braces guide

Can You Whiten Teeth with Braces?

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Categories: Orthodontics

As frustrating as it may be, in-office whitening is not recommended for people who currently have traditional braces with fixed brackets. The brackets are bonded to your teeth, making it impossible for your dentist in Arcadia to uniformly apply their whitening solution. Attempting to do a whitening treatment with fixed braces would likely result in visibly marked teeth when your braces are finally removed.

Can You Whiten Teeth with Braces?

Being able to see where your brackets were is far from ideal. So it’s best to schedule your in-office whitening for a time after your braces are removed. If you’re lucky, you may be able to schedule your teeth whitening in Arcadia for the very same day. In other good news, some types of braces will allow you to have your teeth whitened whenever you like.

Other Kinds of Braces

When you think of braces, you’re probably thinking of a mouth full of metal. While traditional braces are still commonly used, they’re far from being the only option available to you. Today, two other types of braces are commonly used. Both of these options will allow you to have a professional whitening treatment whenever you wish.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are very similar to traditional braces with one major difference. With lingual braces, the brackets are fixed to the back of your teeth.

This option offers the speed and control of traditional braces without the outward appearance of them. The only real downside is increased cost and increased discomfort. However, if you’re willing to push through the initial irritation, lingual braces can be a great option.

Thanks to the fact that lingual braces are fixed to the back of your teeth, there’s absolutely no reason that you can’t have a full in-office whitening treatment.

Invisalign

You may be more familiar with Invisalign and other similar products. These braces are a category all their own. They consist of a series of removable trays that fit over your teeth. Each set of trays shifts your teeth slightly with the goal of eventually giving you the perfect smile.

The only downside of Invisalign is that you can take them out. And you might do that more than you should. For the trays to work properly, you have to wear your Invisalign for 22-23 hours out of every day. Taking a break here and there to rest your jaw could ultimately set you back weeks or even months.

On the upside, they are fully removable. You can enjoy all of your favorite foods without worrying about them getting caught or breaking a bracket. It also means that you can have in-office teeth whitening whenever you like. Just make sure you put your trays back once your dentist gives the all clear.

Choosing Professional Teeth Whitening

There are countless products on the market that claim to help you whiten your teeth at home. Unfortunately, none of them are capable of matching up to the instant, quality results you can expect with your local cosmetic dentist.

There are two reasons for this discrepancy.

Your dentist has the expertise to safely use products that are 10x stronger than those sold in stores.
Your dentist can apply their teeth whitening solution with purpose to make sure you get even, beautiful results every time.

Essentially, it is very possible you could end up spending more on drug store products that barely work. And you still might not have decent results. Do you want to learn more about in-office teeth whitening? What about the benefits of enlisting the help of a professional? Then talk to your dentist in Arcadia today.

How to Survive Your First Week of Braces

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Categories: Orthodontics

Braces can transform your smile and improve your oral health. Despite their amazing benefits, getting used to your braces can take some time. Preparing for your first week of having braces is necessary to smoothly transition into living with braces. You may feel some initial soreness so it’s important to make yourself comfortable as your mouth adjusts. Below you will find helpful tips on how to survive your first week of braces.

How to Survive Your First Week of Braces

The benefits of braces can be transformative for your oral health and your appearance. Consider the following tips so you are prepared for your first week of having braces.

Plan What You Can:

Planning ahead can be a game-changer during your first week with braces. Many people have highly similar experiences during their first week of braces. Because of this, it’s pretty easy to plan in advance to be sure you have all of the necessary supplies beforehand. Talk with your dentist in Arcadia about what supplies they suggest. Floss threaders, orthodontic wax, a new toothbrush can all be really helpful. Have some over-the-counter pain relief to help as your teeth and gums adjust. Talking with your friends or family who have had braces before can be a huge asset in terms of getting through your first week.

Be Creative with Meals:

Eating during your first week with braces can be slightly challenging, but it’s not impossible! The first day or two, stick to foods that you don’t have to chew. Smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, pudding, and soup are all really easy on your mouth as you begin transitioning. After the first few days you can eat foods with a little more substance, including pasta, soft veggies, and seedless bread. Near the end of the week, you can likely incorporate completely solid food into your diet. Be mindful of how you feel and take your time as you incorporate more foods into your diet.

Oral Hygiene Routine:

Even if you feel some soreness, it’s important to stay consistent with your daily oral care routine. This includes brushing at least twice a day, preferably after every meal. Thoroughly brushing your teeth for at least two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush is necessary to get all of the harmful debris out of your braces and in between your teeth. Flossing is just as important, if not more, when you have braces. Floss at least once a day, and if you only floss once, floss at night. Your orthodontist in Arcadia can provide you with a oral hygiene routine that takes into account your unique needs.

Salt Water Rinse:

Some people experience irritation when they first get braces. A saltwater rinse can help relieve pain, soreness, and help sores heal faster. If you experience significant irritation, use a saltwater rinse five to six times a day for 30 seconds. The recipe is simple as you’ll just need to add one-half of a teaspoon to one cup of warm water.

Orthodontic Wax:

The brackets used for braces can cause sores in your mouth. These can be painful, so it’s important to prevent them from happening in the first place. The best method for preventing bracket sores is using orthodontic wax. While the areas on your mouth will eventually toughen up, using wax in the beginning can help ease the pain during the transition period.

Stay Distracted:

Most people transition into braces treatment without any issue. You may experience some soreness and dietary changes, but this is temporary. Plan what you’ll do the first week in advance. Download your favorite podcasts or read that book you have been putting off for months. Most importantly, keep yourself distracted and busy so you can get through the first week seamlessly.