When you finish with Invisalign, you may be excited about having the straighter smile you worked hard to get. You’ll have a healthier bite you love, but what if the color of your grin looks a bit uneven? It may be hard to keep your teeth bright during your treatment, but there is something you can do about it! Here’s why this discoloration happened and how your dentist is here to help.
Why Does the Color of My Teeth Look Uneven?
You likely had attachments or buttons placed on your teeth while you had your clear aligners. It might’ve been a bit tough keeping them completely clean. As a result, when they were taken off, you might notice new stains that developed. This can make you self-conscious, but it can lessen with regular brushing and flossing. These habits and your saliva can even it out over time.
What Can I Do to Brighten My Smile?
Although your dental hygiene may help, it’s normal to still wonder how you can get to a bright smile right away. An effective solution to stains is a professional whitening treatment from your dentist. They have access to a high-quality bleaching gel that breaks down discoloration on and within your enamel.
You can get this service in-office, where your provider will apply the agent, let it do its job, and check back on your progress. After about an hour of reapplying it, you can flaunt up to an eight-shade difference.
If a take-home kit would be more convenient, then you can get this from them as well! You will apply the same professional-grade gel to custom application trays and wear them for a specified amount of time for two weeks. Afterward, you can get similar results as if you went in-office.
Can I Use Over-the-Counter Products Instead?
You might want to get a head start on a brighter smile with over-the-counter products; however, it might be your best bet to avoid them. Your teeth will likely be sensitive right after you finish Invisalign. This is normal as the structures will need to settle into their new positions.
Store-bought whitening kits can worsen the discomfort you feel. You may accidentally use them incorrectly or too much, leading to your enamel weakening. Not only that, but you won’t get the dramatic transformation you want as the bleaching gel they use has a low concentration. Your dentist will help you avoid these problems through professional treatment. That way, your straight grin becomes brighter and gives you the confidence you deserve.
About the Author
Dr. Luke Lumpkin earned his dental degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. He is dedicated to helping the Bartlesville community get healthier bites with reliable options like Invisalign. By sticking with you throughout your service, you can know what you can do to avoid delays and complications. If you want to know how Dr. Lumpkin can spruce up your grin after clear aligners, schedule an appointment or call his office at (918) 336-6777.