Like many patients, you may not be thrilled about the idea of wearing noticeable brackets and wires for 24 months or more. That’s why Invisalign continues to be so popular! In addition to being effective and reliable, the aligners are completely see-through, making your orthodontic treatment virtually undetectable. But what happens if they start to yellow? Here’s what causes Invisalign trays to discolor and what you can do to prevent that from happening.
The Common Causes of Yellow Aligners
Simply put, stubborn stains will surface if you don’t take good care of your teeth and your trays. Here are some examples of bad habits that can result in noticeable discoloration:
- Drinking dark-colored beverages with your trays in, like iced coffee
- Not rinsing your aligners when you take them off
- Neglecting to brush and floss your teeth after each meal
If any of these become a habit, then your aligners will consistently look more yellow than clear. So, make sure to prioritize all of the guidelines your orthodontist gives you!
How to Properly Clean Your Aligners
Fortunately, cleaning your aligners properly only takes a few minutes, and you don’t need any special oral hygiene products either! The first step is rinsing your trays thoroughly with clean, cool water each time you take them off to remove saliva, food particles, and other debris from the surface. The second step is using a soft-bristled toothbrush and some clean, cool water to gently brush them before putting them back on. You can also use the cleaning crystals that came in your welcome it on an as-needed basis.
5 Habits That Will Help Keep Your Aligners Clear
Now that you have an idea of how to clean your trays, here are some best practices that you can adopt during your teeth-straightening journey to prevent stains from developing:
- Brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back on
- Take your trays off before eating or drinking anything other than water
- Store your aligners somewhere safe when you aren’t wearing them
- Bring your trays to your check-in appointments so your orthodontist can clean them
- Clean your aligners after each meal
About the Practice
Our team at Super Braces of Worcester is here to be your resource for all things orthodontics – from your initial consultation to your final appointment. That means that we are available to you between your check-in visits for any questions that come up during your teeth-straightening journey, including how to keep your aligners clean and clear. If you want to schedule an appointment or you’d like to speak directly with a member of our team, you can visit our website or call (508) 755-2207.