For many months or perhaps even a few years, you may have eagerly looked forward to getting your braces removed. You wanted to see your beautiful new smile! However, you might have been a little disappointed when your braces were removed and you noticed some uneven coloration on your teeth. This can happen for several reasons, such as plaque and tarter accumulation, as well as normal staining. If your smile looks a little lackluster, you may be thinking about undergoing teeth whitening after braces in Westborough. This blog post discusses what you should know before you schedule your cosmetic appointment.
Teeth Tend to Be More Sensitive After Braces
Orthodontic treatment subjects the teeth to continuous force for an extended period of time. That is why it is normal for teeth to be extra-sensitive when braces are first removed. Unfortunately, teeth whitening treatments can exacerbate the sensitivity.
To avoid the discomfort of highly sensitive teeth, it would be wise to wait a while before you use whitening products. Most dentists recommend at least six months between braces removal and any type of bleaching treatment.
Make Safety a Priority
Anyone who wants to brighten their smile should take proper precautions, but this is especially important for individuals who recently got their braces removed. The sensitivity of your teeth, combined with the possibility that your gums may be swollen, means that extra caution is in order.
For example, if you choose to whiten your teeth with over the counter products, you should not use anything that is not approved by the American Dental Association. Furthermore, any strips or trays that you put on your teeth should fit well. Otherwise, they are likely to irritate your gums.
The best thing you can do for safety is talk to your dentist. Even if you do not plan on undergoing professional whitening, they can still guide you on how to go about removing stains with as little risk as possible.
Your Teeth’s Color May Improve Naturally
While you are waiting for six months to pass after you get your braces removed, you might find that the color of your teeth improves gradually without any special intervention. This can happen because saliva is now able to reach all parts of your teeth, including those that were previously covered by brackets and wires. It can naturally wash away food particles and debris that may be causing discoloration.
Additionally, it will be easier for you to clean your teeth thoroughly. You may be able to remove some surface stains just by thoroughly brushing twice a day and flossing once a day.
There is no need to worry if your teeth seem a bit off-color after your braces get removed. With patients, thorough oral hygiene, and your dentist’s guidance, you may soon have a smile that is as bright as it is well-aligned.
Meet the Practice
The experts at All Dental in Westborough are proud to offer braces, professional teeth whitening, and a range of other smile-enhancing services. If you have questions about how your teeth can look and feel their best, our team would be pleased to speak with you. Contact us at 508-217-7265.