One upside that people choose Invisalign for is that they are nearly invisible when worn. You don’t need to worry about showing off metal wires or brackets in your smile, but instead your regular grin! However, it’s not unheard of for the trays to turn yellow over time. This can happen for a variety of reasons, so here’s more about this staining and what you can do about it.
What’s Making My Aligners Turn Yellow?
Your aligners may become discolored by several culprits, such as:
- Drinking beverages with your trays in. Dark particles can linger between them and your teeth, causing a yellow tint.
- Using colored mouthwash while wearing your aligners. It’s best to simply remove them, as this product can act like the bullet point above. You should also rinse with water if this is the case as well.
- Saliva dried on your Invisalign. The enzymes, mucus, minerals, and proteins in it can cause discoloration.
- Plaque hardened on your trays. Bacteria can transfer if you don’t clean out your smile, which turns into tartar over time.
How Can I Avoid Stains on My Trays?
Since many reasons can stain your Invisalign, it’s important to take steps against it. One of the most effective ways you can do this is by brushing and flossing after you eat. Doing this every time will remove plaque and debris, so they won’t have a chance to get on your aligners.
Not only that, but be sure to drink only water when wearing your trays. Anything else can get trapped between them and your smile, leading to discoloration on them and your teeth. You might also be increasing your risk of oral health issues, so simply remove them and rinse with water afterward.
Can I Make My Aligners Clear Again?
If you have already started to notice a yellow tint on your Invisalign, then there are some things you can do about it. Clean them with a mixture of water and white vinegar or use diluted hydrogen peroxide. Either of these may help lessen the color, but remember you’ll need to swap over to your next set relatively soon.
Once you do, you can enjoy your clear aligners once again. Follow the tips above, and you can avoid this staining from happening another time. That way, you feel confident showing off your grin throughout your orthodontic journey.
About the Author
Dr. Kyrslyne Thomas earned her dental degree from the Medical College of Georgia. She has since taken countless hours of continuing education, even becoming certified in Invisalign. Dr. Thomas is here for the Pearland community, helping them get the straighter teeth they feel confident in with clear aligners. If you have any questions about your treatment with them, schedule an appointment or call her office at (832) 520-2949.