While everyone’s situation is different, in most cases, it is best to wait until you have completed your orthodontic treatment to begin a teeth whitening treatment. This can happen for a variety of reasons including, the duration of bleaching process, the strength of whitening agent, and because some peroxide-based agents bleach through the enamel, and expose the nerves beneath it. Tooth SensitivityĪnother issue to consider is that some teeth whitening products can cause tooth sensitivity.Īfter whitening, you may notice pain in response to hot and cold beverages, sweet foods, and tooth brushing. And, overuse of a whitening gel can potentially cause damage to the tooth. Even though Invisalign aligners are removable, whitening products can damage tooth attachments. If you have Invisalign braces, it’s also recommended that you wait until after treatment. Since the brackets are glued directly onto your teeth, whitening your teeth with the brackets in place can cause dark spots and uneven coloring when the braces are removed. If you have traditional clear or metal braces with brackets, we recommend that you wait until your treatment plan is completed before whitening your teeth. While you may be ready to start whitening your teeth now, there are some factors you should consider first. Since straightening teeth with braces can on average take 16 months, it’s no surprise that many patients ask about whitening their teeth.Īt Fry Orthodontics, we’re always committed to helping you achieve your smile goals and answering any questions you may have. Almost 90% of people report wanting whiter teeth when asked what they’d most like to improve about their smiles.