Can You Whiten Your Teeth While Using Invisalign?
When somebody points their phone or camera at you and tells you to smile or ‘say cheese’ before snapping a pic, do you open white and flash a brilliant set of pearly whites at the camera when smiling, or do you close your mouth and keep your smile to a minimum because of your teeth?
Being self-conscious is very common, yet it is nothing to be ashamed of. People find themselves feeling self-conscious for a whole host of different reasons. Some people don’t like their weight, others dislike their height, and much more besides. For many however, it is the teeth that cause the most issues.
If your teeth aren’t completely straight and brilliant white and it is bothering you, the good news is that there are teeth straightening options such as Invisalign, that work wonders.
But can you whiten your teeth while using Invisalign? Let’s find out.
What is Invisalign?
Starting things off today, we’ll begin by taking a look at what Invisalign actually is.
Invisalign is basically a set of transparent clear braces that are designed to be much, much more discreet than metal braces or aligners.
Clear and made from a specially designed plastic material, Invisalign braces allow the wearer to transform the look of their teeth, helping to keep them aligned and giving them a lighter, whiter colour in the process.
Best of all is the fact that Invisalign braces are fully removable rather than fixed, so the wearer can put them in and take them out at their leisure.
Popular types of teeth whitening treatment
We’ll answer the question of can you whiten your teeth while using Invisalign in just a few moments, but first, we’ll take a look at some of the more popular types of teeth whitening treatments available for purchase today.
In-chair treatments
Up first we have what are known as in-chair treatments. In-chair teeth whitening treatments are carried out by a dentist, in a dentist’s chair and are therefore the most professional teeth whitening options that one could wish for.
Typically, your dentist will have a tray mould made of your teeth. Next, a small amount of bleaching agent will be applied to the tray mould which you will then place into your mouth and wear over your teeth. Next, a UV light will be used to activate the bleaching solution.
Take-home kits
Another option for teeth whitening at home are what are known as ‘take home kits.’
Take home kits work in a very similar way to how in-chair dental whitening treatments work, except for the fact that the chemicals and solutions used are typically not as strong or as powerful as those used by a dentist.
Toothpastes
We’ve all seen the ads for whitening toothpastes on the TV and on social media, but do these pastes really work? Well, whereas they don’t work miracles or as effectively as bleaching kits, some do still work very well.
Whitening toothpastes contain ingredients which help to whiten the teeth and kill bacteria responsible for plaque and tartar build ups and the best thing is that you can use them at home.
Can you whiten your teeth while wearing Invisalign?
One of the most common questions people ask regarding Invisalign is whether you can use these braces and whiten your teeth.
So, can you whiten your teeth while using Invisalign? Well, yes and no. While whitening treatments work very well with Invisalign braces, dentists recommend that you wait at least 6 months until after the Invisalign treatment before using whitening agents.
What are the best whitening treatments while wearing aligners?
Okay, so assume that at least 6 months have passed since you first stared wearing Invisalign aligners and you’re looking for ways of whitening your teeth, what can you use for best results?
Here are some tried and tested whitening treatments ideal for use with Invisalign braces.
Whitening gel
Whitening gels are very popular amongst people looking to whiten their teeth at home, due largely to the fact that they’re so easy to use.
If you’re looking to whiten your teeth as part of your Invisalign treatment you can speak to your dentist and be provided with a whitening gel which you can apply to your Invisalign retainer each night before going to sleep for the next 7 – 14 nights.
Whitening toothpastes
One of the simplest ways of whitening your teeth as part of your Invisalign treatment is to brush your teeth with a whitening toothpaste.
Brushing and flossing will keep your teeth healthy and strong, and if you choose a whitening paste you can whiten the colour in the process.
Whitening treatments to avoid with Invisalign aligners
If you’re using Invisalign aligners and you want whiter teeth, it’s important to know which treatments to avoid as well. Some whitening treatments you may wish to avoid include:
Acidic “home remedies”
Whereas apple cider vinegar and lemon juice may kill bacteria in the mouth, the acid can also strip the enamel off of your teeth, which will weaken them and eventually kill them.
Activated charcoal
Activated charcoal toothpastes were popular a few years back when Z-list reality TV “stars” were endorsing them on social media, but now the truth is out it’s very different.
Activated charcoal is highly abrasive which means that each time you brush your teeth with it you are stripping the enamel off your teeth, causing more dentin. This will eventually cause the teeth to look more yellow.
Other considerations before whitening your teeth
If you are whitening your teeth with Invisalign, here are some other things to take into consideration:
- Sensitive teeth
- Existing dental work
- Upcoming dental work
- Time
- Budget
Final thoughts
So, can you whiten your teeth while using Invisalign? Absolutely. Invisalign treatments are discreet, easy to use, effective, and can be used in conjunction with numerous teeth whitening products and procedures. Just make sure to speak to your dentist first, and they can then advise you accordingly.
