Should Teeth Whitening Come Before or After Braces?

Explained by Orthodontic Specialist Dr. Begüm Ulaşan and Milim Dental Bursa

Your teeth are crowded, and you are considering orthodontic treatment...

At the same time, you are thinking, "I want my smile to be white; I want to whiten my teeth."

And the classic questions begin:

1. Should teeth whitening be done before or after orthodontics?
2. Can whitening be done while wearing braces?
3. Is whitening easier during clear aligner therapy?
4. How does Dr. Begüm Ulaşan plan this process at Milim Dental in Bursa?

In this article, based on the clinical approach of Dr. Begüm Ulaşan, an orthodontic specialist at Milim Dental in Bursa, we will explain the relationship between orthodontics and teeth whitening in full detail.

1. What is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening (bleaching) is the procedure that provides a multi-tone lightening of tooth color by:

1. Applying special whitening gels to the tooth enamel,
2. Sometimes supplementing this with light/laser support.

It is considered safe when done with the correct product and dosage, under professional supervision.

However:

1. Not all tooth colors lighten at the same rate.
2. Fillings, crowns, and veneers do not whiten.
3. It can cause mild, temporary sensitivity.

The Milim Dental Bursa team and Dr. Begüm Ulaşan plan the timing of whitening very carefully, especially in patients planned for orthodontic treatment.

2. Is Teeth Whitening Before Orthodontics Sensible?

A frequently asked question by patients is: "Can I whiten my teeth before braces, and then start treatment?"

Theoretically, it is possible; however, in most cases, it is not sensible.

Why?

1. Aesthetic changes: Orthodontics changes the position, angles, and smile line of the teeth. If you whiten first, you may need to re-evaluate the color of the teeth at different angles once the treatment is finished.
2. Visibility: During orthodontics, some tooth surfaces become more visible, which changes the aesthetic expectation.

Therefore, Dr. Begüm Ulaşan, an orthodontic specialist in Bursa, applies the following principle in most cases: "Let's complete the main orthodontic plan, see the final state of the smile, and then design the whitening based on that final picture if necessary."

3. Can Whitening Be Done While Wearing Braces?

Theoretically, some at-home whitening products could be used with braces on, but in a professional sense, bleaching while brackets are in the mouth is not ideal.

Why?

1. Compromised Color Uniformity: The enamel surface under the brackets does not fully contact the gel. When the bracket is removed, some areas of the tooth may remain darker, while others are lighter.
2. Uncontrolled Spread of Gels: It is difficult to properly isolate the area around the bracketed teeth. The risk of gum irritation and sensitivity increases.
3. Patient Discomfort: Orthodontic treatment sometimes causes mild-to-moderate sensitivity. Adding whitening sensitivity on top can lead to unnecessary discomfort for the patient.

For this reason, Dr. Begüm Ulaşan at Milim Dental Bursa does not routinely recommend whitening during active braces treatment.

Exceptions may include:

1. Short-term, low-dose protocols applied only to specific areas.
2. Very specific aesthetic demands.
3. Case combinations requiring a multidisciplinary approach.

But the general rule is: "Whitening after braces, not during braces."

4. Is Whitening Easier with Clear Aligner Therapy?

The situation is slightly different for orthodontic patients using clear aligners.

Aligners:

1. Since they are clear trays that surround the teeth,
2. They can be used like a splint with low-dose, at-home whitening gels.

Advantages:

1. Because the aligner is removable, brushing the teeth before and after whitening is easy.
2. Gel control can be managed better.
3. The whitening plan can be designed concurrently with the orthodontic plan.

However, there are also precautions here:

1. If an excessive amount of whitening gel is placed inside the aligner, it can cause gum irritation.
2. Adding whitening time on top of an already intensive aligner usage period (20–22 hours per day) can be difficult for the patient.

When planning whitening for patients undergoing clear aligner treatment, Dr. Begüm Ulaşan at Milim Dental Bursa evaluates:

1. The progress of the orthodontic process,
2. Gum health,
3. The patient's hygiene habits.

In suitable cases:

1. Whitening is integrated as part of the process towards the final stages of the treatment.

5. Teeth Whitening After Orthodontics: The Most Sensible Time

The general principle is: The most ideal time for teeth whitening is after the orthodontic treatment—especially the active braces/aligner period—has been completed.

Why?

1. The teeth have reached the targeted alignment.
2. The bite and smile line are clear.
3. Brackets and adhesives around the teeth have been cleaned, and the surfaces have been polished.

At this point:

1. The dentist can look at the teeth's final position and select the best shade and method.
2. Some teeth may have more or less sensitivity; the doctor adjusts the dosage accordingly.

Dr. Begüm Ulaşan and Milim Dental Bursa generally plan the post-orthodontic process as follows:

1. Brackets are removed, or clear aligner treatment is completed.
2. Tooth surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and polished.
3. The retention process is explained.
4. If necessary, a separate session is planned for whitening.

In this way, the patient achieves a "straight and white" smile within a single plan.

6. Whitening + Orthodontics + Smile Design (For Those Who Want a Complete Aesthetic Renewal)

Some patients visit Milim Dental in Bursa wanting to renew their entire smile, not just straighten their teeth:

1. Teeth are crowded,
2. Color is dark,
3. Some teeth are small, some are broken,
4. Lip support is weak...

In these cases, just orthodontics or just whitening may not be enough. In such situations, Dr. Begüm Ulaşan and the Milim Dental team:

1. Correct the teeth's position with orthodontics;
2. Afterward, if deemed necessary, they plan procedures like:
3. Whitening,
4. Composite bonding,
5. Veneers or crowns,
6. Implants/prosthetics
7. in collaboration with the relevant specialists.

But the fundamental principle remains: First, get the teeth into the correct position, then focus on color and form aesthetics. This yields the best long-term results, both functionally and aesthetically.

7. Conclusion: Orthodontics and Teeth Whitening Must Be Planned Together

In summary:

1. Teeth whitening is beautiful on its own, but if done at the wrong time, it can clash with orthodontic treatment.
2. Dr. Begüm Ulaşan in Bursa evaluates the treatment sequence, the system to be used, and gum health together for every patient planning orthodontics + whitening.

If:

1. You are considering both braces/clear aligners,
2. And you are dissatisfied with the color of your teeth,

The most correct step is to schedule a consultation at Milim Dental Bursa and determine your personal timing with the orthodontic specialist Dr. Begüm Ulaşan.

This way, your teeth can be both in the correct position and your smile can be the desired whiteness.