Teeth Whitening Trays as a Retainer?

I finished my Invisalign treatment a few months ago and have to wear a retainer. I went to an overnight trip and seemed to have lost my retainer there. I have teeth whitening trays that I’ve been using for 30 minutes a day when I get ready in the morning. They fit well. Can they serve as my retainer until I have the money to get a new one?

Pamela

Dear Pamela,

Teeth Whitening Trays

First, I’ll say I’m glad you’re not just trying to go without your retainer. After spending all that time and money straightening your teeth, it would really reek to have them shift, ruining your new perfect smile. The retainer is what protects that from happening.

Your teeth whitening trays are wonderful for the purpose of whitening your teeth, but they won’t serve you well as a substitute for your retainer.

Teeth whitening trays are pliable. You need a retainer to be stronger than that to hold your teeth in place.

Invisalign Aligners and Teeth Whitening

You mentioned you used Invisalign for your orthodontics. You made a great choice using that. Is there any possibility you still have your last pair of aligners? These could serve as a temporary retainer for you. They are the final bite position of your orthodontic treatment so they’ll definitely hold them in the right place.

They won’t be a permanent solution, but can tide you over for a short period of time while you are waiting on your new retainer.

One thing I wish your dentist had told you is that you could have whitened your teeth during your Invisalign treatment. The aligners can easily double as whitening trays. That would have saved you both time and money.

You can do that now while you use your last pair of aligners if you still have them. You didn’t mention how old you are, but if you happened to have gotten the Invisalign Teen treatment plan, that includes a few pair of free replacement aligners in case they’re lost. If you haven’t used that allotment yet that might be an easy way to get a couple of pairs to tide you over a little longer.

This blog is brought to you by Baton Rouge Dentist Dr. Steven Collins.