Many people choose Invisalign because it’s a discreet option compared to traditional braces. You won’t need to worry about metal brackets or wires getting in the way of your smile, as you’ll simply wear thin, clear trays for 22 hours every day. However, what if you start to notice your aligners are turning yellow? It might leave you stumped, so here’s why this can happen and tips to stop it.
Why Is My Invisalign Getting a Yellow Tint?
You might be curious about why your Invisalign has started to tint, so these are some common culprits to know:
- Plaque that hardens on your trays can turn yellow if you don’t clean it off.
- Saliva can discolor your pillow, and the same concept applies to your aligners.
- Colored mouthwash can get trapped between your Invisalign and teeth if you swish it while wearing them.
- Drinking any beverage other than water can lead to yellowing based on the same reason above, but there’s an added risk of cavities.
Is There a Way I Can Get Rid of the Yellow Look on My Trays?
Regardless of the reason behind your stained orthodontic trays, you might be curious about how you can reduce them. There are a couple of things you can try, such as scrubbing them with a white vinegar and water mixture or diluted hydrogen peroxide. Both can reduce the severity of the tinting, but they may not fully get rid of it.
How Can I Prevent Future Staining?
The good news is that you won’t be wearing the same set of aligners for too long. You will need to swap to a new set every week or two to keep your treatment on track, meaning you will get to don a clear pair once again. However, you might be curious about how you can prevent yellowing from happening, so here are tips to keep in mind.
- Only have water while wearing your trays, and that’s it. Anything else can lead to discoloration, and don’t eat with them either.
- Make sure you brush and floss after mealtimes to prevent plaque from transferring to your Invisalign.
- Clean your aligners with a soft-bristle toothbrush and clear, gentle soap. You can also consider using special cleaning crystals.
Keep these in mind, and you can do your best to avoid staining. That way, you enjoy showing off the confident smile you deserve.
About the Practice
At Southwest Dental, you benefit from the skilled leadership of Dr. Hamid Ranjbaran and Dr. Jesse Johnson. We are dedicated to letting the Rio Rancho community get the healthier bites they deserve with Invisalign. By sticking with you during your treatment, we can walk you through it and help you avoid delays to your aesthetic grin. If you have any worries, schedule an appointment or call our office at (505) 896-9399.