The main reason so many patients are choosing Invisalign for straightening their smiles is their discretion. They can effectively shift teeth without the use of obvious metal braces. However, if your aligners start clouding or even turning yellow, you might lose that advantage. But why does staining happen, and how can you prevent it? Continue reading to see the most common reasons for stained clear aligners and how you can keep your Invisalign looking fresh.
Why Does Invisalign Turn Yellow?
Even though clear aligners are durable, they aren’t immune to tiny scratches and stains that can be caused by misuse. A few common culprits include:
- Eating or Drinking with Your Aligners In: The biggest and most common cause of cloudiness and stains is consuming food and drinks with your aligners on.
- Poor Cleaning Habits: If you’re only giving them a quick rinse or skipping cleaning altogether, plaque and bacteria can build up.
- Smoking or Vaping: Tobacco and nicotine products are notorious for causing yellow discoloration.
- Natural Wear and Tear: Over time, slight discoloration can happen simply because of normal use, even if you’re doing everything right.
How to Keep Your Invisalign Invisible
While it’s easy to pick up some stains here and there on your aligners, it’s just as easy to keep them clean and fresh! Here are some tips to help keep your Invisalign trays looking their best:
Take Them Out Before Eating or Drinking
Water is the only thing that’s safe to drink while wearing your aligners. For anything else, always remove them to prevent damage and stop pigments from sticking around.
Clean Them Gently but Thoroughly
Brush your aligners twice a day using a soft toothbrush and clear, gentle (non-abrasive) soap. Avoid regular toothpaste as it can leave tiny abrasions on the surface of the plastic that will make your aligners cloudy.
Rinse Every Time You Remove Them
When you take your aligners out, give them a quick rinse with lukewarm water. This helps prevent plaque and saliva buildup. When rinsing, be sure to avoid using hot water as it can warp the plastic.
Soak Your Invisalign Aligners Regularly
Use approved cleaning crystals or a mild denture cleaner to soak your aligners at least once a week. When combined with daily brushing and cleaning, this keeps your trays fresh, sanitized, and as clear as possible. If needed, you can always increase the soaking frequency.
Kick the Habits That Stain
If you smoke or vape, talk to your dentist about ways to quit. Not only will it protect your aligners, it’ll protect your teeth and gums too!
Invisalign is great for covertly straightening your teeth, and a little extra care can keep them looking their best. With good habits and regular cleaning, you can enjoy the benefit of discretion you signed up for and move closer to the smile of your dreams without surprises or setbacks!
About the Practice
Are you ready to achieve a straightened smile with Invisalign? Our team at Serenity Orthodontics in Windemere can help! We offer personalized orthodontic care, including clear aligners, and provide practical guidance to keep your treatment on track. Whether you have questions about aligner care or need a custom treatment plan, our expert team of orthodontists can deliver. Call (470) 589-4475 to schedule an Invisalign consultation or visit our website to learn more.