Enhance the Smile with Teeth Whitening During Invisalign Treatment
Invisalign® transforms the smile, creating beautifully straight teeth using a series of discreet, clear aligners. Invisalign aligners don’t require the use of noticeable metal wires and brackets throughout orthodontic treatment, leaving many to wonder if they can undergo teeth whitening treatment while also undergoing Invisalign.
Teeth whitening is possible during Invisalign orthodontic treatment but there are some things to be aware of when considering if both are right for you. At Dentistry at The Heights, our dentists provide Invisalign and teeth whitening treatments to patients throughout Brooklyn, NY, Brooklyn Heights, NY, and surrounding areas. They can determine if combining these treatments is right for you.
The Teeth Can Be Whitened During Invisalign Treatment
Unlike traditional metal orthodontics, Invisalign straightens the teeth with clear, removable aligner trays. Invisalign trays are almost unnoticeable, allowing patients to see the results of their changing smile as the teeth move closer to their desired position throughout treatment.
It’s common for patients to want to further enhance their smiles when undergoing Invisalign with teeth whitening treatment. Because Invisalign trays are removable and professional teeth whitening is quick and effective, the teeth can be whitened during Invisalign treatment.
For many patients, teeth whitening during Invisalign treatment provides excellent results. However, there are some patients who should wait until Invisalign treatment is completed or nearly completed before undergoing teeth whitening.
Why Should Some Invisalign Patients Wait to Whiten Their Teeth?
Although Invisalign trays may be removed during treatment to allow for teeth whitening, not all Invisalign patients are good candidates for teeth whitening during their orthodontic treatment.
Some factors that can affect teeth whitening results during Invisalign treatment include:
- Invisalign with orthodontic attachments: Some patients will need orthodontic attachments bonded to their teeth during Invisalign treatment to help the teeth move to the desired position. Teeth whitening should not be performed while these attachments are in place. Teeth whitening while the attachments are on the teeth can result in spots on the teeth beneath the attachments and uneven whitening.
- Crooked, overlapping teeth: Teeth whitening should be delayed when the teeth are still significantly crooked or overlapping. It can be difficult to apply the whitening solution to areas covered by overlapping teeth, leading to uneven whitening results. Waiting until the teeth are no longer overlapping and closer to their desired straight alignment will give better whitening results.
Find Out if Teeth Whitening During Invisalign Is Right for You
Teeth whitening during Invisalign can enhance the results of Invisalign before treatment is completed, making the smile look more vibrant and dazzling than with orthodontics alone.
While most patients are suitable candidates for teeth whitening during Invisalign, there are some who may need to wait until their orthodontic treatment is complete or the teeth are close to their desired position. The dentists of Dentistry at The Heights determine ideal candidates during patient consultations.
To find out if teeth whitening treatments while undergoing Invisalign is right for you, or if you would like more information about either treatment, please call (718) 625-2116 to schedule a consultation with one of our Brooklyn dentists.