Invisalign aligners are designed to be discreet, which is what makes them such an exciting and sought-after form of orthodontic treatment. However, they can sometimes take on a stained or yellow tint over time—but while this discoloration is common, it’s also very preventable! Here are a few useful tips that’ll allow you to keep your Invisalign as clear as the first day you started wearing them.
1. Remove Your Aligners Before Drinking
One of the most common causes of yellowing aligners is drinking beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, soda, juices, or sports and energy drinks while wearing them. These liquids can seep into the aligners and cause staining, especially when consumed frequently. This is why you should always remove your aligners before drinking anything other than water, and ideally, rinse your mouth before putting them back in.
2. Don’t Eat While Wearing Your Invisalign
Eating while wearing Invisalign can trap food particles and pigments between the aligners and your teeth, leading to not just discoloration, but also foul odors as well as an increased risk of oral health issues like cavities. You should remove your aligners before every meal or snack and store them in a protective case to keep them safe and clean; when you’re done eating, brush/rinse your mouth and pop them back in!
3. Keep Up with Invisalign Cleaning
Infrequent or improper cleaning allows plaque and bacteria to build up on your aligners, which can cause them to look cloudy or yellow. Clean your aligners daily using cleaning crystals or a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser recommended by your orthodontist. Avoid regular toothpaste, which could be abrasive.
4. Cut Back (or Quit) Tobacco
Tobacco products, including cigarettes, vaping devices, and chewing products, can quickly stain Invisalign aligners and contribute to yellowing, not to mention increase the risk of oral health issues such as oral cancer. If you must smoke, be sure to remove your aligners before doing so; however, it’s best to just quit altogether for the sake of your health and orthodontic treatment.
On top of following these tips, it’s also wise to maintain excellent oral hygiene—because even if your aligners are clear, you want to be sure your teeth underneath are sparkling white!
About the Practice
With Dr. Codi Saunders leading the way, our team here at Simply Orthodontics Grafton has served the area for several years, offering a wide range of orthodontic services for patients of all ages, including Invisalign clear aligners. If you have any questions about the blog or need to schedule an appointment with us at our Grafton office, please call or reach out online today for more information. Telephone: (508) 812-4396.
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