Can i use orthodontic retainer for bleaching?

Not recommended: The plastic of some orthodontic retainers will be "softened" by bleaching agents. I wouldn't recommend it.

Not recommended : You maybe able to use it but it might damage your retainer. Retainers are much more expensive than bleaching trays.

Yes, mostly: Most retainers i now use for full adult dentition are of the invisalign type (vacuum formed thermo-plastic) dentists use a very similar material and place a pocket area on the teeth to allow bleach to reside. I routinely allow my patients to put small amounts of bleaching gel in the same areas, but with no "pockets", and therefore less gel is used. Works great! just wipe gums free of gel.

If the correct type: The clear shrink fit type retainers double nicely for bleaching trays. Use as you would in standard bleaching trays. I like this option as it is another reason to wear your retainers!

Yes: But consult your orthodontist-- they have special whittening material for this use.

Some types work great for bleaching: In our practice we routinely use orthodontic retainers as bleaching trays, including everyone on our team. Properly fit and adjusted these retainers deliver the bleaching agents accurately to the front surface of the teeth and no damage to the retainers has been noticed. If sensitivity develops the bleaching frequency or strength should be discussed with yourdentist.

Not best idea: The tolerances and use requirements of a bleaching tray are at variance with the more closely adapted orthodontic retainer's "fit.".