Your smile plays a pivotal role in your life, influencing how others perceive you and your self-image. Numerous factors contribute to the visual appeal of a smile, including factors like teeth alignment and whiteness.
Many individuals explore various products and services to enhance their smiles’ beauty. Among these options are Invisalign and teeth whitening. But while they share a common purpose in improving the quality of one’s smile, they are two separate dental treatments. However, they can be used effectively in tandem to help individuals achieve better results.
Before using any dental services, it’s crucial to be well-informed and prepared for the process to help you achieve the smile you deserve. Here are some key nuggets of information to know before starting.
What Is Invisalign?
Straight teeth are the bedrock of a beautiful smile. They can make you more attractive to those around you and considerably boost your confidence. But having a smile that lights up a room isn’t the only benefit of straight teeth; they can also:
- Improve oral health
- Improve speech
- Prevent dental issues like excess wear and tear
- Improve chewing and digestion
Nevertheless, many individuals may hesitate to seek dental services for treatments to enhance teeth alignment, such as traditional braces, due to certain perceived drawbacks.
That’s where Invisalign comes in.
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses custom-made, clear, and removable aligners designed to straighten teeth over time, similar to traditional braces. Because they are designed to fit each patient and are nearly invisible when worn, they are sometimes called “invisible braces.”
Invisalign can treat a variety of orthodontic conditions and misalignments, such as:
- Overcrowding
- Spacing issues
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Open Bites
One of the best parts of Invisalign is that it can accomplish many of the same goals as traditional braces without some common drawbacks.
Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces |
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| Factor | Invisalign | Traditional Braces |
| Aesthetic Appeal | Invisalign is nearly invisible | Traditional braces have various conspicuous metal brackets and wires |
| Removability | Removable for eating and oral hygiene | Fixed in place and not removed until treatment is complete |
| Dietary Freedom | No dietary restrictions | Restrictions on certain foods |
| Comfort | Smooth plastic aligners that are custom-fit for comfort | Brackets and wires cannot be removed and may cause discomfort |
| Speech | Minimal impact on speech | Requires the use of special cleaning tools and can make daily oral hygiene a more significant inconvenience |
| Maintenance | Easier oral hygiene due to removability and less maintenance due to being a single, plastic tray | Restrictions on certain foods |
| Orthodontic Visits | Fewer in-person appointments are needed | More frequent in-person visits |
| Predictable results | Precise digital planning ensures the accuracy of aligners | May require adjustments over time |
As you can see, Invisalign offers a slew of reasons as to why you should consider it for your alignment needs over traditional braces. However, it’s worth highlighting that Invisalign emphasizes patient compliance more, as individuals are responsible for wearing the aligners diligently. In contrast, once braces are installed, patients don’t need to be concerned with consistently using them.
Understanding Teeth Whitening
Another key component of a gorgeous smile is the whiteness of teeth. For years, people have turned to a staggering number of solutions designed to increase the brightness of their pearly whites.
Teeth whitening is one of the most effective ways to fight stains and ensure that your teeth are as white as they should be. It improves the aesthetics of your smile, boosts your confidence, and is non-invasive.
Teeth whitening operates by utilizing specialized whitening agents that effectively break down stains and eliminate enamel discoloration. This process involves the bleach agents penetrating the surface pores of the teeth, effectively dispersing stains and resulting in visibly whiter teeth.
There are two main ways to whiten teeth, in-office professional whitening and at-home whitening.
- In-Office Professional Whitening: This kind of teeth whitening is performed by a dentist during an office visit. It’s the faster, more effective method of the two that involves applying a highly concentrated amount of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide gel directly to the teeth while using a laser to activate the whitening process. You can expect to have whiter teeth after a single session.
- At-Home Whitening: Dentists offer the option of custom whitening trays designed to fit your teeth snugly, ensuring comprehensive coverage with the whitening agents. However, it’s important to note that these trays come with lower concentrations of whitening gel, and you’ll be responsible for applying the gel yourself. It takes longer than in-office treatment but still delivers desirable results.
The whitening agents from whitening treatments break down the stains on the teeth and remove enamel discoloration. This occurs due to bleach agents penetrating the pores on the tooth’s surface and dissipating stains, making your teeth noticeably whiter.
Can You Use Invisalign and Teeth Whitening Together?
While Invisalign and teeth whitening are distinct treatments, they can complement each other to achieve your desired, perfect smile. However, like any treatment, it’s essential to be informed of considerations and consult with dental professionals who can provide guidance.
- Consult with a Dentist: You’ll want to first set up an appointment with your dentist or orthodontist, who can assess your oral health and identify any potential concerns before deciding on a personalized treatment regimen.
- Ensure Compatibility: While Invisalign and teeth whitening can be used together, the specific reason for undertaking Invisalign may alter which teeth whitening works better.
- Understand Treatment Duration: You’ll want to be prepared for time commitment for both treatments as results may take time.
- Be Informed of Cost: You’ll need to consider the cost of both treatments and whether or not they fit within your budget. Some insurance plans will cover orthodontic treatment like Invisalign, but teeth whitening is generally considered a cosmetic procedure and will likely not be covered.
- Maintain Consistency: Achieving the desired alignment with Invisalign demands consistent diligence in wearing your aligners. You may not attain the desired results if you frequently forget to wear them. This is also true for teeth whitening, especially if you use at-home kits.
- Continue Practicing Good Oral Hygiene: It may seem like a no-brainer, but Invisalign and teeth whitening are not substitutes for oral hygiene. You’ll still need to brush and floss daily to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Be sure to discuss these factors with your dentist or orthodontist thoroughly. Engaging in informed decision-making is crucial when considering the combination of Invisalign and teeth whitening to ensure you have clear expectations and can achieve the results you rightfully deserve.
Ready to Obtain Your Ideal Smile?: Beverly Hills Orthodontics Can Help
Now that you know what to expect when using Invisalign and teeth whitening—either separately or together—it may be time to take the next step. Invisalign can address various alignment issues that may be hindering your pursuit of the perfect smile, much like how teeth whitening can effectively eliminate stains and discoloration.
Thankfully, these issues are easily corrected by skilled orthodontists such as the team at Beverly Hills Orthodontics. Led by renowned orthodontist Dr. Monica Madan, Beverly Hills Orthodontics is dedicated to providing the best smiles in Los Angeles.
Beverly Hills Orthodontics holds the prestigious distinction of being among the exclusive four VIP Diamond+ Invisalign providers in California. This recognition positions us exceptionally well to provide you with superior orthodontic care compared to many other practices. With offices in Beverly Hills, Studio City, Alhambra, and Downtown LA, the expertise from Beverly Hills Orthodontics is always within reach.
You only get one smile. Treat yourself to the one you deserve.
Want to get information on Invisalign and teeth whitening? Call or text BHO at 310-785-0770 or visit our contact page to book a whitening appointment and set yourself on the path toward a brighter smile.
NOTE: All blog content is intended to supplement—NOT REPLACE—the expertise of a healthcare professional and should not be construed in any way as medical advice. Consult a professional orthodontist directly, like the ones at BHO, to assess your individual needs and advise the best course of treatment.
