Continuing to chronicle my Invisalign® journey from a dentist’s perspective, this week we discuss an added benefit that Invisalign® treatment aligners provide that most people don’t realize!
Week 3
Invisalign® aligner trays can serve a second function
Okay, now let’s get to a fun topic.
Do you know that with the Invisalign treatment, there is an extra added perk that very few people discuss?
Please allow me to give you some insider information that many times is lost with all the emphasis, and rightly so, on the alignment and moving of teeth.
What is often forgotten is that the aligner trays can serve a second function. They can act as bleaching devices or trays too!
Two Different Approaches to Teeth Whitening
Bleaching or whitening of teeth has been around for a long time. There are two different approaches to brightening our smiles.
In-Office Laser Whitening
One approach is to sit under a high-intensity light in the dental office with your mouth packed with cotton and gauze while a caustic bleaching solution is put on our teeth. This method works well, though some people have developed a lot of sensitivity either during or after the visit.
These are sometimes hyped as “rapid whitening” or “laser whitening”. They are all very similar as the manufacturer has come up with some method to accelerate the activity of the bleaching liquid. This kind of jump starts the bleaching process with follow-up care and more whitening done at home.
Take-Home Whitening
Whitening can also be accomplished without supercharging the solution. A unique solution is applied to the teeth and whitening proceeds in a steady, gentle fashion. You might ask, how does the whitening work? Doesn’t it run off the teeth? Dentists need a way to keep the solution on the teeth.
Usually, custom-made holders or trays are made for the patient to keep the liquid on the teeth while it does its magic.
Invisalign® treatment aligners can serve as bleaching trays
Interestingly enough, the trays or holders look like aligners that we use to straighten the teeth during the Invisalign treatment. So now with our aligners, we have the perfect fitting and accurate bleaching trays. This is a perfect opportunity to ask your dentist to provide you with a dentist-quality whitening solution for your teeth. This is something that I offer as a special perk to my patients.
Capitalize on the opportunity
For those of you considering straightening your teeth with the Invisalign treatment and its aligners, I encourage you to also whiten your teeth. Not only will they be straight, but they will sparkle when you are done with treatment.
Jeffrey Gross, DDS, FAGD is an Ohio licensed general dentist and is on the staff of Case Western Reserve School of Dental Medicine.
For any questions about Invisalign® or any of the other dental procedures performed at The Healthy Smile Dental Center please call Megan at 440.951.7856