Our Invisalign patients are often keen to know whether they are able to whiten their teeth (via a professional teeth whitening procedure) while receiving Invisalign treatment. While it is indeed possible to whiten your teeth while using Invisalign aligners, we do not recommend doing so. However, we do advise patients undergo teeth whitening when the Invisalign process is completely finished.
This is because the teeth whitening process is most effective when teeth are correctly aligned. This is because the set of teeth are constantly moving during the Invisalign process, and it is highly possible for new discoloration to appear in areas of the teeth that were not initially exposed to the whitening agents. Subsequently, the patient can be left dissatisfied and the final appearance that they envisaged will be unlikely to be matched. Therefore, it is recommended to wait until the set of teeth are fully aligned, and thus the individual will be much more likely to acquire the white teeth they want.
What whitening products can be used during Invisalign
Although a tooth whitening procedure itself may be unadvisable, there are less intense types of tooth whitening that may be used during Invisalign. This includes using whitening toothpastes or mouthwashes that contain whitening agents which can be beneficial for individuals with aligners. This is backed up by wearers reporting that Invisalign aligners help to keep the whitening agents in close proximity to their teeth, thus offering effective whitening action. The whitening agents in these toothpastes and mouthwashes aid in breaking down surface stains, while tiny abrasive particles can polish the surface of teeth.
If the toothpastes or mouthwashes are not sufficient, then dentists may be able to prescribe whitening gels, which can be applied in the dental practice or at home. Whitening gels are usually stronger then whitening toothpaste, or mouthwash and should be able to offer a higher level of whitening. However, it is essential that when using whitening gels that you follow the comprehensive instructions and any aftercare advice that is given, to avoid potential sensitivity issues.
The difference between Invisalign and teeth whitening
Some patients often mistake Invisalign treatment as a tooth whitening procedure, so just to be clear and avoid any confusion…
Invisalign is a set of clear aligners which are formed specifically for an individuals set of teeth to align teeth simply and comfortably. This addresses a key issue that many individuals have about the appearance of their teeth and their subsequent reduced confidence. This issue is linked to teeth whitening as an individual can also feel self-conscious about their discoloured or stained teeth, which can also lower confidence.
Additionally, there are similarities in the Invisalign aligner and a tooth whitening tray, to further link these two procedures. However, they are not the same thing, with an Invisalign aligner being much tighter against the teeth and potentially pushing out any whitening gel applied to the inside. The seal around Invisalign aligners is not as good as the seal around whitening trays, so the whitening gels can often be washed away. Subsequently, it is advised that whitening gel is not used within Invisalign aligners, as it can be irritating to the lining of the mouth and potentially the stomach of the individual.
It is always best to visit a dentist and get an in-depth consultation [link tohttps://www.sensationalsmiles.co.uk/request-an-appointment.html] regarding the state of your teeth, and then you can decide what treatment options are best suited to overcoming these issues.
Now you understand the key details regarding whitening teeth with Invisalign, you can now decide how you will whiten your teeth. You may proceed with a professional dental whitening; if you urgently require whitening and cannot wait for the Invisalign process to finish, however you must understand the effectiveness may not match your expectations, especially if your teeth have significant aligning left to undergo. Assuming the matter is not urgent then the advisable option will be to utilise other whitening products until the Invisalign process is complete, and then undergoing your whitening treatment.
