A popular orthodontic treatment that many adults and teens are choosing for their smile is Invisalign. You might be undergoing it yourself and are enjoying the discretion and comfort. That said, as you wear your trays, have they started to turn yellow over time? This makes your smile look stained when you wear them, so here’s why this happens and what you can do to avoid it from occurring again.
What Made My Invisalign Yellow in the First Place?
Starting with the culprits for discoloring your Invisalign, these are a few common reasons people experience:
- Hardened plaque can leave a yellow tint.
- Dried saliva can discolor your trays like they do your pillow.
- Colored mouthwash can get trapped between your aligners and teeth, leading to a noticeable color.
- Drinking beverages other than water can lead to this issue, similar to the point above. There’s just an added risk of cavities.
Is There a Way to Get Rid of Stains on My Invisalign?
With that said, your first thought might be what you can do to lessen any staining on your trays. Thankfully, there are a couple of things you can try. For instance, brush your aligners with either a mixture of white vinegar and water or diluted hydrogen peroxide. This can reduce the intensity of it, but the color may not fully go away. The good news is that you’ll swap to a new set in about a week or two, so wait just a bit longer until then.
So, How Can I Stop My Aligners from Staining?
Once you’re on your next pair of aligners, you should do your part in preventing stains on them. There are some easy ways you can do this; you might just have to change your routine a bit. Here’s what you should do:
- Brush and floss after eating to prevent plaque from transferring to your trays.
- Scrub your Invisalign after every meal. You can also consider using special cleaning crystals.
- Don’t eat or drink anything besides water while wearing your aligners. Doing so can lead to damage as well.
By sticking to these tips, you should hopefully keep your Invisalign as discreet as it is meant to be. That way, you have a smooth journey toward your straighter smile.
About the Practice
Want a healthier bite? Our team at Shinkawa Dental is here to help you correct misalignment and malocclusion with an effective Invisalign treatment. Our compassionate dentists will stay at your side throughout your treatment to prevent issues and avoid delays. That way, you have an easier time with your trays. If you need help adjusting to your aligners, schedule an appointment or call our office at 559-226-5656.