Invisalign is a reliable braces alternative that many people choose to get for their smile. It’s more comfortable, but also very discreet. You won’t need to worry about a metal look to your grin, as your trays are made of thin, durable plastic. However, it’s possible that your clear aligners can start to develop a yellow tint. Here’s why this happens and what you can do to prevent it.
What’s Causing My Aligners to Turn Yellow?
There are several culprits that might be at play for your stained Invisalign, such as:
- Plaque: If you don’t brush and floss after every meal, then bacteria can build up and transfer to your trays when you put them on. If they harden into tartar, then you may notice a yellow look.
- Saliva: Like how drool on a pillow can discolor the fabric, the same can happen to your aligners!
- Colored Mouthwash: This product can help clean your mouth, but be sure to remove your Invisalign. If it gets trapped between your teeth and them, then it can cause stains.
- Drinking Beverages Besides Water: You should only be drinking water with your trays in, as anything else can get stuck and lead to a yellow tint.
Is There a Way to Reduce the Yellow Tint?
Discolored Invisalign may make you self-conscious, but thankfully, there may be some ways you can lessen it. Give them a gentle cleaning with a white vinegar and water mixture or diluted hydrogen peroxide. Either of these can reduce the stains, but they may not entirely get rid of them. Try one out, and you can hopefully start to feel more confident about wearing your aligners once again.
How Can I Prevent Yellowing Aligners?
The good news is that you will be switching to a new set of trays relatively soon anyway. This will keep your treatment on track, but also let you enjoy the discreet look once again. When you swap, you should do your best to avoid the yellow tint this time around by adding these simple tips to your routine:
- Don’t eat or drink anything while wearing your Invisalign, aside from water.
- Brush and floss after you eat to remove plaque and debris; that way, they can’t transfer.
- Use a soft-bristle toothbrush or special cleaning crystals to gently clean your aligners twice a day, but doing it every time you take them off is even better.
Turn these tips into habits, and you can prevent staining your Invisalign. That way, you stay confident while you get to a straighter smile you love.
About the Author
Dr. Jason Kaopua earned his dental degree from Oregon Health & Sciences University. He has since taken advanced training, allowing him to offer Invisalign to the Everett community. By sticking with you throughout your treatment, you can feel confident knowing how to navigate your trays to get the healthier bite you deserve. If you have questions about how to take good care of your aligners, schedule an appointment or call Dr. Kaopua’s office at (425) 267-3333.