Invisalign is a treatment that thrives in secrecy. Once the aligners are snapped into place over your smile, no one will be able to tell! But if you’ve noticed your trays are looking a little yellow lately, you may not be smiling as subtly as you think. Clear aligners can discolor surprisingly fast if not properly cared for. So, what do you do? Continue reading to learn why your Invisalign aligners might be dulling and see what you can do about it.
Why Do Invisalign Aligners Turn Yellow?
Clear aligners are made from smooth, transparent plastic. As long as you’re taking care of your smile and following best practices, it should stay that way. However, without proper care and consideration, the plastic can absorb pigments and bacteria. The most common culprits of stains include:
- Coffee, Tea, and Wine: Dark-colored drinks are notorious for staining teeth and aligners alike.
- Smoking or Vaping: Vape juice and tar cling to plastic surfaces, leaving a yellow or brown tint.
- Improper Cleaning: Using toothpaste or a hard-bristle toothbrush can put tiny scratches in your aligners, making stains stick more easily.
- Wearing Aligners While Eating: Chewing food with your aligners in can damage them and allow particles and oils to get trapped inside.
Keeping Your Aligners Crystal Clear
While there are plenty of ways to stain your aligners, it’s just as easy to clean them. Here’s how to keep your trays looking fresh:
- Rinse Them Off: Before putting aligners back in, rinse them with cool water to wash away residue or food particles that may be lingering.
- Clean with the Right Products: Use a clear, unscented antibacterial soap or an aligner-cleaning solution instead of abrasive toothpaste or colored soaps.
- Brush Your Teeth Before Reinserting: A quick brush after eating prevents plaque and food debris from getting trapped between your teeth and the aligners.
- Avoid Heat: Hot water and leaving your aligners in a precarious position, like near a lit stove or on a hot car dashboard, can warp the plastic. This can not only make the aligners impossible to wear, but it also makes stains more likely to stick.
- Soak Your Aligners: Use cleaning crystals, tablets, or your dentist’s recommended solution for a deeper clean at least once every other day—ideally once daily.
If you follow these steps, your aligners should stay clear and odor-free for as long as you wear them.
Aligners are meant to be invisible, but only if you treat them right. With a little consistency and care, you can keep them looking clear from day one to the last tray. If you’re having trouble keeping your treatment in stealth mode, talk to your dentist. They can give you the tools you need to straighten your smile incognito.
About the Practice
Clear aligners can work wonders for your smile, but they need proper care to stay invisible and effective. That’s why Dr. Jordan Broaddus and Dr. Eleine Laffita at Family & Implant Dentistry of Stuart always guide patients through good maintenance and oral hygiene practices throughout treatment. With a few simple habits, our team helps your aligners stay under the radar. Call (772) 286-3088 to schedule an Invisalign consultation with our team or visit our website to learn more.