Are you unhappy with the appearance of your smile due to gaps and crooked teeth? You know that there are various orthodontic treatments available to help you achieve a more aligned grin. Braces are a great option, but not everyone is eager about showing off metal brackets and wires. Fortunately, Invisalign is available to give you a straight smile with discretion. However, your aligners can become yellow and noticeable over time if you aren’t careful. Read on to learn why this happens and what you can do about it.
What Causes Discoloration in Invisalign Aligners?
There are all sorts of foods and beverages that can stain your aligners if you aren’t careful to remove them at 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, and drink. Not only will the aligners become stained if you don’t, but they are 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 diligently clean your teeth 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 that you can keep your aligners clear and fresh throughout your 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 into 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 & Floss: Brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners in. If food particles before 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 that you’ve been dreaming of. By taking the time to care for them and your smile properly, you can keep your Invisalign invisible!
About the Practice
At Sachse Family Dentistry, Dr. Travis Rottman and Dr. Lorena Campos Herrera work together to treat patients in the Sachse community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. To learn more about Invisalign, or to schedule a consultation, visit their website or call (972) 848-0073.