So, you’ve finally finished your orthodontic journey and have the straight smile you’ve always wanted. Congratulations! Now you’re probably wondering about the next step in your cosmetic dentistry journey. Many patients ask about teeth whitening after completing braces or aligner treatment. The good news is that teeth whitening can be an excellent way to perfect your newly aligned smile.
Whether you want to explore orthodontics or teeth whitening, Dr. Julie Glud is here to help you achieve your dream smile. So, if you’re ready to start working toward a glamorous grin, contact our cosmetic dentist in Lombard, IL. Just dial (630) 629-5700 to request your consultation at Dental Care of Lombard today!
In today’s post, Dr. Glud explains why you should consider whitening after orthodontic treatment and what you can expect from your whitening experience. Let’s get started!
How Orthodontic Treatment Affects Teeth
After months or years of orthodontic treatment, your teeth might look a bit discolored. But don’t worry – this is completely normal!
Braces and aligners can make thoroughly cleaning your teeth more challenging. As a result, you might notice more stains and discoloration than you expected. You might also notice white spots where brackets were attached or some yellow discoloration where plaque built up during your orthodontic treatment.
Again, this is completely normal. However, you might feel a little self-conscious about your smile. That’s where teeth whitening in Lombard, IL, comes in!
Why Consider Teeth Whitening After Orthodontics?
Teeth whitening helps restore your teeth’s natural brightness. It’s like putting the finishing touches on a masterpiece. You and your dentist worked hard to straighten your teeth, and whitening can make them sparkle! And who doesn’t want a brighter smile?
While straighter teeth are considered more attractive, many patients feel more confident about their smiles after combining orthodontics with professional teeth whitening treatments.
Plus, research suggests that people with whiter, straighter smiles are perceived as more successful and intelligent. So, whitening after orthodontic treatment is a powerful one-two punch for smile transformation!
When to Start Your Whitening Journey
Timing is everything when it comes to post-orthodontic whitening. Most dentists recommend waiting at least two weeks after braces removal before starting any whitening treatment. This gives your teeth time to adjust to their new positions and your gums time to heal.
If you had Invisalign® or other clear aligners, you might be able to start whitening sooner. However, it’s still smart to wait a week or two. Your teeth need time to settle into their new positions, and you want to get the best results without any added sensitivity.
Remember: Always consult with Dr. Glud before beginning any teeth whitening regimen. She can assess your specific situation and recommend the best timing for your individual needs. She’ll also help you choose the best whitening system for your smile, ensuring the best, longest-lasting results.
Professional vs. Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Options
Professional teeth whitening at Dental Care of Lombard offers the fastest and most dramatic results. Dr. Glud can use stronger bleaching agents that aren’t available over-the-counter at your local drug store. And most professional treatments take just one, 60-minute visit.
At Dental Care of Lombard, we offer KöR whitening. This teeth whitening system has a reputation for being one of the best, most affordable prescription options available to patients. Plus, the KöR whitening system includes a desensitizing agent designed to greatly reduce (or even eliminate!) tooth sensitivity after whitening.
We won’t deny it – over-the-counter whitening products are the most affordable option. However, they are not nearly as effective at brightening teeth, especially for stubborn stains that developed during orthodontic treatment.
Nevertheless, whitening toothpastes and strips can help maintain professional whitening results, but they aren’t an ideal replacement for professional treatments.
Addressing White Spots and Uneven Coloring
White spots on teeth after braces are incredibly common. These spots form when plaque builds up around brackets, causing demineralization. And, unfortunately, regular whitening treatments might not eliminate these spots completely.
Dr. Glud might recommend microabrasion or fluoride treatments for white spots. These procedures can help even out your tooth color before or after whitening treatments.
And don’t get discouraged – some patients need multiple whitening sessions to achieve uniform results. If your first treatment doesn’t create perfectly even coloring, just hang in there. Dr. Glud can develop a customized plan to address any remaining discoloration.
Maintaining Your Newly Whitened Smile
After investing in orthodontics and whitening, you’ll want to protect your results. Here’s what our cosmetic dentist in Lombard, IL, recommends:
- Avoid staining foods and drinks for at least 48 hours after treatment.
- Consider using a whitening toothpaste to help maintain your bright smile.
- Drink staining beverages through a straw when possible.
- Rinse your mouth with water after consuming anything that might stain your teeth.
- Schedule touch-up whitening treatments annually to maintain your results.
Here’s another great tip: Regular dental cleanings every six months at Dental Care of Lombard will help keep your smile bright. Your hygienist can remove surface stains before they become permanent.
Special Considerations for Post-Orthodontic Patients
Patients who’ve had orthodontic treatment may have increased tooth sensitivity. This can make teeth whitening more uncomfortable than usual. So, our Lombard dentist recommends starting with shorter treatment times or lower concentrations of bleaching gel.
If you have permanent retainers, discuss this with Dr. Glud before whitening. The metal wire might interfere with even whitening results. Your dentist in Lombard can work around retainers or recommend alternative approaches.
Furthermore, some patients notice that their teeth feel loose after braces removal. This is normal, but it might affect your whitening timeline. Dr. Glud will ensure your teeth are stable before beginning any cosmetic treatments.
Making the Most of Your Smile Investment
Combining orthodontics with professional whitening creates stunning smile transformations. Because here’s the deal: You’ve already made a significant investment in your oral health and appearance. So, adding whitening is like adding the perfect frame to a beautiful picture.
Remember that every smile is unique. Your teeth whitening results will depend on:
- Your natural tooth color
- The type of stains present
- Your individual response to treatment
Work closely with your dental team to develop realistic expectations and achieve the best possible results.
Take care of your investment with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits at Dental Care of Lombard. Your future self will thank you for taking these important steps toward optimal oral health and aesthetics!
Schedule a Teeth Whitening Consultation in Lombard, IL
If you’re ready to take your newly-straightened smile to the next level, schedule a teeth whitening consultation at Dental Care of Lombard. Request a visit with Dr. Julie Glud on our website here, or call our Lombard, IL, dental clinic at (630) 629-5700 for an appointment now!
