Best Timing for Teeth Whitening During Orthodontic Treatment
If you’re wondering when to whiten your teeth during orthodontic treatment, this guide will help you determine the best timing based on the type of orthodontic appliance you have.
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About Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment that lightens the color of your teeth without removing any enamel. There are two main types of whitening treatments:
Office Whitening – Performed by a dental professional at a clinic.
Home Whitening – Done at home using a whitening gel and a custom-made tray.
Best Timing for Whitening During Orthodontic Treatment
There are three main stages when whitening can be considered during orthodontic treatment:
Before getting braces
During orthodontic treatment
After removing braces
Q: When is the best timing?
A: It depends on individual preferences, but the best time to whiten is either before getting braces or after removing them.
Why Whitening Before or After Braces is Recommended
Why Whitening Before Braces is Beneficial
Once orthodontic treatment begins, especially with traditional braces, you won’t be able to whiten your teeth until the braces are removed. Since braces typically stay on for about two years, stains and discoloration can build up during this period.
Whitening before getting braces ensures your teeth start the treatment in a brighter shade.
💡 Tip: Since whitening before braces should be done quickly, office whitening is recommended. However, our clinic does not provide office whitening, so you will need to visit another dental office for this treatment. 🙇♀️
Why Whitening After Braces is Beneficial
After your orthodontic treatment is complete, your teeth will be perfectly aligned, allowing the whitening gel to distribute evenly. Additionally, any discoloration that developed during treatment can be corrected.
💡 Tip: After braces, you will need to wear a retainer to prevent teeth from shifting back. Home whitening works well in this phase because the whitening gel can be used with the retainer trays.
Whitening Options for Different Types of Braces
1. Traditional Metal Braces (Brackets on the Front of Teeth)
Once metal braces are placed, whitening cannot be done until after treatment is complete. Therefore, it is best to whiten your teeth before getting braces and then again after the braces are removed. Since brushing becomes more difficult with metal braces, post-treatment whitening is highly recommended.
2. Lingual Braces (Brackets on the Back of Teeth)
With lingual braces, you can whiten your teeth at any time because the brackets are on the inner side. However, if your enamel is thin, the metal brackets may show through, making your teeth appear darker.
💡 Tip: If you have thin enamel, whitening before getting braces may help maintain a brighter appearance.
3. Invisalign (Clear Aligners)
Like lingual braces, Invisalign allows whitening at any time. However, Invisalign aligners sometimes require attachments (small tooth-colored bumps) for better tooth movement.
⚠️ Caution: If you whiten your teeth while wearing attachments, the gel will not reach the areas under them, causing uneven whitening.
💡 Tip: The best timing for whitening is before starting Invisalign or after treatment is complete using the retainer (invisible retainer) as a whitening tray.
How to Do Home Whitening
1️⃣ Apply the Gel
After brushing your teeth, apply a thin, continuous line of whitening gel along the inner front surface of the tray.
Use about ¼ of the syringe per tray.
The gel has high viscosity, so it stays on the teeth and does not leak out easily.
2️⃣ Wearing the Tray
Insert the tray onto your teeth.
Use a clean finger or toothbrush to remove excess gel.
Wear the tray for 2 hours daily for 2 weeks.
⚠️ If you feel pain or sensitivity:
Immediately rinse off the whitening gel with a toothbrush.
Apply Ultrazene (a desensitizing gel) in the tray and wear it for 1 hour.
After removing the tray, rinse your teeth and resume whitening.
3️⃣ After Whitening
After 2 hours, remove the tray and brush off any remaining gel.
Avoid dark-colored foods and drinks (e.g., coffee, wine) for 1–2 hours, as your teeth are more prone to staining immediately after whitening.
💡 Storage: Keep Opalescence and Ultrazene in the refrigerator.
Dr. Yosuke Uji, Ph.D. in Dental Science (Orthodontics)
E.T., Dental Hygienist