You may be wondering if it’s safe to complete teeth whitening during your Invisalign® treatment. Read on for more information about what teeth whitening options there are during your Invisalign® journey at Walt Orthodontics!
Professionally Recommended Whitening Options
There are many factors to consider when wanting to whiten your teeth, such as hygiene and cleanliness of your teeth, your diet, and even some genetic components. All these contribute to the brightness and whiteness of your teeth. At Walt Orthodontics, we offer a whitening gel option, complimentary throughout the duration of your Invisalign® treatment.
1. Whitening Gel
If you would like to whiten your teeth during your Invisalign® treatment let one of our clinical team members know and we would be happy to give you some complimentary whitening gel. This gel is a low-intensity whitening product that can be used in your Invisalign® aligner every night while sleeping for 1-2 weeks. You would place a small drop of the gel into every compartment of the aligner, and seat the aligner around your teeth, wiping away any excess in your mouth or on your gum tissue. Leave the whitening gel on your teeth for at least 90 minutes, or you can also sleep with the aligner in and rinse the aligner and your mouth with lukewarm water afterwards.
2. Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste is another option for keeping your teeth clean and white during the Invisalign® process. Brushing and flossing at least twice daily is always recommended by our dental professionals and is that much more important when in orthodontic treatment. Maintaining a healthy foundation for your teeth, gums and bone levels is crucial to the success of a beautiful smile. We even recommend you see your hygienist every 3-6 months while in treatment.
Whitening Options to Be Wary Of
There are many at over the counter, or at-home remedies available when wanting to achieve whiter teeth.
1. Lemon Juice or Apple Cider Vinegar
At-home remedies such as using lemon juice or apple cider vinegar as a mouthwash can erode the enamel on your teeth.
2. Activated Charcoal
Scrubbing your teeth with activated charcoal is somewhat of a craze, but it does come with risks. For instance, abrasive charcoal can wear your enamel away.
In both of the above cases, wearing away the enamel will result in seeing more dentin, and the yellow will show through after some time. Before choosing a whitening method, it is always best to contact your dental professionals as the cheapest options are not always the best or safest options. It is critical to have a thorough dental exam prior to any whitening, ensuring your teeth are clean, and free from plaque and tartar.
Commonly Asked Questions
“Can I whiten my teeth when I have attachments on my teeth?”
While undergoing Invisalign® treatment, a huge component of successful treatment is “attachments” or tooth coloured bumps placed on the teeth that act as handles for the aligners to grip onto the teeth, allowing for more complicated movements of the teeth. You may have heard the myth that tooth enamel will not whiten under these composite attachments, but that is not true! Tooth enamel actually acts like a sponge and will absorb the bleaching agent, creating a white smile all while straightening your teeth!
“Does Invisalign® make my teeth more yellow?”
Invisalign® does NOT make your teeth yellow. We recommend 22 hours a day of aligner wear. What happens during the other 2 hours of the day when the aligners are not in your mouth is what matters! It is what you eat and how well you are keeping your teeth clean that will affect the shade or cause yellowing of the teeth, not the Invisalign® aligner themselves.
Other Whitening Considerations
1. Dental Work
Tooth whitening will not change the shade or colour of any pre-existent dental work you may have. For example, any fillings, veneers or crowns will not whiten with this process. If you have restorative work on your front teeth that you wish to be a whiter shade it is best to check with your regular family dentist on options to address changing the material’s shade.
2. Sensitive Teeth
Everyone’s enamel structure is different and can react in different ways while using tooth whitening products, especially the higher grade of the whitening product. If your teeth become sensitive during the whitening process, it is best to discontinue the use of the whitening gel and speak to your dental provider.
Is Whitening While Using Invisalign® Right For Me?
To sum it up, it is a great idea not only to get straight teeth and a healthy bite using Invisalign® but also it is even better to manage whitening your teeth during this process as well. It is always a good idea to follow the instructions of our clinical team and the recommendations from either your family dentist or one of our knowledgeable doctors in our office.
If you are looking for beautifully straight and white teeth, give us a call and set up your free consultation!
