Your teeth are one of the first things people notice about you, so if they’re not perfectly white, it can make you feel self-conscious and lacking in confidence. You’ll look more confident and feel more attractive when your smile looks as good as possible, so it’s important to make your teeth look whiter with these three tips on what color braces make your teeth look white.
Choose the right shade of clear brackets
When choosing a shade of clear brackets, keep in mind that most orthodontists prefer you choose a shade lighter than your natural tooth color. For example, if you have naturally white teeth, opt for a clear set that is slightly more yellow. Over time, as you wear them on a daily basis and visit your orthodontist for checkups and adjustments every six weeks or so, dark spots may appear on your brackets; these are known as oxidized areas.
These areas will begin to darken with time due to contact with food and beverages such as coffee and tea. Brackets that start out too light will likely get darker over time instead of staying true to their initial color choice. If you want to go for a brighter shade of clear brackets, it’s best to do so after your braces have been removed. If you’re not sure what color would be best for you, ask your orthodontist before making any decisions.
Choose the right shade of rubber bands
It’s important that you get a tight enough fit with your rubber bands. If they’re too loose, they’ll be less effective and potentially cause injury or discomfort. But on the other hand, if they’re too tight, it can be hard to wear them for more than a few hours at a time. Start by snapping one rubber band against your wrist. If it hurts or leaves a mark, you need to either buy different bands or start wearing them farther down on your arm.
Choose a well-fitting retainer
Retainers help prevent teeth from shifting back to their original position after they’ve been straightened. If you have braces, you will likely have to wear a retainer for several months after your treatment is complete. Although retainers can be uncomfortable at first, once you get used to wearing them, it’s easy—and in some cases necessary—to keep your smile on point. If properly taken care of, a retainer should last for up to 10 years before needing replacement. Follow these tips on how to choose and take care of a retainer so that they serve their purpose while complementing your smile: Choose well-fitting retainers: When choosing a retainer, it’s important that it not only fits correctly but also feels comfortable when worn.
Use whitening toothpaste
When you use a whitening toothpaste, it helps polish away some of that surface discoloration on your teeth, so they will appear brighter. Look for toothpastes with a higher concentration of peroxide, which is an ingredient that can be found in over-the-counter bleaching products. You’ll also want to choose a whitening toothpaste with fluoride or another active ingredient like triclosan; these ingredients help strengthen and protect your enamel from further damage. There are all kinds of whitening toothpastes out there—regular, gel and paste—each designed for varying levels of stain removal. Generally speaking, if you’ve already tried one type but weren’t satisfied with its results, try another one until you find one that works for you.
Use whitening mouthwash
If you’re looking for a fast and easy way to get a brighter smile, try whitening mouthwash. Whitening mouthwash works by removing any surface stains on your teeth. Be sure to look for one that is sodium lauryl sulfate-free, like Crest 3D White Luxe Glamorous White Mouthwash or Colgate Total Advanced Deep Clean Whitening Mouthwash. Both are non-foaming and gentle on gums—important factors when it comes to whitening products because they work best with fresh breath!
Get regular cleanings
One of the easiest ways to keep those pearly whites looking white is simply by brushing twice a day and flossing once, but you can also consider setting up regular cleanings with your dentist. The American Dental Association recommends an initial visit six months after getting braces, then again at least every nine months thereafter—especially during those first few years when you’re making adjustments. These visits will help remove any lingering bits of food and plaque from around each tooth so that they don’t stain or discolor over time. It’s also important to visit your dentist if you experience any pain, bleeding or notice anything unusual about your braces.
