Achieving Your Dream Smile in Boulder
Embarking on a journey to a perfect smile often involves more than one type of dental treatment. For many in Boulder seeking that “Incredible Smile,” combining orthodontic treatment with teeth whitening is a popular choice. Orthodontics, like Invisalign braces, straighten your teeth, while whitening brightens them. But the key to unlocking the most stunning and harmonious results lies in the timing and coordination of these treatments. Understanding how to sequence your orthodontic and whitening procedures will ensure you achieve the optimal cosmetic outcome, leaving you with a smile that’s not only beautifully aligned but also brilliantly white.
At Incredible Smiles, located in the heart of Boulder, Colorado, we specialize in creating personalized treatment plans that cater to your unique aesthetic goals. Dr. Priya Uppal and Dr. Lori Kemmet, along with our dedicated team, leverage advanced dental technology and artistic expertise to transform smiles in a comfortable, spa-like environment. We’re here to guide you through every step, ensuring your journey to an incredible smile is smooth and successful.
Understanding the Treatments: Orthodontics and Whitening
Before diving into the “when,” let’s briefly touch upon the “what.” Orthodontic treatments, such as traditional braces or modern clear aligners like Invisalign, work by gradually moving your teeth into their ideal positions. This process corrects issues like crowding, gaps, and misalignment, improving not only the aesthetics of your smile but also its overall function and health. Incredible Smiles offers various orthodontic solutions, including Invisalign in Boulder, to suit different needs and preferences.
Teeth whitening, on the other hand, focuses on the color of your teeth. Over time, teeth can become stained or discolored due to various factors like food, drinks (coffee, tea, red wine), smoking, or simply aging. Whitening treatments use safe and effective bleaching agents to break down these stains and lighten the shade of your teeth. We offer professional teeth whitening services in Boulder, including in-office treatments and custom take-home trays, to help you achieve a brighter, more vibrant smile.
The Ideal Sequencing: Orthodontics First, Then Whiten
For the vast majority of patients, the recommended approach is to complete your orthodontic treatment *before* undergoing professional teeth whitening. There are several important reasons for this sequence:
1. Even Whitening Results
If you whiten your teeth while wearing traditional braces, the areas covered by brackets and wires won’t be exposed to the whitening agent. This can lead to an uneven color once the braces are removed, with spots of untreated enamel. Even with removable aligners like Invisalign, it’s generally best to wait. While some may consider whitening during Invisalign treatment using the aligners as trays, this isn’t always recommended as the whitening agent might not distribute evenly if teeth are still moving, and specialized whitening trays are designed differently for optimal gel contact. Waiting until your teeth are fully aligned ensures that the entire surface of each tooth can be whitened uniformly.
2. Addressing Post-Orthodontic Discoloration
It’s not uncommon for teeth to have some slight discoloration or demineralization (white spots) after orthodontic treatment, particularly if oral hygiene was challenging around brackets. Whitening after your braces are off can help to blend these areas and create a more consistent, brighter appearance. A professional cleaning after orthodontic treatment is also crucial to remove any plaque or tartar buildup.
3. Optimal Tooth and Gum Health
Orthodontic treatment sometimes causes temporary gum sensitivity or inflammation. It’s advisable to allow your gums to fully heal and settle before applying whitening agents, which can sometimes cause temporary sensitivity themselves. Most dental professionals recommend waiting at least a few weeks, and sometimes up to six months, after braces removal before starting whitening treatment. This allows your saliva to naturally remineralize the enamel and for any sensitivity to subside.
4. Stability of Alignment
Once your teeth are in their final, corrected positions, custom whitening trays can be made to fit perfectly. This ensures the whitening gel is applied effectively and comfortably. If trays are made while teeth are still shifting, they may not fit properly for the duration of the whitening treatment.
