Can I bleach my teeth with Invisalign?

Yes! You can use the Invisalign trays as custom whitening trays. You would need to follow your dentist's or orthodontist's recommendations on the concentration of tooth bleach you should buy - it usually ranges from 10%-35% carbamide peroxide. The bleach actually helps your Invisalign trays look brighter. As with any tooth bleaching product, you will experience some sensitivity. Sensitivity can be to cold (like when you drink something cold or take in a breath of cold air) or shooting pains in your teeth. The higher the concentration of bleach, the higher your risk of experiencing more sensitivity.

If you experience any sensitivity, then stop bleaching for a few days. Depending on the kind of bleaching product you buy, you can bleach for 30min-1hour during the day or bleach at night while you are sleeping. Please consult your dentist or orthodontist for specific instructions with the kind of bleach you buy. It is recommended to buy the bleach from a dental professional instead of online. Tips for bleaching: 1) Do not overbleach! Teeth can become brittle and super sensitive if you are bleaching for more than 1-2 weeks at a time. 2) When you put the bleach in the Invisalign trays, do not overfill the trays. Wipe away any excess that spills out with a paper towel. If there is bleach on your gums, they might get irritated. 3) Brush your teeth with fluoridated toothpaste after bleaching. Sensodyne toothpaste works better to help with sensitivity. 4) Clean out all the bleach from your Invisalign trays with a toothbrush. Don't leave any in the trays since the bleach can continue to work and give you uneven color. 5) Decalcifications or white spots on your teeth will look whiter and might not blend in as much with the rest of your tooth color so be aware of that before starting. 6) Crowns (caps), composite or tooth-colored fillings, implant crowns, and veneers will NOT bleach.