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After orthodontic treatment, whitening is a popular next step. The teeth are straight, and now the goal is the colour. The question is how this intersects with retainer wear, given that the retainer needs to be in for most of the day. Here is what actually works and what does not.
Using a Retainer as a Whitening Tray
This is the first thing most people wonder about. A clear Essix retainer fits tightly over the teeth, which looks similar to a professional whitening tray. Can you just put whitening gel in it and use it for both purposes?
The short answer is: not ideally. Essix retainers are not designed with reservoir space for whitening gel. A proper whitening tray has small reservoirs (indentations) built into the tray surface that hold the gel against the tooth without it being pushed away by the pressure of the tray. A retainer sits flat against the teeth, which means gel applied in the tray gets squeezed out when the tray is inserted, resulting in uneven whitening and gel contact with the gums.
Some people do use their retainer for whitening in a pinch and get some results, but it is not an efficient delivery system and can cause gum irritation from the poorly contained gel.
Whitening Strips and Retainers
Whitening strips are applied directly to the tooth surface and left for the instructed time, then removed. The retainer cannot go in while strips are on the teeth. This means strips need to be used during a window when the retainer is out, typically during the eating window during the full-time retention phase.
Most whitening strip treatments work in 30 to 60 minute daily sessions. This is feasible during a mealtime window. Apply the strips, leave them for the instructed time, remove them, rinse well, and then put the retainer back in after a brief wait. Make sure the teeth are fully dry before strip application for best adhesion.
Whitening Toothpaste and Retainers
Whitening toothpastes work through mild abrasive action and low-concentration whitening agents. They are used during brushing, which happens outside of retainer wear anyway, so there is no conflict with retainer scheduling. The effectiveness of whitening toothpaste is modest compared to gel-based treatments, but they are a reasonable maintenance option.
Avoid applying whitening toothpaste directly to the retainer or brushing the retainer with it. The abrasive action that buffs stain from teeth will scratch the surface of the clear plastic, making it appear dull and trap more stain over time.
Timing Whitening Around Retainer Wear
For any meaningful whitening treatment, schedule it during a period when the retainer is out. For full-time wearers, the eating window is the practical choice. For night-only wearers, whitening strips during the day are more straightforward to fit in. Complete the whitening session, rinse thoroughly, and reinsert the retainer once the mouth is clean and any post-whitening sensitivity has settled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will whitening affect the colour of my retainer?
Whitening agents do not change the colour of clear plastic. However, whitening your teeth while wearing a stained retainer means the retainer may need cleaning or replacing to match the newly brightened teeth.
Should I whiten my teeth before or after getting a new retainer?
Whiten first. The impression for your retainer should be taken after whitening, because the retainer is made to the current tooth colour and position. A retainer made before whitening will still fit the same, as whitening does not change the shape of teeth, but if you are getting a fresh impression anyway, timing the whitening first is the cleaner sequence.
Can I use a professional whitening tray alongside a retainer?
Professional whitening trays are custom-made with reservoirs and are a different device from a retainer. Use the whitening tray for the prescribed whitening sessions and the retainer for the rest of the time. They serve different purposes and should not be confused.
How sensitive will my teeth be during whitening while in the retention phase?
Teeth are sometimes more sensitive immediately post-orthodontic treatment. If sensitivity is a concern, use a lower-concentration whitening product and shorter session times. Sensitivity toothpaste used in the evenings can also help manage this.
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