Whitening before braces

[annabella]

Did anyone get their teeth professional whitened before they got braces. Our daughters teeth are yellow and when she got her teeth cleaned the dentist suggested to do if we want to start off. Didn't get a chance to ask the ortho yet.
Thanks

[emmie]

I've wondered about this too. I will be getting braces within the next month and have been doing just one of those store bought options. It works great, my teeth aren't too horribly stained, but I figured if I'm going to have braces I might as well whiten my teeth a little.

[lauralea]

Yeah im doing the same thing, I have been using the crest whitestrips for the last few weeks, as I will be getting clear brackets in 1 week and a half. I figure it might make the brackets look better and less noticable.
I have question though, just curious but can you use the invisalign stays for whitening your teeth? ie putting whiting gel in them and putting them on??

[annabella]

Lauralea
wow you must be excited. My daughter is so excited too but we haven't made the final decision yet. She likes one ortho better he has playstaion wii movies and he would use the Damon clear too but I have one more ortho to interview. She thinks I'm a pain cuz she's ready. The strips don't work on her teeth for some reason. So well ask the ortho once we go infor the records.
On using the invisalign trays for whiten might not be good. It might affect the clarity but if is the last time you using it don't know. I would ask my ortho and see what he says. I do see your logic though.

Good luck and post your pictures so I can show my daughter.

[Denise]

The strips don't actually whiten your teeth, what they do is work to remove stains that have developed, but they don't actually whiten the enamel. You have to go to a dentist to have that done. I think whitening before you get the braces may or may not be a good idea, depending on what kind of brackets you're getting. I have ceramic, which are not white - if I had whitened before I got my brackets put on they would look like little yellow squares against a sea of ghost-white teeth. With clear brackets, that may not be such an issue - but you'll definitely want to ask your orthodontist. He/she will know what will look the best, and function the best, for you.

Regarding using invisalign to whiten teeth, this site: Invisalign odor - Tooth Whitening with Invisalign says that you can, but honestly you should always just ask your orthodontist or dentist before doing anything other than what they strictly advise.

Good luck to those of you getting your braces on soon!

[lauralea]

Thanks Denise,
Very helpfull
I had no idea they only removed stains...interesting!

[braced cat]

Hi annabella,

I ever asked my ortho about teeth whitening before braces, but he reminded me that it would not whiten tooth filling. It will surely work on my tooth enamel but not the composite material. I have fillings on my incisors and realise that the filling will look yellow compared to the whitened teeth. I think you should consider this condition too if your daughter has tooth filling. Oh, and don't bother to consult more than one ortho.

Good luck with your daughter's treatment!

Good luck for lauralea who is counting down the braces day too!

[lauralea]

Why don't you think she should get a second ortho opinion??
And thanks I hope the next 11 days goes quickly, although I am worried about what they will look like.

[annabella]

Brace Cat
Fyi The ortho interview is for her treatment plan we have several already. I meant to say when we pick the ortho we will ask their advice on whitening.


Lauralea thanks for your comments and look forward to your updates.

[annabella]

Ps Lauralea
you are gonna look great!!!
don't worry all will be fine

[Sunny]

Second, third and even more opinions show a good consumer who's aware of the importance of the process they are going to be paying someone for.

We encourage our patients to seek further advice, as we don't consider we're the best people to treat everyone.

Lauralea I'm sure you'll look great and will quickly adjust. You've made sure you're well informed and this really does help. We are always our worst critics and it's important to remind ourselves that although this is huge for us, most other people we come into contact with daily have busy lives and we really don't count that much in theres.

Good luck!

[lauralea]

LOL thanks all.
I know some of my friends are actually excited to see me, one of my friends thinks braces look 'really cool on adults'. Anyhow, im glad that there is a forums such as this, as it is really educational and helpfull.
Thanks again everyone!

[braced cat]

ha, so sorry, I meant don't hesitate to consult more than one ortho. Apologise for my bad English.

Wishing you all the best!

[annabella]

Braced cat no problem.... my English can be confusing too. Bad typing and iPhone antics.

Lauralea I think Sunny summed it well.