Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic procedure that can help to brighten your smile. There are several different teeth whitening methods available, including professional teeth whitening treatments and over-the-counter teeth whitening products.

 

If you are considering teeth whitening while wearing aligners, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and benefits. In this blog post, we will discuss whether or not teeth whitening is safe while wearing aligners.

What are aligners?

Aligners are clear plastic trays that are used to straighten teeth. They are often used as an alternative to traditional braces. Aligners are typically worn for 20-22 hours per day.

How does teeth whitening work?

Teeth whitening products work by breaking down stains on the teeth. Several different ingredients can be used to whiten teeth, including hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide.

When Should I Whiten My Teeth With Braces?

 

At Classic City Orthodontics, patients ask if they should get teeth whitening while wearing braces. As we’ve mentioned, it’s not a good idea because the whitening solution cannot get underneath your brackets. That means you’ll have spots on your teeth once your braces come off. 

It’s best to wait until your braces are off before trying teeth whitening solutions. We would recommend holding off using whitening toothpaste or other home products. 

 

Make sure you brush and floss regularly and visit your orthodontists twice a year for proper cleaning. Avoid foods and drinks that can stain your teeth, and stop using tobacco products if you use them. Then, once your braces are off, you’ll be ready for teeth whitening after braces.

Why Aren’t My Teeth White?

There are many ways your teeth can become discolored. Two common culprits are certain foods and certain drinks. Coffee, tea, fruit juices, and soft drinks can stain teeth. Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and other fruits can also discolor your teeth. 

 

Another huge culprit is tobacco products. Smoking or chewing tobacco can stain your teeth yellow or brown over time. Tobacco products can also cause mouth and throat cancers, as well as lung and other cancers. It’s a good idea to break the tobacco habit as soon as possible. 

 

Finally, trauma can cause discoloration to your teeth. If you’re in an accident or have an injury from sports, the impact on your teeth can bruise or damage the living tissue of the tooth underneath the enamel, causing the enamel to become discolored. 

 

You can also end up with discolored teeth because of certain prescription medications. Aging can also discolor a tooth because you lose enamel as you age, and stains accumulate over time.

Is it safe to whiten your teeth while wearing aligners?

The safety of teeth whitening while wearing aligners is a matter of some debate. Some orthodontists believe that it is safe to whiten your teeth while wearing aligners, while others believe that it can damage the aligners.

 

There is no definitive answer to this question, but there are a few things to consider:

• The type of teeth whitening product you are using. Some teeth whitening products are more likely to damage aligners than others. For example, products that contain high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide may be more damaging.
• How often do you whiten your teeth? If you are whitening your teeth every day, it is more likely to damage your aligners.
• How long have you been wearing your aligners? If you are wearing your aligners for 20-22 hours per day, it is more likely to damage your aligners.

 

If you are concerned about the safety of teeth whitening while wearing aligners, it is best to talk to your orthodontists. They can help you weigh the risks and benefits and decide if it is right for you.

Potential risks of teeth whitening while wearing aligners

While teeth whitening can significantly brighten your smile, it’s crucial to consider the potential risks when wearing aligners. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Damage to Aligners

 

• Chemical Erosion: Teeth whitening products, especially those containing high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, can chemically erode the plastic material of your aligners. This can weaken the aligners over time, making them more susceptible to breakage or distortion.
• Color Staining: Some teeth whitening products, particularly those with dyes or pigments, can stain the plastic material of your aligners. This can make them appear less clear and aesthetically unappealing.

Increased Sensitivity

 

• Nerve Exposure: Teeth whitening can temporarily increase tooth sensitivity, especially if you have thin enamel or existing dental issues. Wearing aligners, which can slightly shift your teeth, may exacerbate this sensitivity.  
• Acidic Exposure: The acidic nature of some teeth whitening products can further irritate exposed tooth nerves, leading to heightened sensitivity and discomfort.

Gingival Irritation

 

• Chemical Exposure: Teeth whitening products can come into contact with your gums, potentially causing irritation or inflammation. This is especially likely if you’re using a whitening product that’s too concentrated or if you’re applying it incorrectly.  
• Alignment Pressure: The pressure exerted by aligners on your teeth can make your gums more susceptible to irritation. Combined with the chemical exposure from teeth whitening, this can increase the risk of gingival inflammation.

