6 Simple Tips to Keep Teeth White with Braces or Aligners

A Guide to Protecting Your White Smile During Orthodontic Care

With braces or aligners, a little additional care goes a long way in preventing plaque buildup and stains.

Orthodontic treatment is an exciting step toward a healthier, more confident smile — but many patients worry about keeping their teeth white while wearing braces or aligners. At Bloom Orthodontics, we treat patients of all ages, from kids and teenagers to busy adults, and we know that keeping up with extra oral care isn’t always easy. Between school, sports, work, and packed schedules, it can be tough to slow down and give brushing and flossing the extra time they need — especially for teenagers who are always on the go.

With brackets, wires, or attachments in place, plaque and stains can build up more easily if you’re not careful, which can lead to discoloration or white spots once braces are removed.

The good news? With the right habits and a little extra attention, you can protect your smile and keep your teeth bright throughout treatment — no matter your age or schedule.

Here are Bloom Orthodontics' top tips for maintaining white, healthy teeth while straightening your smile in South Metro Denver and Parker.

1. Brush More Often—and More Thoroughly

When you have braces, brushing twice a day often isn’t enough. Food particles and plaque love to hide around brackets, wires, and along the gumline, increasing the risk of stains, cavities, and those white spots that can appear after braces are removed.

• Brush after every meal when possible

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or electric toothbrush

• Angle the brush above and below brackets to clean all surfaces

• Using a fluoride toothpaste helps strengthen enamel and prevent the white spots that can appear after braces are removed.

2. Don’t Skip Flossing (Even Though It’s Tricky) Flossing with braces takes more time, but it’s essential for preventing stains and decay between teeth. Helpful tools include:

• Floss threaders

• Orthodontic floss

• Water flossers for daily use
  

Parent tip: Create a personalized “Braces Care Kit” they can use at school or on trips, with flossers and a soft-bristled toothbrush for on-the-go care.

Sports drinks may seem harmless, but their sugars and color additives can cause stains and plaque to build up quickly.

3. Watch What You Eat and Drink Certain foods and drinks are notorious for staining teeth—and braces make those stains more likely to stick.

• Dark sodas and sports drinks

• Tomato-based sauces

• Berries

• Coffee and tea

• Red wine and other dark-colored adult beverages
  

If you do indulge, rinse your mouth with water right away and brush as soon as possible.

4. Avoid Whitening Products Unless Approved It might be tempting to use whitening strips or toothpaste during treatment, but this can actually cause uneven coloring.

• Avoid all over-the-counter whitening products when in treatment

• Wait until treatment is complete for professional whitening — our staff is here to assist

• Be patient with the process
  

Whitening during braces can leave darker spots where brackets were attached—patience pays off here.

A recent Bloom patient, this young lady did a great job of cleaning her teeth throughout her treatment to result in a new, beautiful smile!

5. Keep Up With Professional Cleanings Regular dental cleanings are more important than ever during orthodontic treatment. Hygienists can remove plaque and surface stains that brushing alone can’t.

• Maintain routine dental cleanings every six months (or more often if recommended)

• Let your dentist and orthodontist coordinate care
  

6. Stay Consistent With Appointments Routine orthodontic visits aren’t just about straightening teeth—they’re also a chance to catch early signs of enamel issues or staining. At Bloom Orthodontics, monitoring oral health throughout treatment helps ensure patients finish with both straight and healthy-looking teeth.

Once treatment is complete, we’ll guide you through safe and effective whitening options to enhance your new smile.

Plan for Teeth Whitening After Orthodontic Treatment

The best time to whiten your teeth is after braces or aligners come off. At that point, our team can recommend safe, effective options for a bright, even smile. Our office will help patients plan post-treatment whitening as part of their smile transformation.

Keeping your teeth white during orthodontic treatment takes a little extra effort—but it’s absolutely doable. Consistent oral hygiene, smart food choices, and guidance from our orthodontic team make all the difference. With the right care and support, you can feel confident knowing your smile will be just as bright as it is straight when treatment is complete.

Have questions about what's safe for braces? Our team at Bloom Orthodontics is always here to help! Contact us anytime for personalized guidance on keeping you or your child's smile healthy throughout their orthodontic journey.

Bloom Orthodontics is a 5280 Top Orthodontist and makes orthodontic care simple, affordable, and rewarding — with 0% financing, in-network insurance options, and expert care you can trust. We'd love to meet you!

If you’re considering orthodontic treatment in Parker, Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch, or South Denver, schedule your free consultation today.

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