You know what Invisalign does – straightens teeth. You know what teeth whitening does – brightens teeth. Put these two cosmetic dentistry treatments together and you have a powerful duo that delivers an incredible smile makeover. Invisalign and teeth whitening aren’t one-size-fits-all though – these treatments are customized to every patient for a personalized smile.
The Customized Invisalign Journey
The constants for every Invisalign patient are clear aligners, switching out trays every two weeks or so, visiting your Red Bank dentist every six to eight weeks for checkups, and all the rules of wearing Invisalign apply: wear the trays for 20 to 22 hours a day, remove the aligners for all meals and snacks, clean your teeth and Invisalign multiple times a day.
Where does the customization come in? Right at the start, of course. Your teeth, alignment, and bite are unique, and your Invisalign provider begins by taking digital 3D images of your mouth to review the position of roots and crowns. Then there are questions that need to be answered:
- Do you have existing restorative or cosmetic dentistry? The presence of restorations or aesthetic enhancements impact whether teeth can move as needed and impacts whether Invisalign can work for you.
- Did you have orthodontia in the past? Previous orthodontic treatment that has relapsed influences how long Invisalign must be worn. Some patients end up with less treatment time when they’re in this situation, wanting to correct only small gaps or crowding.
- What are your smile goals? If you want a straight, white smile, are Invisalign and teeth whitening the right combo to make it happen? For some patients, porcelain veneers or another combination of cosmetic dentistry treatments may be more effective and deliver the look they want.
The Beauty of Professional Teeth Whitening
If you are a good candidate for Invisalign, you will want to consider whether you’re also a good candidate for teeth whitening too. Some people end up with gorgeous, straight teeth after a year of Invisalign to then discover they don’t have the kind of tooth enamel that can be whitened in a one-hour ZOOM! treatment.
You will have a conversation with your Red Bank dentist before any treatment begins to determine where things stand and what options are most cost-effective for you. Maybe if straight, white teeth are your only goals, veneers or Lumineers are a better choice for your smile makeover.
When someone does qualify for professional teeth whitening after Invisalign, however, their smile will pop in a stunning way. Even teeth that aren’t perfect are transformed by the powerful, professional-grade bleaching agents of your dentist. Plus, you have the option to select a whitening in the dental office or at home – both are strong and make qualified teeth multiple shades whiter.
Matching Invisalign and Teeth Whitening
Trust in the expertise of your Red Bank dentist and be open about what you want for your teeth. For many people the Invisalign and teeth whitening combo is just right – don’t hesitate to ask if you qualify for such a smile makeover option. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Carole Sherrod Jewell and her team at Red Bank Dentistry to learn more.