Many orthodontic patients dream of a whiter, straighter smile, and Invisalign makes it more easily accessible than conventional braces. But what about whitening teeth? Invisalign patients under treatment always ask, “Can I whiten my teeth during Invisalign treatment?” If you’re asking yourself how to whiten your teeth during Invisalign treatment, read on.
Can You Whiten Teeth While Wearing Invisalign?
Yes, it is possible to whiten teeth while under Invisalign treatment, but with some caveats. Aligner whitening can be tricky. Whitening strips or gels may not cover all your teeth evenly if they are blocked by the aligners, and an uneven outcome results. But your orthodontist in Royal Palm Beach can recommend some whitening procedures that will be compatible with your aligners, so even outcomes can be obtained.
Another consideration is the type of stains you’re addressing. Surface stains caused by beverages like coffee or wine can often be treated with whitening toothpaste or professional gels. Deep discoloration, however, might require professional intervention and is typically best addressed once your Invisalign treatment is complete for optimal results.
Safe Whitening Methods During Invisalign Treatment
The best and safest method for whitening teeth while receiving Invisalign treatment is to ask your orthodontist about professional-level methods. One of the treatments that one finds available with Invisalign are gels that one can use for bleaching and employs in combination with aligners. These are the kind of gels that mostly can be popped into trays to be worn and are easy to use with providing even release.
Or your orthodontist will ask you to brush with whitening toothpaste to assist in removing surface stains. Over-the-counter whitening products are tempting, but don’t let them get the best of you unless your dentist says it’s alright. The chemicals in some products will erode your enamel or make your gums hurt, especially if your teeth are more sensitive during orthodontic treatment.
Why You Should Call a Professional Before Doing Anything at Home
Whitening isn’t off-the-shelf therapy, and your orthodontist knows more about your specific oral health needs than anyone. Whitening with Invisalign requires extra caution to be compatible and safe. Whitening products, for example, can irritate if they infiltrate areas where recent changes have sensitized gums or teeth.
Professionals are able to consider things like teeth sensitivity, the strength of the product, and the impact that whitening has on your Invisalign procedure. Whitening at home may cause uneven bleaching, pain, or aligner or enamel damage. Avoid this by discussing everything with your orthodontist prior to making an attempt.
Keeping Your Smile Clean with Whitening and Invisalign
Good oral health is necessary when undergoing Invisalign, but particularly when bleaching. Brush and floss your teeth every day so your aligners will not contain any food debris and bacteria, which may result in stains. Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and rinse your aligners from time to time as advised by your provider.
Drinking plenty of water and spitting water after drinking staining drinks such as coffee or tea will be beneficial. Additionally, observe that whitening products will never compensate for poor oral habits, so the practice of good care of your teeth and aligners must be maintained to get the best effects.
A Brighter Smile, One Step at a Time
While tooth whitening is possible with Invisalign, there are certain restrictions and precautions that need to be followed. It requires professional expertise to determine the best method in your case so that you gain the benefit of straight and white teeth without damaging your oral health.
If you are considering teeth whitening during your Invisalign, start speaking with your orthodontist today. Their expertise will help to choose the best and safest option in trying to achieve your dream smile!
