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How To Whiten Teeth With Braces

By Rajiv Ahuja
on April 9, 2025

Last Modified :

April 18, 2025

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Traditionally, orthodontists have recommended that people who want to whiten their teeth delay the process until after their braces are removed. Previously, bleaching agents were thought to weaken the attachment of the braces to your teeth.

That’s no longer the case, and there are ways to safely whiten your teeth with braces— depending on what kind you have.

Lots of patients ask, ‘Can I do teeth whitening with braces?’ and ‘What happens if you whiten your teeth with braces?’ The answer is that it depends on what kind of braces you have, and how you plan to whiten your teeth. As your trusted orthodontist in North West, the team at Fox Orthodontics has put together this guide to whitening your teeth with braces—what to do, what not to do, and which whitening options are safe to use with braces.

Types of braces and their impact on whitening:

Most discolouration that occurs while wearing braces isn’t because of the braces themselves. Stains are more likely to occur because of food stuck between brackets and wires, causing a buildup of bacteria and plaque, which then leads to stains and spots on teeth.

Whether whitening is an option for you depends on the kind of braces you have:

Traditional metal or ceramic braces

This is the most common type of braces, consisting of metal brackets that are glued to the teeth and connected with metal wires.

So, can you whiten teeth with braces of this kind? Unfortunately, whitening treatments are not recommended for wearers of traditional metal or ceramic braces.

Lingual braces

Lingual braces are attached to the back (lingual side) of the teeth, making them less visible from the outside.

Since these braces are placed behind the teeth, whitening treatments can still be effective on the front surfaces. However, the brackets can still trap plaque and stains, making even whitening more difficult. Whitening toothpaste or at-home whitening strips may work, but professional whitening after treatment is the best option.

Self-ligating braces

In most ways, self-ligating braces are similar to traditional metal braces, but they use a special clip instead of elastics to hold the wire in place.

While whitening toothpaste and professional cleanings can help reduce stains, most dentists recommend waiting until after your braces are removed for the most even and consistent results.

Clear aligners

Clear aligners are a series of custom-made, clear plastic trays that gradually move the teeth into alignment. Popular with older braces-wearers because they are removable and less noticeable, the most well-known brands are Invisalign and ClearCorrect.

So, can you do teeth whitening with braces of this kind? Whitening toothpaste, strips, or professional treatments can be done while using aligners, and some brands even offer specific whitening gel trays that work with clear aligners.

Should you use DIY solutions:

Wondering “Can I whiten my teeth with braces using DIY solutions?”

DIY teeth whitening with braces on isn’t always a good idea, but there are exceptions. If you have lingual braces, or clear aligners, then you shouldn’t have many issues, although you should still check with your orthodontist to be safe. Whether it’s a professional or DIY solution, if you have metal or ceramic braces then it’s best to wait until the treatment is over. This is because DIY whitening products, whether strips, toothpaste, or home remedies like baking soda, can’t reach the areas covered by your brackets, leading to uneven colouring once your braces come off. Some whitening agents can also be too harsh, causing sensitivity or irritating your gums.

Additionally, certain DIY methods like baking soda can damage both your enamel and your braces.

If you’re concerned about yellowing or stains, the best approach is to focus on good oral hygiene—brushing with fluoride toothpaste, using a non-abrasive whitening toothpaste occasionally, and keeping up with professional cleanings.

Which whitening options are safe to use while wearing braces:

The whitening options you can use safely will depend on what kinds of braces you have.

Check the table below to find out:

Can I use teeth whitening strips with braces?
Can I use teeth whitening toothpaste with braces?
Ways to whiten teeth with braces (based on which kind you have).

Braces Type	Can You Whiten During Treatment?	Best Whitening Approach
Metal/Clear Braces	❌ Not recommended	Wait until after treatment for professional whitening
Ceramic Braces	❌ Not recommended	Use whitening toothpaste and avoid stains
Lingual Braces	✅ Possible but tricky	Whitening toothpaste or strips may work
Clear Aligners	✅ Yes	Can use whitening gel, strips, or professional treatments
Self-Ligating Braces	❌ Not recommended	Use whitening toothpaste, wait for post-treatment whitening

What to avoid when whitening teeth with braces:

One of the biggest aesthetic concerns to be aware of is that, even with professional whitening, there is likely to be unevenness in the colouring of exposed and unexposed tooth enamel, as the area under your brackets won’t be whitened. You’ll want to schedule a second, touch-up whitening appointment after the braces are removed.

Additionally,

Don’t apply whitening products directly to the braces – Whitening products can damage the brackets and wires, and they won’t effectively whiten the areas covered by the braces.
Avoid inconsistent oral hygiene – Poor cleaning habits can lead to plaque buildup, which may cause uneven whitening results and even staining on your teeth.
Don’t use excessive whitening treatments – Overusing whitening products can damage your teeth and gums, so always follow a professional’s advice on how often to whiten.

Ways to prevent tooth discolouration while wearing braces:

Many braces stains can be prevented by practicing a high level of oral hygiene. This means regular brushing and flossing, ideally after every meal.

You should be brushing for at least two minutes, followed by thorough flossing to remove any food trapped between your teeth and under your braces wire.

It will also help to avoid foods and drinks with a high likelihood of causing stains—coffee, black tea, red wine, berries, soy sauce, turmeric, tomato sauce, beetroots, sugary drinks (including artificially coloured sports drinks). In general, foods that are high in sugar and high in acid can cause staining.

Finally, keep your regular dental cleaning appointments, and ask your orthodontist about fluoride treatments before and after braces, as this can prevent discolouration.

