Everyday life during treatmentQuestion after the braces come off

How long after finishing treatment should I wait before whitening my teeth?

Answered byDr Ivelina Ivanova-Koycheva, Orthodontist (MSc)Master's degrees in orthodontics in Rome and in aligner treatment in Turin, international lecturerPublished on 12 November 2026

Studies suggest waiting 2 weeks after braces or aligners are removed before having your teeth whitened. My advice to patients is to wait until the sensitivity caused by removing the brace adhesive and the attachments has passed, and until the gums have settled if they are inflamed or swollen. Sometimes this can mean waiting 6 weeks or more.

This answer is for general information. Your own case needs an examination by an orthodontist.