Invisalign® Aligners and Teeth Whitening: Can You Do Both at the Same Time?
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Many patients looking to get straighter teeth with Invisalign aligners also want to brighten their smile at the same time. At Ferrari & Aldieri Dental Associates, Dr. Angela Ferrari and our team offer Invisalign clear aligners and professional Zoom® teeth whitening in Farmingdale, NY to help patients achieve a straighter and whiter teeth simultaneously.
While combining Invisalign aligners plus whitening treatments is doable, the timing and approach should be carefully planned to ensure the smoothest experience and most compelling, longest-lasting results possible. Here, you'll find answers to important questions about getting teeth whitened during Invisalign treatment, as well as helpful recommendations on what to expect, what to plan for, and more.
Can you whiten your teeth during Invisalign treatment?
Patients often wonder if they can get teeth whitening while undergoing Invisalign treatment. While it's possible, the process must be carefully planned. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign trays are removable, allowing patients to whiten their teeth between aligner changes. However, there are several important considerations for teeth whitening and Invisalign trays. For example, whitening while actively shifting teeth may lead to uneven color since parts of the enamel may remain covered by aligners throughout treatment. To avoid inconsistent whitening results during Invisalign treatment, Dr. Ferrari may recommend:
- Whitening before Invisalign treatment to start with a brighter smile
- Waiting until after Invisalign treatment for full whitening results
- Using take-home whitening kits for gradual improvements during Invisalign
Still, we understand that in some cases, getting your teeth whitened in the middle of Invisalign treatment may be your only — or the most ideal — option. A consultation can help determine the ideal timing for whitening based on your Invisalign progress and other factors.
Should I get professional teeth whitening vs. whitening strips during Invisalign treatment?
At Ferrari & Aldieri Dental Associates, patients can choose from several in-office Zoom teeth whitening treatments to address different levels of discoloration. Generally speaking, the benefits of professional whitening vs. white strips include:
- Faster, more noticeable results compared to over-the-counter whitening strips
- Custom treatment plans to match your level of staining and sensitivity
- Safe, controlled application to minimize gum irritation
Our Zoom whitening options include:
- Zoom QuickPro for fast surface stain removal from food, drinks, and tobacco
- Zoom WhiteSpeed for deeper whitening, addressing age-related or medication-induced discoloration
- Zoom DayWhite or NiteWhite for at-home touch-ups and maintenance
Choosing the right whitening method depends on your goals, the cause of your discoloration, and your Invisalign timeline, as well as your level of dental sensitivity. For many patients, at-home teeth whitening kits cause sensitive teeth, which may be exacerbated during Invisalign treatment, making professional teeth whitening the preferred choice.
Should you whiten your teeth before or after Invisalign treatment?
The ideal time for teeth whitening depends largely on the severity of discoloration and the desired outcome. Many patients choose to whiten their teeth before Invisalign aligners to remove stains and start with a bright smile, while others may wait for teeth whitening after Invisalign treatment to ensure more even whitening once the teeth have shifted into their position. In either case, a maintenance plan with at-home teeth whitening treatments can help keep your smile bright both during and after your orthodontic treatment.
Can you use Invisalign trays as whitening trays?
Some patients ask if they can put whitening gel in Invisalign trays, similar to custom whitening trays. While it may seem convenient, Invisalign aligners are not designed for whitening application, and doing so may lead to uneven results or gum irritation. For optimal, safe, and effective teeth whitening results, be sure to follow Dr. Ferrari's recommendations, which will be customized for your unique needs following a thorough consultation and dental exam.
Get a straighter, brighter smile with whitening options during Invisalign treatment in Farmingdale, NY
Patients looking to straighten their teeth with Invisalign aligners and achieve a whiter smile at the same time can benefit from a customized treatment plan at Ferrari & Aldieri Dental Associates. Dr. Angela Ferrari and our team offer advanced Zoom whitening treatments and Invisalign aligners to help patients reach their smile goals in the most efficient way possible. To find out the right approach for combining Invisalign and teeth whitening in Farmingdale, NY, call our friendly team to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ferrari today.