Congratulations on completing your orthodontic treatment! You now have a beautiful, straighter smile to show the world. But if your teeth are looking a bit dull or discolored now that your braces are off, you may be wondering if you should get them professionally whitened. But before you do, here are a few important guidelines for doing it after orthodontic equipment removal.
How Soon is too Soon?
When it comes to getting your teeth whitened, you might think there’s no such thing as too soon. But the truth is, following your orthodontic treatment, your teeth could still be a little sensitive for a few months, so rushing to lighten them may be more uncomfortable at first.
Thus, it is recommended that you wait for about six months before getting professional whitening. This will ensure that your teeth have a chance to adjust, and any lingering sensitivity will have time to go away.
Ways to Keep Them White
In the meantime, there are still many things you can do to ensure that your teeth look their best. For starters, now that you are no longer sporting orthodontic equipment, your saliva has a better opportunity to help lighten your teeth naturally. This can make them look a great deal better before the six-month waiting period is up.
Furthermore, you can still do many things to help encourage them to look their best, including:
- Brushing and flossing regularly
- Avoiding staining foods and beverages
- Seeing your dentist for an exam and cleaning
Remember, it’s important to allow your teeth a chance to adjust to life post-orthodontics before increasing their risk of sensitivity from professional whitening. If you aren’t able to lighten stains naturally in the meantime, speak to your orthodontist after about six months and schedule a professional whitening treatment that can lift up to eight shades of discoloration in about an hour!
About Dr. Drabik
Dr. Stan Drabik knows that your smile isn’t complete until you’re satisfied with it. That’s why he offers Zoom! Whitening treatments to his patients following the successful completion of their orthodontic treatment. If you aren’t happy with the color of your teeth after your braces come off, speak to Dr. Drabik about when its best to get a professional whitening treatment.
To schedule a consultation for orthodontics or for Zoom! Whitening, please visit our website or call us today at our Rochester or Webster locations.