Are There Exceptions? Whitening During Invisalign
While the general rule is to whiten after orthodontics, some patients using Invisalign clear aligners may inquire about whitening during their treatment. It is technically possible to use whitening gels with Invisalign aligners, and some dentists may offer this or whitening toothpastes. However, there are considerations:
- Evenness: As teeth are still moving, there’s a risk of uneven whitening if certain surfaces aren’t fully exposed throughout the process.
- Aligner Material: Not all whitening gels are compatible with Invisalign material, and there’s a potential risk of warping the aligners.
- Attachments: If you have attachments (small, tooth-colored buttons) bonded to your teeth as part of your Invisalign treatment, the area under the attachment will not whiten.
- Sensitivity: Combining the pressure of aligners with whitening agents might increase tooth sensitivity for some individuals.
If you’re considering whitening during your Invisalign treatment in Boulder, it’s crucial to discuss this with Dr. Uppal or Dr. Kemmet. They can advise if it’s a suitable option for your specific case or recommend a gentle whitening toothpaste for use during treatment, with professional whitening to follow once your teeth are perfectly aligned.
Your Boulder Smile Transformation Journey
At Incredible Smiles, we understand that every patient’s smile goals are unique. If you’re in Boulder or surrounding areas and contemplating orthodontic treatment combined with teeth whitening, we invite you for a complimentary consultation. We will assess your oral health, discuss your desired outcomes, and create a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to you. Whether it’s achieving straighter teeth with Invisalign or brightening your smile with our professional teeth whitening services, our focus is on delivering exceptional results.
Our team is experienced in guiding patients through combination therapies, ensuring each step is perfectly timed for optimal health and aesthetics. We also offer a range of other cosmetic dentistry services, such as dental veneers Boulder and smile makeovers, to help you achieve the smile of your dreams. You can even view some of our incredible transformations in our before and after dental photo gallery.
Ready to Start Your Smile Journey?
Contact Incredible Smiles in Boulder today to schedule your consultation. Let us help you time your orthodontic and whitening treatments perfectly for a truly incredible smile!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I whiten my teeth before getting braces?
While you can, it’s generally not recommended. Orthodontic treatment can alter the exposed surfaces of your teeth, so whitening before might lead to uneven color once the braces are off. It’s best to whiten after your teeth are in their final, straight positions.
How long should I wait after braces to whiten my teeth?
Most orthodontists and dentists recommend waiting at least a few weeks to six months after your braces are removed. This allows time for your gums to heal, any tooth sensitivity to subside, and for your saliva to naturally help with minor discolorations. Your dentist at Incredible Smiles will advise the best timing for your specific situation.
Is professional teeth whitening better than over-the-counter products?
Yes, professional teeth whitening supervised by a dentist is generally safer and more effective. Professionals use stronger whitening agents and can customize the treatment to your needs, minimizing sensitivity and ensuring even results. At Incredible Smiles, we offer both in-office and take-home professional whitening options.
Will teeth whitening damage my teeth after orthodontics?
When done professionally and according to instructions, teeth whitening is safe and should not damage your teeth. Some people may experience temporary sensitivity, which usually subsides quickly. It’s important to have healthy teeth and gums before starting any whitening treatment.
Can I use whitening toothpaste while wearing braces?
Using whitening toothpaste can offer mild surface stain removal. However, it won’t provide the dramatic results of professional whitening and won’t whiten the enamel underneath traditional brace brackets. For those with Invisalign, some whitening toothpastes can be used, but it’s best to discuss with your dentist.
Glossary of Terms
Orthodontics: The branch of dentistry that corrects irregularities of the teeth and jaws, primarily alignment and bite.
Invisalign: A type of orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear, custom-made plastic aligners to gradually straighten teeth.
Brackets: Small squares that are bonded directly to the front of most teeth during traditional braces treatment, holding the archwire in place.
Demineralization: The loss of minerals (like calcium) from tooth enamel, which can lead to white spots or increased risk of decay.
Bleaching Agent: A chemical compound (typically containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) used in teeth whitening products to lighten tooth color.
Veneers: Thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. You can explore options like porcelain and minimal prep veneers at Incredible Smiles.
