“Smile makeover” can sound like a daunting term, but it doesn’t have to be, especially if you’ve approached the effort with the thought of which two cosmetic dentistry treatments fit together best to give you beautiful teeth. For many, having a straight smile is a priority, but they also want it to be gleaming white too. Enter the power duo: Invisalign and teeth whitening.
Prepping for a Powerful Smile Makeover
Whenever you undergo a smile makeover, the first step is to determine which treatments are best for your makeover – and whether you qualify for the procedures you want. This involves a thorough dental exam by your Manhattan Beach dentist.
It’s necessary to qualify for both Invisalign and teeth whitening and, if you don’t, to know what your alternatives are. Most people, regardless of their misalignment problems, can qualify for Invisalign. Unless they have incredibly severe crowding or bite concerns, Invisalign can correct everything that metal braces can fix.
As for professional teeth whitening, this is a treatment that works for many people too – but not everyone. If you have certain kinds of stains on your enamel or a few teeth are discolored permanently, teeth whitening will not make a dent in the shade of your tooth. In cases like this, your dentist may recommend whitening for the teeth that will accept the treatment and veneers or porcelain crowns to correct the problematic teeth.
Living with Invisalign
Once you qualify for Invisalign, the plans are developed in full from the start. You will see exactly how your teeth will move and at what time, how many trays are needed to align your smile, and whether you require attachments to make the aligners work better.
Invisalign requires serious dedication and it is a major responsibility, but once you get used to living with these trays, they won’t interrupt your day nearly as much as you think. The trays must be worn 20 to 22 hours a day, only to be removed for meals and snacks. You brush and floss normally, with the trays out, and must brush after meals before putting the aligners back in place.
Most Invisalign treatments take about one year to complete but some patients require less time while others may need a few months more. Again, you’ll know at the beginning where you stand and how long you’ll be wearing the trays.
Ways to Whiten Your Smile
Once Invisalign treatment is complete, the only thing left to do is get your teeth as bright and white as possible. Those who qualify for professional teeth whitening will enjoy the advantage of powerful, professional-grade bleaching agents – they are unrivaled by any over-the-counter whitening treatment. Teeth that can be whitened will end up multiple shades brighter, giving you a gorgeous smile that is straight and white and stunning.
Whether you opt for laser ZOOM! teeth whitening in the dentist’s office which takes about an hour or at-home whitening kits – some of which work with your last sets of Invisalign aligners – that take about two weeks to complete, the result is a white smile.
Get a Perfect Smile in Manhattan Beach
Ready to pick your power duo for your smile makeover? Maybe it’s Invisalign and teeth whitening. Find out with a consultation at Beachside Smiles in Manhattan Beach, CA.
