One of the major selling points of Invisalign is the fact that the aligners are discreet; they should not be the first thing others notice about your appearance. But what if they start to turn yellow? In this blog post, you will learn why that can happen. You will also discover some practical tips to keep your smile looking and feeling good throughout your treatment.
Reasons Why Invisalign Aligners May Turn Yellow
Invisalign aligners are crafted from a high-quality, transparent plastic that is designed to be both durable and discreet. However, there are various factors that may lead to their discoloration:
- Foods and beverages. Consuming colored foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, red wine, and curry can cause staining, even if you remove your aligners at mealtimes. Some of the pigment might cling to your teeth and transfer to your aligners.
- Tobacco. The chemicals in tobacco products are notorious for leaving a persistent yellow or brown hue, making it challenging to keep your aligners clear.
- Buildup of bacteria and dried saliva. Invisalign aligners need to be cleaned regularly to prevent the accumulation of bacteria, plaque, and dried saliva. If thorough cleaning is neglected, this buildup can cause the aligners to appear cloudy or yellow.
- Mistakes in your care routine. Using toothpaste or abrasive cleaners on your aligners can scratch them, creating tiny grooves where bacteria and stains can settle.
Tips to Prevent Discoloration of Clear Aligners
Here are several practical tips to help you keep your aligners clear and fresh:
- Remove your aligners when you eat and drink. The only thing you should consume while wearing your aligners is plain water, which should be cool or lukewarm (never hot).
- Maintain your oral hygiene. Aim to brush and floss your teeth after every meal, before you put Invisalign back in your mouth.
- Clean your aligners regularly. Rinse them with lukewarm water and clean with clear, non-abrasive antibacterial soap. It is also recommended that you soak them using Invisalign cleaning crystals.
- Avoid abrasive toothpaste and mouthwash. Cleaning your aligners with abrasive toothpaste or pigmented mouthwash could stain or damage them.
- Do not smoke. If you need help to quit, get in touch with your primary care practitioner or another qualified medical professional.
- Limit staining beverages. Drink coffee, tea, and red wine through a straw so they have minimal contact with your teeth. Rinse your mouth with water afterward.
- Store your aligners properly. Keep them in their designated case when you are not using them.
- Follow your dentist’s instructions: Regular checkups can help keep your treatment on track, and you can ask your care team about any concerns you have regarding discoloration.
Discoloration of Invisalign aligners can be a bothersome problem. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent it from happening!
Meet the Practice
Dr. Sherly Alex, one of the highly skilled dentists at Main Line Dental Group, is proud to be certified in Invisalign treatment. She and our team are always happy to answer patients’ questions about how they can be successful with clear aligners. If you are curious about this treatment or are ready to schedule a consultation, contact our Wayne, PA, office at 610-971-0717.