Provider
Bring Out the Brightness of Your Newly Straightened Smile
Your active orthodontic treatment is finally complete, and your smile is straighter and healthier than ever, but you're concerned that your teeth seem dull. Have no fear, teeth whitening is here.
Stained and yellow teeth are common in teens and adults after braces are removed. Rather than a direct effect of the brackets and wires, this discolouration is due to imperfect oral hygiene habits over the course of the treatment period.
Difficulties reaching tight areas with a toothbrush and irregular flossing habits during orthodontic treatment can result in uneven tooth colouration once the brackets are removed.
To help you feel great about your new smile, professional teeth whitening from your Surrey orthodontist is available to help even out and brighten the appearance of your teeth – adding polish and pizzazz to that straight new smile.
Flexible Payment Plans as Unique as You Are
At South Surrey Smiles, our team believes that everyone deserves a confident smile, regardless of budget. We understand that investing in orthodontic treatment can be a big decision, so we offer flexible payment options tailored to suit your needs.
Post-Treatment Teeth Whitening Options
To address staining and discolouration that can occur after months of wearing braces, South Surrey Smiles offers two ways to whiten your teeth.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
At our Surrey orthodontic clinic, we can whiten your teeth safely and efficiently right here in our office during a single appointment.
During your in-office teeth whitening appointment, we'll start by placing a barrier around your gums to protect them. Then, we will apply a thin layer of whitening gel to each tooth. The gel will be left on your teeth for a predetermined period of time and then gently rinsed away.
This process may be repeated once or twice to achieve the desired shade of white. After your teeth whitening treatment, stains and discolouration will be minimized, and your teeth will appear whiter and brighter.
Personalized Take-Home Teeth Whitening
You can also achieve a more dazzling smile at home. If you choose our take-home whitening option, we make impressions of your teeth and create a set of custom whitening trays perfectly fitted to your new smile.
We will supply you with trays, as well as whitening gel, to take home.
At home, you will simply apply the whitening gel to the trays and wear them according to the directions for use. The directions will include how often and for how long at a time you should wear your trays.
Each application takes you one step closer to the brighter smile you are looking for.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
If you're considering teeth whitening after braces or Invisalign treatment, you're bound to have questions. Below, you can find answers to common questions about professional teeth whitening, safety, timing after orthodontic treatment, and what to expect.
-
Can I whiten my teeth while using Invisalign?
Some patients choose to whiten their teeth during Invisalign treatment, since the aligners are removable. However, it’s important to consult your orthodontist first to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for your individual case.
-
How long do the effects of teeth whitening last?
Teeth whitening results can vary from person to person, but many patients enjoy a brighter smile for several months to a few years. How long your results last depends on everyday habits like what you eat and drink, how well you care for your teeth, and whether you use tobacco products.
Beverages such as coffee, tea, and red wine can gradually cause new staining over time. Brushing and flossing regularly, along with routine dental cleanings, can help maintain your results. If needed, your dentist may recommend occasional touch-up treatments to keep your smile looking its best.
-
When is the best time to whiten my teeth after braces?
Our orthodontist recommends waiting a few weeks after having your braces removed before whitening your teeth. This will give you time to adjust and get comfortable with the feeling of your new appliance-free smile.
During this period, you will also be able to pay extra attention to your oral hygiene routine, helping to reduce any plaque buildup that may have accumulated, as well as some of the discolouration. This will help to give you optimal results from your whitening treatments.
Your orthodontist can recommend when it’s appropriate to begin whitening.
-
Will my insurance cover the cost of teeth whitening?
In most cases, teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic dental treatment and is not covered by standard dental insurance plans. However, coverage can vary depending on your specific policy.
We recommend reviewing your benefits or contacting your insurance provider directly to confirm what is included. Our team is also happy to help you understand your options and provide any documentation your insurer may require.
-
Will teeth whitening make my teeth more sensitive?
Increased sensitivity can be a short-term side effect of teeth whitening. Sensitivity generally fades away within a few days following a whitening treatment.
Using anti-sensitivity toothpaste when brushing for a couple of weeks before and after treatment can help to minimize discomfort.
-
Does teeth whitening work on all stains?
Brown and yellow stains typically respond best to teeth whitening treatments. However, some stains do not respond at all.
Speak to your orthodontist about whether teeth whitening is right for you.
-
Does teeth whitening work on dental restorations?
No. Teeth whitening is only effective on natural teeth and will not whiten existing dental restorations such as dental fillings, bonding, crowns, or veneers.
If you have crowns, veneers, or other restorations, speak to your orthodontist to determine the best way to achieve the results you are after.
-
Will teeth whitening damage my tooth enamel?
When used as directed, professional teeth whitening treatments are not intended to damage healthy tooth enamel. Whitening products work by targeting surface stains and deeper discolouration, but they do not remove or strip away enamel when properly supervised.
Some patients may experience temporary tooth sensitivity or mild gum irritation during or after whitening treatment. These effects are usually short-lived. Before starting any whitening procedure, it’s important to have a dental evaluation to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy and that whitening is appropriate for you.
If you experience any pain, sensitivity, or discomfort, let your orthodontist know right away.