Philippines
A 30-year-old female asked:
Should i whiten my teeth before i have braces on? if i whiten my teeth will it affect the orthodontic work to be done? thanks.
10 doctor answers • 15 doctors weighed in
Dr. Paul Grinanswered
Pain Management 38 years experience
Not useful, wait: Before placing braces on your teeth get a good set of records, x-rays, photos and study models. Visit your dentist, you will need a check-up for decay or gum problems. Even if you decide on clear (porcelain) brackets it is not recommended to whiten your teeth before braces. For more information talk to your Board Certified orthodontist. An Orthodontist has a lot more training than a Dentist.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Mark Hannaanswered
Dentistry 23 years experience
After Ortho is Ideal: The whitening will not really affect the ortho work that you need. However, it is more ideal to whiten your teeth after your braces are removed. First off, the metal brackets and wires will hide the fact that your teeth are whiter. Secondly it is harder to keep your teeth clean while in braces so they may likely discolor. Lastly, if the teeth are crowded you will not whiten the entire surface.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Arnold Malermananswered
Orthodontics 55 years experience
Wait: Whitening can make teeth more porous. Straighten teeth first. Make sure oral hygiene is exemplary during treatment. Have whitening done 3-6 months after braces are removed.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Tarek Hamidanswered
Dentistry 11 years experience
Depends: Are you getting metal braces or ceramic or white braces, if you are getting the metal, then it's not worth it to have them done before since they'll get slightly darker even with the best oral hygiene there is, but you can if you are getting clear , white or Invisalign braces, and no whitening your teeth won't affect your orthodontic treatment ..
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
1 comment
Dr. Arnold Malerman commented
Orthodontics 55 years experience
Ah, but it can affect your treatment. bleaching alters the tooth surface, making attachment of braces more challenging. Please wait until your braces have been off for a few months before attempting color change.
Jun 12, 2014
Dr. Stephen Pyleanswered
Dentistry 41 years experience
Wait: It may be more difficult to bond the brackets on securely that are needed for the braces if the teeth have been recently bleached. Wait until the orthodontic treatment is completed - you'll want to brighten up that pretty, new smile!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Keith Hollanderanswered
Dentistry 38 years experience
Best to wait: You may find that the whitening does a better job on the now straight teeth. Also changing the surface of the teeth before braces may keep the brackets from sticking to the teeth. and there may be color changes (decalcifications) after getting the braces off that whitening afterward might cover.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Jeffrey Cooperanswered
Dentistry 51 years experience
No: wait to bleach until after orthodontics is completed and appliances are removed. bleaching does not affect ortho.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Donna Galanteanswered
Orthodontics 39 years experience
Teeth Whitening: You can whiten your teeth before, during and after your orthodotnic treatment. There are many products on the market today that allow you to whiten your teeth with braces on and if you have Invisalign is is super easy to place the whitening gel in your aligner trays. The whitening will not affect your treatment, but understand that teeth whitening is temporary and will need to be done again.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Hilary Baskinanswered
Orthodontics 30 years experience
Do afterwards: they can even use your retainer as a whitening tray
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Stuart Hoffmananswered
32 years experience
NO: In my professional opinion, wait until orthodontic treatment is completed before your attempt to whiten your teeth. The area under the braces will be different than the rest of the teeth as food/drink will affect the teeth, while under the braces will be different. It is best to wait, in my opinion, until AFTER ortho treatment is completed.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Jun 10, 2017
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
$44 video appointments with $19/month membership*
*Billed $57 every 3 months. Cancel anytime.
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
