Clear aligners are a popular treatment that many people with misalignment choose to get. Whether you got Invisalign, SureSmile, or another alternative, you might’ve picked them over braces for their discreet appearance. However, what if you notice your trays are turning a bit yellow? While you may be self-conscious about how this can make your teeth look, here’s why this happens and ways to stop this discoloration.
What’s Making My Clear Aligners Turn Yellow?
Before diving into how to get rid of stains on your aligners, it’s important to find out the culprits first. These are a few to know:
- Plaque can harden on your trays when you don’t clean them off, so make sure you are brushing and flossing.
- Saliva can make your pillows turn yellow when it dries, and the same goes for this type of orthodontics.
- Colored mouthwash can linger between your aligners and teeth if you use it while wearing them.
- Drinking any beverages other than water can also lead to this flaw for the reason above. But cavities are another thing that can happen.
How Can I Lessen the Tinting on My Aligners?
No matter what point is true, you might be curious about what you can do to lessen any tinting that might have occurred. Thankfully, there are some things you can do! For instance, you can scrub them with diluted hydrogen peroxide or a white vinegar and water mixture. Both can lessen the intensity, but they might not fully get rid of the coloring that’s bothering you.
Is There a Way I Can Avoid Yellowing Aligners?
With all that said, there are ways that you can keep your clear aligners as discreet as they are meant to be. Here are some tips that you can stick to:
- Only drink water when wearing your trays and nothing else. Don’t eat with them as well as it can lead to damage.
- Brush and floss after every meal to ensure you remove plaque and don’t give it a chance to transfer.
- Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and clear, gentle soap to clean off your aligners after eating. There are also special cleaning crystals that can be helpful as well!
Regardless, the good news is that you will need to swap to a new set of trays relatively soon anyway! Try out the tips above to reduce the yellow tint you don’t like and stick with your treatment for just a bit, and then you will be able to don clear ones once again.
About the Author
Dr. Bikram Singh earned his dental degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. He is happy to help the Cary community get the straight smiles they love with a reliable, clear aligner treatment. Whether you get Invisalign, SureSmile, or another alternative, Dr. Singh will stick with you throughout to ensure you avoid any delays. If you have any questions throughout your orthodontic journey, schedule an appointment or call his office at (919) 460-5454.