Other Potential Risks

 

• Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may be allergic to the ingredients in teeth whitening products. This can lead to a range of symptoms, including skin rashes, swelling, and difficulty breathing.  
• Tooth Enamel Damage: Excessive or improper teeth whitening can potentially damage the enamel of your teeth. This can make them more susceptible to stains, sensitivity, and decay.

Potential benefits of teeth whitening while wearing aligners

There are a few potential benefits associated with teeth whitening while wearing aligners:

Improved Aesthetic Appearance

• Brighter Smile: Teeth whitening can significantly enhance the overall appearance of your smile, making it appear brighter, healthier, and more attractive.
• Youthful Appearance: A whiter smile can often contribute to a more youthful and vibrant appearance.
• Social Benefits: A confident smile can positively impact your social interactions and self-esteem.

Increased Confidence and Self-Esteem

 

• Boosted Morale: A brighter smile can boost your self-confidence and overall morale.
• Improved Self-Perception: Feeling good about your smile can lead to a more positive self-image.
• Enhanced Social Interactions: A confident smile can make you feel more comfortable and outgoing in social situations.

Easier Oral Hygiene

 

• Reduced Stain Accumulation: Whiter teeth can be less prone to staining, making it easier to maintain their appearance over time.
• Improved Plaque Removal: A brighter smile often indicates better oral hygiene practices, including more effective plaque removal.
• Enhanced Smile Care: A whiter smile can motivate you to maintain good oral hygiene habits, such as regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings.

Tips for whitening your teeth while wearing aligners

If you decide to whiten your teeth while wearing aligners, there are a few things you can do to minimize the risks:

• Use a gentle teeth whitening product. Choose a product that contains a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.
• Don’t whiten your teeth every day. Limit your teeth whitening to a few times per week.
• Wear your aligners for less time each day. If you are concerned about damage to your aligners, you can wear them for less time each day.
• See your orthodontists regularly. It is important to see your orthodontists regularly to monitor the progress of your teeth whitening and to make sure that your aligners are fitting properly.

Which Is Best, Professional or Home Teeth Whitening?

 

People visit the store and see toothpastes that claim to be whitening toothpastes. They also see home kits that promise to whiten their teeth. They may even see claims that brushing with charcoal will whiten their teeth. 

 

Do any of these work? What is the easier way to get whiter teeth? Some do to a certain degree, but none will give you the results that professional tooth whitening will. Some home products may even cause harm or damage if not applied properly. 

Professional Tooth Whitening

What happens with a professional tooth whitening? You’ll start with a professional cleaning from our orthodontists to remove plaque and tartar buildup so you get the best whitening results. 

 

Our orthodontists will use a special whitening solution with a much higher peroxide concentration than you would find in a home kit. They will use a UV light to speed up the process. Our orthodontists will know exactly how long to leave the solution on your teeth without damaging them. Leaving white strips on too long can cause your teeth to be sensitive. 

 

It may take more than one session to get the shade of white you want, but professional whitening can achieve this in fewer sessions than you would need to with at-home teeth whitening products.

Whitening Toothpaste 

Some people wonder if whitening or charcoal toothpastes help. Whitening toothpaste can provide a little tooth whitening, but it’s often not much. Charcoal toothpaste can temporarily whiten your teeth but should not be used often. It can damage your teeth and make you ill. 

Whitening Strips

Whitening strips are a popular at-home method of teeth whitening. Some use a special gel, while others have the gel built into the strip. Whitening strips work better than whitening toothpaste because the active ingredient — either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide — is more concentrated. 

 

When used correctly, whitening strips can whiten teeth a shade or two. The downside is that they may not cover the surfaces of your teeth completely, leaving blotches near the edges. Also, whitening strips can make your teeth sensitive if used too long or too often. 

Professional whitening is the safest, most reliable way to whiten your teeth.

 

Whether or not it is safe to whiten your teeth while wearing aligners is a matter of some debate. There are a few potential risks associated with teeth whitening while wearing aligners, but there are also a few potential benefits.

 

If you are considering teeth whitening while wearing aligners, it is best to talk to our orthodontists at Classic City Orthodontics. They can help you weigh the risks and benefits and decide if it is right for you.