Bleaching teeth and Orthodontic Treatment

Stains on teeth can be classified in one of two ways: extrinsic or intrinsic. Extrinsic stains appear on the surface of your teeth. Intrinsic stains live between the microcracks in your enamel and deep within your dentin (the layer of your tooth underneath your enamel). Whitening toothpastes and mouth rinses may be able to remove some of the extrinsic stains on your teeth. But only teeth whitening agents can remove the stubborn extrinsic stains and the unsightly intrinsic stains that cause your teeth to look discolored after orthodontic treatment.

Tooth whitening gels contain an active whitening ingredient (either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide) that penetrates your enamel to get to discolored molecules. Oxygen molecules from the whitening agents react with the discolored molecules in your teeth, breaking the bonds that hold them together. The oxygen molecules spread, whitening the entire tooth. As a result, you are left with a brighter, whiter smile.

When you had your braces off, and your teeth were slightly marked, bleaching of the teeth will enhance the orthodontic treatment results. You will have so many comments on your smile in the future, and it is so nice to be confident about a brighter, whiter smile.

The whitening agent (either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide) penetrates the enamel to reach the discolored molecules inside your tooth
Oxygen molecules from the whitening agent react with the discolored molecules in your teeth, breaking the bonds that hold them together
The oxygen molecules spread, whitening the entire tooth.
The end result is a brighter, whiter smile after orthodontic treatment!
Pre-orthodontic treatment with procumbent incisors.
Post-orthodontic treatment with tooth whitening & bleaching

Please visit Pittsburgh Orthodontic Clinic for further information!