One of the primary reasons so many people choose Invisalign is because of its discreet aligners. This unique orthodontic system offers individuals a chance to achieve straighter teeth without the attention-getting metal that is used with traditional braces. Unfortunately, if a person does not properly care for their trays, the subtlety of treatment can quickly turn into a noticeable display of stains and discoloration. If you want to avoid this problem, read on to discover what you can do to keep your trays clear and discreet.
What Causes Stains to Form on Invisalign Aligners?
Although Invisalign aligners are designed with clear plastic and are meant to remain undetectable when worn, your habits and diet can have a lot to do with them turning yellow or becoming discolored. Some common reasons your aligners may be stained include:
- Soda
- Red wine
- Coffee
- Ketchup
- Soy sauce
- Curry
- Colored mouthwash
- Saliva
- Plaque accumulation
How Can You Avoid Stains During Treatment?
While wearing Invisalign, you’ll need to make sure that you always remove your trays before eating or drinking. The only thing that is acceptable to consume with your trays still in your mouth is water.
The reason the stains occur is likely because of a lack of cleaning. When teeth are not properly brushed after a meal or snack, the food debris and bacteria can transfer to the aligners, causing discoloration. The same is true if your Invisalign trays are not properly cleaned and rinsed. Dried saliva can turn yellow, causing an unsightly appearance.
To keep them virtually invisible, make sure that you do not soak them in anything other than Invisalign Cleaning Crystals or a denture cleaner. Also, clean your teeth and trays in the morning and at night, as well as after meals.
Invisalign clear aligner treatment gives you the chance to straighten your smile without daily compromising your appearance. If you want to make sure this reality doesn’t change, take the necessary steps to keep your trays looking their best.
About the Author
Dr. Aaron Swingdorf is an Invisalign Preferred Provider who leads the team at Chaska Dental Center. As a clear alternative to traditional braces, this unique system offers a level of invisibility that cannot be obtained any other way, but patients must commit to taking proper care of their trays if they want to avoid stains. If you are worried about what you can do to keep your braces a secret, contact us at (952) 448-4151 or visit our website to meet with Dr. Swingdorf.
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