One of the biggest selling points of Invisalign is in the name—invisible! Patients get to go through orthodontic treatment without a mouth full of metal brackets, and most people won’t even notice they’re wearing anything at all. This is what makes it so desirable for teen patients! That said, without the right care routine, these nifty aligners can begin to take on a yellowish, cloudy tint. Luckily, yellow Invisalign trays are almost always preventable with the right approach. If your teen wears Invisalign, here’s what you need to keep in mind to prevent this discoloration.
What Causes Invisalign Trays to Turn Yellow?
Invisalign aligners are made from a medical-grade plastic material that is durable, BPA-free, and designed to be practically invisible. However, it’s also slightly porous, meaning it can absorb colors, odors, and bacteria. The most common culprits behind yellow or discolored trays include:
- Drinking anything other than water while wearing them, especially coffee, juice, sports drinks, and soda. This also applies to food and snacks.
- Brushing the trays with regular toothpaste, which is too abrasive and causes scratches where stains can settle.
- The buildup of plaque, bacteria, and food debris from not cleaning the trays (or your teeth) thoroughly each day.
Preventing Stained Invisalign Trays Isn’t Complicated
You can easily help your teen keep their aligners as clear as the day they first got them by encouraging them to follow these tips:
- Rinse the aligners each time they’re removed using lukewarm water; likewise, they should be rinsed off before being reinserted.
- Clean the trays twice each day, ideally in the morning and evening before bed. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and unscented mild dish soap. Invisalign cleaning crystals can also be used as needed.
- Do not eat or drink anything while wearing the aligners aside from regular water.
- Whenever the aligners aren’t being worn, they should be safely stored in their carrying case to prevent accidental damage or stains.
Your teen might find all of these a little challenging, especially since they’re expected to wear the aligners for roughly 22 hours each day. But with a little diligence and positive encouragement, they should be able to adhere to their treatment without severely staining their trays or smile!
About the Practice
Our team here at Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics has served families in Pelham and the nearby communities for several years. We offer a wide range of dental and orthodontic treatments for children of all ages, including Invisalign clear aligners for teens who’d rather straighten their teeth without metal braces. If you have any questions about the blog or need to schedule an appointment, please call or visit online for more information. Telephone: (603) 255-4084.