When you think about getting braces, your mind probably jumps to the result: a straighter, healthier smile. However, what many patients don't anticipate is the possibility of their teeth appearing a little dull or discolored during treatment.

Fortunately, working toward a straight smile doesn’t mean you have to settle for stained or yellowed teeth in the meantime. From at-home methods to in-office treatments, we’ll explore the best ways to whiten teeth with braces to ensure you have a bright smile throughout your orthodontic treatment.

Can You Whiten Teeth with Braces?

Yes, but there are some limitations. Traditional braces, consisting of metal brackets bonded to the surface of your teeth, cover parts of the enamel, making it difficult for whitening products to reach every part of each tooth evenly.

That said, there are still several effective and safe ways to maintain a whiter smile while wearing braces, especially if you start with the right oral hygiene routine.

Home Whitening Options with Braces

While you may not be able to use traditional whitening gel and trays with braces, several at-home options can help minimize staining and brighten your smile over time.

1. Use a Whitening Toothpaste

Whitening toothpaste is a great first line of defense against surface stains. Although it won’t drastically change the color of your teeth, it can help remove discoloration caused by coffee, tea, or foods like tomato sauce and berries.  

When shopping for toothpaste, look for carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide in the list of ingredients. The American Dental Association (ADA) states that these products readily permeate dental hard tissues, whitening teeth.

And don’t worry, most whitening toothpastes are safe to use with braces, but always consult the product information – and your orthodontist – before use.

2. Switch to a Whitening Mouthwash

A whitening mouthwash can help reach the areas that a toothbrush might miss, especially around brackets and wires. As with toothpaste, choose a mouthwash that contains hydrogen peroxide to help lift stains.

Swishing daily not only freshens your breath but can gradually contribute to a brighter smile. Plus, it’s gentle enough to use regularly without damaging orthodontic appliances.

3. Invest in a Water Flosser

While traditional flossing is essential, water flossers offer an added boost by flushing out plaque and food particles from hard-to-reach areas, especially under brackets and wires. Some models even come with whitening tablets that can be added to the water stream to help improve stain removal.

4. Upgrade to an Electric Toothbrush

Manual brushes just don’t cut it when you’re dealing with brackets and wires. One study found that electric toothbrushes are more effective in reducing dental plaque and other common issues when compared to manual toothbrushes.

An electric toothbrush, especially one designed for orthodontic care, can help your smile shine bright. When shopping, look for electric brushes that feature pressure sensors, compact brush heads, and whitening modes, allowing for a gentle polish that won't harm your braces.

Don’t Forget About Fluoride Treatment

One often-overlooked aspect of oral care during orthodontic treatment is the use of fluoride. Whether it’s through toothpaste, mouthwash, or in-office treatments, fluoride helps strengthen enamel, prevent cavities, and reduce decalcification — the white spots that can appear around braces. Using fluoride consistently also helps protect your teeth from erosion and discoloration, ensuring your smile looks its best once the braces come off.

Gettysburg Dental Associates offers fluoride treatments that are brushed on teeth after a routine cleaning. If you have questions about fluoride treatments, we're happy to answer them during your next appointment or over the phone at 717-334-8193.

Why Invisalign Offers an Advantage in Whitening

Deciding between braces and clear aligners? If whitening is a top concern for you, this might be a factor to consider when choosing an orthodontic method.

Because Invisalign aligners are removable, patients can use professional-grade whitening treatments without interference. As a Top 1% Diamond+ Invisalign Provider, we design personalized treatment plans that lead to brighter, straighter smiles. No brackets, no blocked enamel, and no uneven results — just a smooth, effective whitening process alongside your straightening treatment.

Why Choose Gettysburg Orthodontics?

At Gettysburg Orthodontics, part of Gettysburg Dental Associates, we help patients achieve their smile goals. From aligning teeth for a straighter, more comfortable smile to showing patients that you can whiten teeth with braces, our practice balances aesthetics with practical results!

If you've held off on braces in the past, now is your time to schedule a free consultation and see how you can have a healthier, brighter smile.

‍