Many people who have clear aligners love them because they are a discreet orthodontic option. They don’t use metal wires or brackets, so you won’t have to worry about a shiny look in your smile. However, a possibility that is unique to them is that your trays can turn yellow over time. This can make your grin look less than ideal, but why does this happen? Here’s what to know and how you can avoid it.
Why Are My Aligners Turning Yellow?
In short, there are several reasons that your aligners have started to discolor. There may be multiple culprits at play, but these are some common reasons:
- Plaque: Bacteria in your mouth might’ve transferred to your trays and hardened if you didn’t clean them off in time.
- Saliva: Similar to if you drool on a pillow and let it dry, your saliva might have dried and led to a yellow color.
- Colored Mouthwash: If you rinse your mouth with this product and don’t remove your aligners, then it can linger between them and your teeth.
- Drinking Anything Besides Water: Like the point above, dark particles in beverages can also get stuck and lead to stains.
Can I Do Anything to Make My Aligners Clear Again?
If you notice a yellow tint to your trays, then you may wonder what you can do to get rid of it. There are some things you can do, but they may not fully solve the problem. There may still be a hint of color left behind, but they might hold off any self-consciousness you have until you swap to your next set.
You can clean them in a white vinegar and water mixture or diluted hydrogen peroxide. Give them a good, gentle scrubbing, and you may be left happy with the results! Thankfully, you’ll need to swap to a new set of aligners relatively soon, so you can start fresh once again.
What Can I Do to Avoid Staining My Trays?
That being said, when you advance in your orthodontic treatment, you should do your part in avoiding stains in your trays this time around! Thankfully, it can be as easy as following these simple tips:
- Don’t eat or drink anything other than water while wearing your trays.
- Be sure to brush and floss after mealtime. That way, you can remove plaque and debris and prevent them from transferring.
- Clean your aligners with a soft-bristle toothbrush or special cleaning crystals.
Make these into habits, and you can avoid stains in your trays for the long run. That way, you stay confident during your orthodontic journey.
About the Author
Dr. Roshan Shroff earned his dental degree from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine and has since received a certification in Invisalign. He is proud to help the Centennial community get the straighter smiles they love with clear aligners. Dr. Shroff is happy to stick with you every step of the way, so you have a smooth treatment toward your healthier bite. If you have any questions about your trays, schedule an appointment or call his office at (303) 632-3622.