What to do if your braces turn yellow?

Any curious person who wants to look into your mouth and examine the braces that correct your bite will confirm:

Modern braces look very neat
and even stylish. But over time, their appearance can change, not for the better: on the teeth you will see not beautiful locks, but something yellow and dark... What to do if the braces turn yellow?

Let's start with the good news: braces themselves cannot turn yellow. It is believed that plastic and ceramic braces are guilty of this, but in fact, these materials simply have a rougher outer surface, which means that plaque “clings” to them very well.

Dealing with it in this case is a little more difficult than when it just settles on the teeth. After all, the orthodontic system is a complex device with many hard-to-reach places for cleaning. And even those braces that seem to be completely “at hand” are not always easy to clean with a regular toothbrush. Meanwhile, plaque accumulates and actively absorbs any dyes. Their sources are primarily:

• cigarettes (due to the high content of various tars);
• Coffee and tea;
• fresh fruits and berries, fruit juices, jams;
• beet;
• red wine;
• soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, curry and other colored spices;
• colored soda and candy.

It is best to limit your consumption of these foods and quit smoking. For the latter, not only your teeth and braces will thank you, but your entire body as a whole.

How to remove yellowness

In addition, you can take a number of fairly effective measures to help “lighten” your braces – that is, remove plaque from them.

• Get a stiff toothbrush.
  You don't need to use it all the time - it can make your teeth and gums more sensitive, but it will be useful from time to time. You can act, for example, on the following schedule: brush your teeth with a hard brush for a week, and a regular brush for a week. However, you should not be particularly zealous or use force when brushing your teeth - you can damage the arch or brackets. Act confidently but carefully.
• Use a waterpik.
  The device, which supplies water under pressure, can rid you of 70% of plaque - that's twice as much as what a toothbrush can do! In addition, water will penetrate where the bristles cannot reach.
• Buy whitening toothpastes.
  Their action is based on a chemical reaction when oxygen interacts with saliva and an active substance that affects tooth enamel. This is not very important for artificial braces material, but such pastes contain soft abrasive particles that help remove plaque mechanically. But you shouldn’t buy harsher products, such as bleaching powders - they can damage the case and even remove the braces themselves from the teeth.
• In between cleanings, using rinses
  is a good way to prevent plaque from accumulating on the enamel surface.

Change the rubber bands

Let us note one more important detail. Sometimes what looks like “yellowed braces” actually turns out to be darkened ligatures - that is, rubber bands that correct the position of the archwire in the clasps. Indeed, this material, if it was initially transparent, turns yellow. It also stretches, so the ligatures should be changed every 3-5 weeks. Visit your doctor, do this, and you will once again be the owner of a clean, effective, beautiful orthodontic system.

Expert opinion

“When wearing braces, oral hygiene is especially important. The patient must be prepared to spend more time brushing his teeth than before and to take it much more seriously. So, this procedure should last at least 10-15 minutes each time! In this case, it is necessary to use special devices - such as, for example, a special brush and irrigator. In addition, once every 1.5-2 months you need to have your teeth professionally cleaned at a dental clinic. It will also be different from the usual one: in most cases, doctors do it manually so as not to damage the braces or change the position of the arch. Only by observing all these conditions can we hope that both the teeth and the entire orthodontic system as a whole will look attractive and dignified.”

Gentle method

This problem may have a simpler solution that does not require such radical measures, namely the most common hygienic action based on the use of AirFlow water-abrasive cleaning. Its use eliminates the negative impact on enamel, since it does not involve the use of aggressive chemicals. Many experts recommend performing this cleaning method first after removing the system, and if this option does not give the expected result, then after some time the issue of bleaching can be put on the agenda.

How to whiten teeth at home?

This may seem strange, but at home it is quite possible to get very good whitening results using the following techniques:

• the use of whitening gels, which give excellent and, very importantly, long-lasting results;
• the initial stage of tartar and plaque can be easily removed by regular brushing of the teeth and mouth, which should also include the use of dental floss and rinses;
• using herbal infusions, for example, sage leaves, which will have a beneficial effect on the condition of the gums.

Cleaning and whitening at home should be carried out with a high degree of accuracy and caution, because teeth have become more sensitive, and any aggressive impact can have the opposite effect on them than expected.

Hygiene products for braces

When a person wears braces, oral care consists of several stages. Each of them has its own tool, so the patient will have to acquire a whole arsenal of hygiene products.

Brush for cleaning teeth with braces

The orthobrush has a V-shape with a depression in the center of the pile, which is necessary for treating the surfaces of teeth and most of the orthodontic apparatus. This is where teeth cleaning with braces at home begins. Orthodontists also recommend purchasing a single-tuft toothbrush for cleaning braces. It will be useful for processing distant teeth and the outer part of locks.

Brushes for cleaning braces

It is also necessary to use brushes to clean braces. With their help, it is easy to clean the dental surface under the arcs of the device.

Superfloss

For oral hygiene with braces and cleaning the space between the teeth and around the clasps, you will need a special thread with a hard end - superfloss.

Oral irrigator

Separately, it is necessary to mention the most important device for cleaning braces - the irrigator. The device is somewhat similar to an electric toothbrush, but instead of bristles it has a nozzle from which a powerful stream of water is supplied. The irrigator helps clear plaque from hard-to-reach places where brushes and brushes cannot reach (for example, gum pockets).

Strengthening toothpaste

Wearing braces significantly increases the risk of caries. Therefore, it is worth thinking about prevention. Toothpastes with fluoride, hydroxyapatite crystals, theobromine and other strengthening substances will make your teeth stronger.

Lemon

The ascorbic acid contained in lemon is beneficial not only for human gums, but also for the entire body. As for whitening with lemon, there are many options for this procedure, the simplest of which involves using one slice of a simple lemon to treat the enamel. Let’s also say a method based on adding a few drops of lemon juice to the toothpaste, which, by the way, will also help with bleeding gums.

Such products should be used carefully, no more than once a week; those who have increased tooth sensitivity should be especially careful.

Category Hygiene Published by Mister stomatolog