When you have stained teeth with braces, you try to find the solution to remove the stains and think about using whitening products like whitening toothpaste. But, the question is, “Can you use whitening toothpaste with braces?”
You can use whitening toothpaste with braces to remove minor stains. Unlike other whitening products, it doesn’t discolor braces. It also doesn’t cause uneven teeth color, as it works only on the outer surface of teeth. But, it’s not effective for deeper stains.
You can understand clearly if you know how it and other teeth whitening products work, and decide what you should do.
Let’s take a look at that and try to know when you can or can’t use whitening toothpaste with braces and what can be the alternative of it.
What is whitening toothpaste and how does it work?
This is the toothpaste that helps you whiten teeth. But, does this really happen?
The difference between regular and whitening toothpaste is in their ingredients. Whitening toothpaste contains more abrasives and polishing agents than non-whitening toothpaste.
Regular toothpaste can remove mild stains from teeth surface and clean mouth from debris whereas whitening toothpaste can more stains.
Before we discuss braces and whitening toothpaste, let’s know how they work on teeth without braces.
Chemical agents like silica presenting in whitening toothpaste can scrub the out surface of teeth. So, you get lighter or brighter teeth by using this paste.
But, they aren’t as strong as other whitening products like gels or strips. They can only remove the extrinsic stain. That means, they can chemically react with the outer surface of teeth or enamel and eliminate stains from there.
On the other hand, other more powerful whitening products can penetrate enamel and dentin and remove inner or intrinsic stains.
However, whitening toothpaste also contains active ingredients that make your teeth lighter and brighter. You can expect one shade lighter.
Some paste has blue Covarine which creates an optical illusion and the tooth looks a bit lighter immediately.
Whitening toothpaste usually can’t change the natural color of teeth. It can only remove stains caused by smoking or drinking red wine, acidic drinks, tea, or coffee.
If the change of color is from the deeper structure you need more invasive procedures or products which you should according to the dentist’s advice.
When can you use whitening toothpaste with braces?
The problem of using whitening products with braces is they change the color of the exposed part of teeth, as the remaining part is covered by braces. Then, when braces are removed, there is an uneven teeth color that’s hard to correct later.
This happens when you use strong tooth whitening products like gel or strips. They remove inner stains but change the structure as well.
But, whitening toothpaste is relatively safer to use with braces as it’s less invasive. It only removes stains from the outer surface and doesn’t change the structure of the tooth much.
If you use it regularly and maintain oral hygiene, whitening toothpaste can give you a good result in 6 weeks. You won’t get a quick result with it. So, you have to be patient.
However, it won’t last very long, if you can’t maintain hygiene and avoid foods and drinks that stain teeth more with braces.
Moreover, the toothpaste is cheap and easy to use. It also doesn’t stain or discolor braces, which can be happened by other whitening products.
How to use whitening toothpaste with braces?
Just like other kinds of toothpaste you have to use it at least twice a day. Take 2 min to clean teeth thoroughly.
However, you should use soft bristle brushes and brush your teeth gently. Hard bristle brush or brushing forcefully with this toothpaste damage your teeth surface because of its abrasives.
The paste can give you the best result if you maintain oral hygiene. It can remove stains created due to smoking or drinking red wine or coffee, but if you keep taking these drinks, it won’t work properly. So, try to avoid those.
Smoking and chewing tobacco stains teeth from the deeper surface of teeth. If you don’t quit, whitening toothpaste can’t help you.
You have to also brush your teeth regularly. Don’t forget to brush before going to bed at night and after breakfast.
Always use that whitening toothpaste which is recommended by the American dental association. Approved toothpaste has the ADA seal on it.
When and why shouldn’t you use whitening toothpaste with braces?
If you want to remove inner or intrinsic stains, whitening toothpaste can do nothing about that.
You shouldn’t try to remove the deep stains before the removal of braces, as it can make the uneven color of teeth.
So, after the removal of the braces, if you find that stains are deeper, you should consult with your dentist.
Your dentist can suggest other procedures such as professional beaching. This needs beaching products or more powerful tooth whitening products.
You shouldn’t use whitening toothpaste if your teeth are sensitive or you have receding gums. You may feel discomfort and develop more sensitivity if you use it in these conditions.
Even if you use this toothpaste, don’t use it for a long time. It can develop tooth sensitivity, as its abrasives can scratch the enamel. Increasing scratches can weaken the teeth and increase staining. This may also cause tooth decay.
Using toothpaste doesn’t mean you don’t need professional dental cleaning after the removal of braces, as it has a limited effect on stain removal.
Is whitening toothpaste necessary to use with braces?
No, it’s not necessary to use whitening toothpaste while wearing braces. Actually, it’s better to use fluoride toothpaste with braces, as fluoride can prevent bacterial action, control plaque accumulation, and prevent staining or tooth decay.
So, what about the stains which you have already developed?
You don’t have to panic. Your dentist can help you remove the stains after the removal of braces.
It’s more important to maintain oral hygiene and prevent food debris or plaque accumulation on teeth surfaces than using those whitening products.
Therefore, try to use fluoridated toothpaste rather than whitening toothpaste. Even if you use whitening toothpaste, don’t do it for a long time.
Can you use whitening toothpaste with retainers?
You can use whitening toothpaste with any type of retainer. But, it’s better to consult with your orthodontist regarding this. However, the paste doesn’t cause any harm to a retainer or its activity and that’s why it’s safe to use.
Can you use whitening toothpaste with Invisalign?
It’s safe to use whitening toothpaste with Invisalign because you can remove the aligners while brushing. So, it doesn’t have any bad impact on your teeth or Invisalign. Moreover, you can also use whitening toothpaste with Invilsaing attachments, as they are not as strong as whitening strips and don’t cause uneven tooth color.
Takeaways
You can use whitening toothpaste with braces to remove mild stains from teeth. Usually, it doesn’t have any serious harmful effect on teeth or braces or orthodontic treatment. However, to remove major stains, you need a professional dental cleaning procedure after the removal of braces.
