You aren’t completely out of luck if you weren’t fortunate enough to develop perfectly straight teeth. Braces are a great option for aligning teeth, but not everyone wants the whole world to know about their orthodontic treatment. The good news is that clear aligners are available to allow you to straighten your smile discreetly. However, your aligners can become yellow and noticeable over time if you aren’t careful. Continue reading to learn why this happens and what you can do about it.
What Causes Discoloration in Clear Aligners?
There are all sorts of foods and beverages that can stain your aligners if you aren’t careful to remove them first. One of the great things about clear aligners is that you don’t need to cut any of your favorite foods and beverages out of your diet. However, it is crucial that you take your aligners out before every snack, meal, or drink. Not only will the aligners because stained if you don’t, but they are also not made to stand up to the pressure of chewing, so you could end up cracking or breaking them.
To keep your aligners from becoming discolored, it’s also important that you are diligently cleaning your smile and your aligners before putting them back in your mouth. By practicing excellent oral hygiene and keeping everything as clean as possible, you can keep your trays looking clear and invisible.
How to Keep Your Aligners Clear
Here are some ways you can keep your aligners clear and fresh throughout the duration of your orthodontic treatment:
- Soak Your Aligners: You should soak your aligner every day. This will make it easier to brush away food and plaque that gets stuck to them, therefore reducing the likelihood of staining. Remember to rinse your trays thoroughly before putting them back in your mouth.
- Clean Your Aligners: After removing your aligners, brush them with antibacterial soap and a soft-bristled toothbrush. This will help to remove particles that are stuck to the trays.
- Brush and Floss: Brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners in. If food particles become trapped against your teeth, it can cause your trays to become stained and increase your risk of tooth decay.
- Choose Soaps Carefully: Don’t use scented or colored soaps to clean your aligners. They can leave residue on your aligners and give your trays an unpleasant taste.
Clear aligners can give you the smile you’ve always dreamed of! By taking the time to care for them and your smile properly, you can keep your aligners clear and fresh.
About the Author
Dr. Blair Struble earned her dental doctorate from Oregon Health & Science University in Portland. She spent her time in Seattle earning her Master of Science in dentistry and certification in Orthodontics at the University of Washington. She is currently a proud member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, the Oregon Dental Association, the Central Oregon Dental Society, and the American Board of Orthodontics, of which she is a board-certified Diplomate. For more information on clear aligners or to schedule an appointment at her office in Bend, visit her website or call (541) 848-6642.