No More Natural Teeth: Deciding Between Implants and Dentures

Why Is Your Invisalign Turning Yellow?

by Jeremiah Barnett

One of the main reasons why people choose Invisalign over braces is that the aligners are nearly invisible on your teeth. They certainly start off clear and tough to see unless you get really, really close to the mirror. But what if your Invisalign aligners start turning yellow? The color can frustrate you since it makes the aligners more visible on your teeth -- so it's important to get to the bottom of why this is happening. Here are three possible reasons why your aligners are yellowing.

1. You're drinking beverages with the aligners on.

You can remove the aligners to eat and drink, and that is not just a recommendation -- it is a requirement. Food and drinks can easily stain the aligners. If you have been sneaking sips of coffee and tea with your aligners in place, that's probably why they are yellowing. Remember to drink only water with the aligners in place. Remove them before consuming anything else! If water alone seems too boring, you can get clear, unsweetened sparkling water or seltzer. 

2. You're not brushing your teeth often enough or well enough.

You are meant to brush your teeth after every meal before putting the aligners back into place. The primary reason for this is to stop food and bacteria from getting trapped against your teeth where they can cause cavities. However, brushing your teeth more often also helps keep the aligners from yellowing. Keep a toothbrush with you in your bag or purse so you can brush after each and every meal or snack. And spend more time brushing! A quick once-over with the toothbrush is not good enough. (Floss your teeth, too!)

3. You're forgetting to clean the aligners.

You can purchase cleaning solutions from your dentist, or you can clean your aligners with mouthwash, toothpaste, and a toothbrush. Either option is fine, but if you stop cleaning your aligners altogether, they are sure to end up yellow. If you have a tough time remembering to remove and clean your aligners before going to bed each night, try setting an alarm reminder on your phone. Ask friends and family members to help remind you, too.

To learn more about the habits and problems that can cause Invisalign trays to turn yellow, talk to a dental clinic like Eberting Orthodontics. You can keep the trays clear throughout the whole wear period if you're careful about your eating, drinking, and toothbrushing habits.

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