Some other top tips:

Rinse your mouth with water anytime you eat or drink anything sugary or acidic.
Use an interproximal brush—sometimes called “in-betweeners,” to target particles mixed in among your braces.
Avoid any tobacco products, as this is the fastest way to turn your teeth yellow.

How long after braces can you whiten your teeth?

Unfortunately, even if you clean your teeth as best as you can, there will probably still be a mismatch between the colour of the teeth that aren’t covered by braces and the teeth that are.

Once your braces are off, it’s best to wait about 6 to 8 weeks before whitening your teeth. This gives your enamel time to recover from any pressure or changes caused by the braces. Your dentist or orthodontist will be able to give you the best advice based on how your teeth are looking after the braces come off.

Additionally, Orthodontic Australia recommends that you have a dental check-up and clean with your dentist first. Your dentist will be able to spot any signs of gum disease or tooth decay that might make teeth whitening unsafe.

Do orthodontists offer teeth whitening after braces?

After 1-3 years, it will likely be time to take the braces off. Your orthodontist will remove the brackets, bands and wires, and then clean the teeth to remove any remaining glue. Then it’s time for your retainer, which will need to be worn for a set period after the removal of the brace, either during the day or the night.

Teeth whitening isn’t necessarily part of the service, but some patients choose to undergo professional teeth whitening treatment after their braces are removed. Whether your orthodontist offers this service depends on your treatment plan.

Fox Orthodontics is a family run practice established over 35 years ago. We have been straightening and whitening smiles for decades, providing the very best orthodontic care to our patients in Norwest, Hills District, Castle Hill, Parramatta, Kellyville, Blacktown, Orange & Bathurst.

Questions?

Should I whiten my teeth or get braces first?

This is really down to personal preference, although you shouldn’t feel limited by the idea that you can’t whiten your teeth with braces. There aren’t many restrictions for those with clear aligners, or lingual braces, and you may even be able to have a professional teeth whitening done while undergoing treatment. If you have traditional metal braces, then teeth whitening is usually reserved for after your treatment has concluded—this gives your new smile the best chance of shining bright.

Can braces stains be removed?

If the stains are caused by plaque buildup or food debris, a professional dental cleaning can often remove them. However, if the stains are due to demineralization (white spots) from poor oral hygiene, they may not go away completely, though fluoride treatments or teeth whitening after braces can help improve their appearance. Regular brushing, flossing, and avoiding stain-causing foods can prevent further discoloration.

Can teeth be whitened naturally?

There are a few natural methods that have proven effective. These include:

Oil pulling: Swishing coconut oil in your mouth for 10-15 minutes may reduce plaque and mild staining.
Eating crunchy fruits and veggies: Apples, carrots, and celery can naturally scrub your teeth and promote saliva production.

The best natural method is prevention. Brushing twice a day and flossing helps prevent stains and keeps teeth looking brighter. You can also consider limiting stain-causing foods like coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco can stain teeth. For more noticeable whitening, professional treatments or whitening toothpaste may be needed.

Do banana peels whiten teeth?

The idea that banana peels can whiten your teeth is a popular claim—but unfortunately, there’s not much science to back it up. The theory is that the minerals in banana peels (like potassium and magnesium) help remove stains, but they don’t actually have the same whitening power as peroxide-based treatments. That said, rubbing a banana peel on your teeth for a few minutes won’t do any harm—but it also probably won’t produce any noticeable results. If you’re after a more drastic transformation, whitening toothpaste or professional treatments are the way to go.

Why do teeth turn yellow after braces?

They don’t, necessarily. It can feel that way—especially with such heightened attention on your mouth. You might feel like your teeth are yellower for a couple of reasons. First of all, because the enamel protected by your braces brackets won’t have been exposed to the food and drink you’ve consumed for the months or years that you’ve worn braces. So when you take your braces off, the change may be very noticeable. Another reason teeth can seem yellow after braces is due to the buildup of plaque and stains around the brackets and wires. Over time, it can be harder to clean around these areas properly, which may lead to discoloration.

How do you get rid of yellow teeth with braces?

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, making sure to clean around brackets and wires. An electric toothbrush can make a big difference.
Flossing with braces isn’t fun, but it’s crucial to remove plaque. Try floss threaders or a water flosser for easier cleaning. A fluoride mouthwash can also help.
Cut back on stain-causing foods like coffee, tea, and soft drinks. If you do indulge, rinse with water afterward.
Whitening toothpaste can help lift stains, but avoid whitening strips or trays as they won’t reach under the brackets, which could leave uneven colour when your braces come off.

Once your braces are off, you can go for a full whitening treatment if needed. In the meantime, keeping up with good oral hygiene is your best bet.

How much does it cost to get your teeth whitened after braces?

The cost of teeth whitening after braces depends on the method you choose. Here’s a rough breakdown:

Professional in-office whitening: $250 to $650 per session.

This is the fastest and most effective option, with instant results.

Take-home whitening kits from your dentist: $200 to $400.

These custom trays with professional-grade gel offer gradual whitening over a couple of weeks.

Over-the-counter whitening kits: $50 to $150.

Whitening strips, gels, and LED kits are more affordable but take longer to show noticeable results.

Whitening toothpaste and mouthwash: $5 to $30.
These help remove surface stains but won’t dramatically whiten your teeth.

If you have uneven staining from your braces, professional whitening is usually the best way to get an even, bright smile.

Article by

Dr Rajiv Ahuja.

As a fully certified Incognito, Invisalign and Suresmile provider, Dr. Rajiv Ahuja gained his experience working as a dentist for over 10 years.

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