Invisalign claims that their clear aligners are, well, practically invisible when you wear them. So why are yours turning yellow? Is this claim false? Not necessarily! With proper care, it is true that your trays should appear transparent while you wear them.
Since you’d probably like to go back to having discrete, low-profile aligners, keep reading. This post will tell you why Invisalign aligners stain, and what you can do to maintain their crystal-clear appearance.
What Causes Clear Aligners to Stain?
Dental staining can occur when you eat or drink certain substances, or when bacteria accumulate freely in your mouth. Some treats have stronger color pigments than others, and too much bacteria in one place will definitely create a tarnished tint!
If you’re not removing your Invisalign before eating or drinking anything that’s not water, your meals will turn the plastic yellow. Similarly, if you’re not cleaning them regularly, bacteria and leftover food particles will make them not-so-clear.
Invisalign Cleaning Tips
In addition to taking out your Invisalign before enjoying a treat, making a habit out of these cleaning tips will help you maintain the invisibility of your orthodontics!
- Brush and floss your teeth after your meals to prevent food particles from getting trapped by your aligners.
- Rinse your aligners after removing them and before putting them back in your mouth.
- Clean your Invisalign after every meal, using lukewarm water, a soft-bristled toothbrush, and hand-soap.
- When they’re not in your mouth, keep your aligners in their proper case!
- Consider using Invisalign cleaning crystals for more thorough sanitation.
Overall, preventing Invisalign stains is fairly simple. Think of it as an extension of your normal oral hygiene routine! By keeping them clean and remembering to take them out of your mouth before meals, you can enjoy the benefits of invisible aligners.
About the Author
Dr. George A. Hoop earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the Emory University School of Dentistry and has been working in the field for over 30 years. He’s just about seen it all, so if you have Invisalign aligners that are turning yellow, he’ll gladly provide advice for keeping them crystal clear! To contact Dr. Hoop’s office, call 239-939-7299.