Curious why your Invisalign aligners don’t look as clear as they did when you started treatment? Morning coffees and daily plaque buildup can make your trays lose their transparent look, but instead of deciding “that’s just the way it is,” you can do things to keep your Invisalign looking healthy and discreet. Keep reading to discover ways to keep your orthodontic treatment a secret so stains don’t give your progress away.
What Causes Invisalign Aligners to Turn Yellow?
If you wear your Invisalign aligners as instructed and care for them properly, you shouldn’t have to worry much about them losing their clear appearance. However, if you skip regular cleaning or wear them while eating or drinking, stains can form and turn them yellow.
Some of the most common reasons your Invisalign may not look as clear as it once did include:
- Smoking or using other tobacco products causes the tar to attach to the plastic, making them appear brown and discolored.
- Wearing your aligners while eating not only damages the plastic but also allows food particles to adhere and stain your trays.
- Brushing aggressively or using abrasive cleaning products can scratch the material and make stains more likely.
- Drinking dark-colored beverages, such as coffee, soda, tea, and wine, can stain your teeth and aligners because of the pigmented ingredients.
What Can You Do to Keep Your Invisalign Aligners Clear?
Your Invisalign aligners should help your smile shine, not highlight unwanted stains caused by bad habits. If you want to prevent your trays from becoming more noticeable, here are a few simple tips to keep them clear:
- Use the Right Products: Invisalign doesn’t require any special products, but they do need to be cleaned with the right ones. This includes a soft-bristled toothbrush and unscented, colorless soap. You can also buy Invisalign Cleaning Crystals. This helps prevent scratching, which abrasive toothpaste can cause.
- Brush Your Teeth: Before reinserting your aligners, brush your teeth to remove any surface stains and food particles that might transfer to your trays.
- Rinse Before Reinserting Them: In addition to brushing your teeth, rinse your aligners before you put them back in. Use only cool water, as hot water can warp the material and cause them to fit poorly.
- Soak Your Aligners: Regular cleanings are necessary, but you should also soak your trays daily for a deeper clean.
Don’t let yellow Invisalign aligners keep you from smiling. Be proactive about caring for your trays, and add these tips to your daily routine. This will help you feel more confident as you continue your journey toward a straighter, healthier smile.
About the Author
Dr. Mohammad Golparvar studied dentistry at the Boston University School of Dental Medicine and completed a post-graduate program at the same school. As lead dentist at Webster Dental Associates of Manchester, he and our team regularly see patients who want straighter teeth with Invisalign. He provides clear instructions to help individuals stay on track during treatment, along with tips to avoid staining these discreet aligners. If you want help keeping your Invisalign a secret, contact us at (603) 669–4252 to schedule an appointment.