How to Whiten Your Teeth While Using Invisalign

You can still whiten your teeth while using Invisalign or during clear aligner treatment. 

You can use whitening toothpaste or mouthwash when you take your trays out to clean your teeth or use low-dose whitening gels during the time that your Invisalign trays are out of your mouth. 

Your teeth are moving during Invisalign treatment, so it is often recommended to wait until after treatment is completed to use a stronger, prescription teeth whitening product.

How To Whiten Your Teeth During Invisalign or Aligner Treatment

Invisalign trays are not the same thing as tooth whitening trays. Invisalign trays fit tighter than teeth whitening trays and can cause the gel to squeeze out into your mouth instead of staying on your teeth. 

However, there are whitening agents that are made specifically for aligners that use a foam cleanser instead of gel to whiten your teeth during aligner treatment.

There are tooth whitening products that do not require trays, such as whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes. You can also use over-the-counter tooth whitening gels during the time you are not required to wear your aligners. 

But remember, you are meant to wear your aligners for the majority of the day, usually around 22 hours.

Should you combine Invisalign & teeth whitening?

If you’re considering whitening your teeth while in treatment with Invisalign, take the decision seriously. Your dental professional should help to guide the process.

These are good questions to ask your dentist:

• What product can I use to whiten my teeth?

• Can I put this product in my Invisalign trays?

• What complications could I experience?

• Is now the right time to whiten my teeth?

Products for teeth whitening & Invisalign

You can brighten your smile while straightening your teeth with Invisalign. However, you should choose your products carefully. Your dentist is your best resource and can help you make the best decision.

Your dentist may suggest the Invisalign Professional Whitening System—the only product approved by Invisalign to use in combination with their aligners. This product contains 10% carbamide peroxide to bleach your teeth and can be used at home with your trays.

Your dentist may also recommend an in-office version of the Invisalign Professional Whitening System. This product has 45% carbamide peroxide and can whiten your teeth with one application. It’s used in one treatment applied in the office. Your dentist places the product on your teeth and sets a timer. At that point, the product is washed away. You don’t need a light or another product to harden the product or make it work.

You can also search for at-home tooth-whitening products like toothpaste and strips. However, always ask your dentist if these choices are compatible with your Invisalign trays. The company hasn’t approved any other product to use with your trays.

Safety options for Invisalign & teeth whitening

No matter what product you use to brighten your teeth, you should follow basic precautions to ensure your health and safety.

If you buy an over-the-counter product to whiten your teeth, read the package instructions carefully. Ensure you understand how to put the product on, how long to leave it there, and what to do when you’re done.

Some teeth whitening kits contain dangerously high levels of hydrogen peroxide. In some cases, these products have more than 33% of this ingredient. A product like this could cause mouth infections, blistering, and shrinking gums. If you’re not sure if the product you’ve purchased is safe, ask your dentist before you use it.

What is the best time to whiten your teeth during treatment?

Dental professionals often recommend waiting until after your Invisalign treatment is complete before whitening your teeth. This is because your teeth are moving during treatment, which can cause certain parts of your teeth to be missed during the whitening process if you do it too early.

One of the biggest potential side effects of teeth whitening is tooth sensitivity. Your teeth are often already more sensitive during aligner treatment, so the discomfort may be compounded.

If you do decide to whiten your teeth while using aligners, whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes are often good choices. You can use them when you take out your aligner trays to brush and clean your teeth.

You can also use low-dose whitening gels with the accompanying whitening trays during the time of day you are not wearing your clear teeth aligners. Or you can choose a whitening product that is specifically designed to be used with your aligner trays.

How to prevent staining while using Invisalign or aligners

While whitening products can help remove stains, it’s best to prevent them from starting. Simple steps can help you keep your teeth looking their best.

Here’s what to do to prevent stains:

• Clean properly. When using aligners, it is important to properly clean your teeth and aligner trays to help prevent tooth staining. Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly after eating and before replacing the aligner trays. Failure to do so can cause food to become trapped. The longer food stays on your teeth, the more likely it is to stain. Mouthwash and water flossers can help to completely clean your teeth as well.

• Avoid staining foods and drinks. You should also work to minimize food and drinks that have the potential to stain your teeth, such as red wine, barbeque sauce, and coffee. If you do consume these things, ensure that you clean your teeth properly before you put your trays back in your mouth.

• Hydrate with water. Drink plenty of water to wash away food residue. It’s a good idea to get in the habit of swishing water around your mouth after eating, even if it’s just a snack.

• Visit a dentist. Make sure you get your teeth professionally cleaned. Keep up with your dental appointments to prevent issues with your teeth, including staining.

• Don’t smoke. Tobacco products can leave deep stains on your teeth. If you smoke, ask your doctor for advice on how to quit.

• Consider medications. Some medications can cause tooth discoloration, including some types of antibiotics and antifungals. If your teeth change color while using these therapies, ask your doctor for help.