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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

7 Facts about Using Teeth Whitening Gel in Invisalign Trays

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If you have invisible braces and want to whiten your teeth during orthodontic treatment, can you use the aligners? Are they strong enough to hold carbamide peroxide bleaching gel?

Some dentists and orthodontists recommend using the aligners as whitening trays, but others don’t. Below are some facts to consider before you begin whitening sessions using trays of any brand*, including:

  • Invisalign
  • ClearCorrect
  • Smile Direct Club
  • SmileLove
  • SnapCorrect

Teeth Whitening Gel Won’t Harm Most Invisible Braces

Carbamide peroxide won’t harm most invisible aligners or trays, but there are some things to keep in mind.

  • Photo of teeth whitening trays in a case, for information on DIY teeth whitening from Lowell, MA dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.
    Teeth whitening trays and orthodontic trays fit differently
  • Orthodontic trays have a tighter fit – Invisalign trays fit more securely than trays that are normally used for whitening your teeth. Some people report that the snug fit causes bleaching gel to ooze out. This can result in wasted gel that irritates your gum tissue.
  • Don’t leave the bleaching gel in too long – Although you wear Invisalign for 22 hours each day, the bleaching gel should not remain in the trays for that long. All-day bleaching will cause significant sensitivity in your teeth and burn your gums. Also adhere to the designated length of time to wear the gel-filled trays.
  • Listen to your dentist – Each patient’s case is different. Follow your dentist’s or orthodontist’s instructions on whether or not you should use the invisible trays to whiten your teeth.
  • Whitening might be affected by attachments on your teeth – Sometimes attachments are bonded to your teeth to increase the contact of the aligners with your teeth. Some people report that in the areas beneath the attachments, the bleaching gel was not as effective, and additional whitening sessions were required after the attachments were removed. Others say that their teeth still whitened evenly with the attachments. So keep in mind that results can vary.

Rinse Well

If your dentist approves using your orthodontic trays for teeth whitening, there are several things to keep in mind.

  • Teeth whitening gel continues to work until it’s rinsed off.
  • Thoroughly rinse your teeth and aligners to ensure they are free of the gel. This will prevent over-whitening your teeth and causing sensitivity.
  • Remember that each sent of aligners is worn for two weeks, so ensure they are clean after every whitening session.

Consult with Your Dentist

Although aligners for invisible braces can be used for teeth whitening, you should consult with your dentist to determine if it’s right for you. If any restorative work is to be done on your teeth—or if there are already dental restorations on them—you likely want your brightened teeth to match them. Your dentist will determine the best time to start whitening your teeth.

Whether you received invisible braces like Invisalign or ClearCorrect from your dentist, or if you took the risk of ordering them online from Smile Direct Club, SmileLove, or SnapCorrect*, speak with your dentist about your desire to whiten your teeth. He or she will let you know if bleaching gel will help the stains or make them look worse. Your dentist might recommend that you wait until orthodontic treatment is complete before whitening your teeth.

This post is sponsored by accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek in Lowell, MA.

*Dr. Szarek does not recommend seeking online orthodontic treatment. There are multiple benefits of in-person treatment and customized care from a dentist.

5 Causes of Sensitivity from Teeth Whitening and 5 Things You Can Do about It

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Teeth whitening is an easy way to rejuvenate your smile. But what if you experience sensitivity from whitening? Something is wrong. Whitening your teeth should be a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Causes, treatment, and prevention of sensitivity or pain are discussed below.

What Causes Sensitivity with Teeth Whitening?

1. Decay

Untreated cavities get worse and affect the layers of your teeth. When decay begins to affect tooth pulp, which includes nerves, your teeth can become sensitive to heat, cold, and other things—including whitening gel—that come in contact with your teeth.

2. Leaking restorations

If dental fillings or other restorations, including dental crowns, are not correctly sealed or bonded, bacteria and fluids can leak beneath them. The tooth pulp will become irritated. If you use teeth whitening gel while you have a leaking restoration, it can create even more sensitivity.

3. Gingival recession

Receding gums expose tooth roots. The roots can become sensitive to the touch and to temperature changes. Already sensitive roots can be further irritated with teeth whitening gel.

4. Cracks or other damage

If a tooth has a small fracture or other damage, bleaching gel can leak in and create sensitivity.

5. Dentin tubules

Dentin tubules are small channels in the dentin, or middle layer of a tooth, that transfer sensations from outside a tooth to the inside. Although dentin tubules naturally have plugs, the chemical reaction during the whitening process opens the plugs. Some people experience sensitivity to the carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide in teeth whitening gel as it flows to the tooth nerves.

What Can You Do About Sensitivity from Teeth Whitening?

1. Use a lower concentration of whitening gel

There are varying strengths of whitening gel. You might get better results with a less potent gel. It might take a little longer to get your teeth as white as you want, but the experience will be more comfortable.

Photo of teeth whitening trays in a case, for information on DIY teeth whitening from Lowell, MA dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.
Teeth whitening should be comfortable

2. Shorten the whitening session

Reduce the time you wear the bleaching trays. Shorter sessions can limit sensitivity in your teeth.

3. Whiten your teeth less often

Give your teeth a break. Avoid whitening them for an extended period of time, and avoid excessive treatment.

4. Use toothpaste for sensitivity

Some types of toothpaste are designed to reduce sensitivity in teeth. You can use them before and after whitening sessions. Your dentist can provide you with desensitizing gel or paste.

5. Protect your teeth in advance

When you receive teeth whitening from a dentist, a desensitizing agent can be applied to your teeth before and after bleaching sessions. Some dentists ask patients to use desensitizing toothpaste up to two weeks before a whitening session.

What’s Next?

If you are experiencing prolonged sensitivity in your teeth, schedule an appointment with your dentist. He or she will examine your teeth and gums and explain your treatment options.

Dentist-supervised teeth whitening provides safe, comfortable, and predictable results. Speak with your dentist about your options for a brighter smile.

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.