What Can Cause Invisalign Clear Aligners to Turn Yellow?

One of the selling points of Invisalign clear aligners is that they are made out of transparent plastic, which makes them far less noticeable than traditional brackets and wires. However, in some cases, your aligners may start to turn yellow, causing them to attract the wrong kind of attention. Why do Invisalign clear aligners sometimes become discolored? And what can you do to prevent it from happening?

What Can Lead to Yellowed Aligners?

There are several reasons why clear aligners may gain a yellowish tint over time:

• Dried Saliva: It goes without saying that saliva can easily accumulate on your aligners while they’re in your mouth. When the saliva on your aligners dries up, it can leave a yellow color; this is due to the fact that saliva contains a number of minerals, enzymes, and proteins.
• Plaque: When the harmful bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar and starch, they can cause plaque to form on your aligners. If the plaque hardens into tartar, yellow spots may appear.
• Staining Foods and Beverages: Exposing your aligners to certain foods and beverages (such as coffee, mustard, and red wine) can cause them to become stained, thus giving them a yellower appearance.

How Can You Avoid Yellowed Aligners?

If you want to prevent your clear aligners from turning yellow, then you need to take good care of them. Whenever you take your aligners out of your mouth, you should rinse them off thoroughly in order to stop plaque and saliva from drying on them. On top of that, you should get in the habit of brushing them at least once a day. Do not use toothpaste, as it could scratch your aligners; it’s better to use a gentler cleaning agent, such as non-scented hand soap.

Remember to always take your aligners out before eating or drinking anything besides water. This will help protect them from stains as well as unnecessary damage. Make sure your aligners are safely stored in their protective case while you’re eating. Before you put them back in your mouth, take the time to brush and floss your teeth. That way, you won’t have to worry about bacteria and bits of food becoming trapped between your teeth and your aligners.

By following the right steps, you can help your aligners stay free of discoloration until it’s time to move on to the next set. As long as your aligners stay clear, you’ll be able to keep your smile looking its best throughout the Invisalign process.

About the Author

Dr. Megan M. Cercek studied dentistry at the University of Louisville. She is a Preferred Invisalign Provider, and she holds membership with the Northern Nevada Dental Society as well as other professional organizations. She has been able to help many patients in Reno enjoy straighter smiles with personalized Invisalign treatments. If you think clear aligners may be the smile-straightening solution you’ve been looking for, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Cercek at Village Dental by visiting her website or calling (775) 827-1113.