Stained Invisalign? Here’s How to Prevent It

Misaligned teeth can cause many problems. Crooked or shifted teeth are harder to clean, becoming more prone to tooth decay and bacteria. Moreover, malocclusion bites can strain the jawbone joint, leading to TMJ disorders and causing severe discomfort over time. To prevent that, many patients start looking for an "Invisalign dentist near me."

This clear aligner treatment allows you to align your bite successfully while avoiding issues associated with traditional braces, like lip pain or complications, and maintaining good oral hygiene. However, Invisalign® also comes with some care requirements; if not, the trays may stain and darken. Here is what you should—and shouldn't do—to avoid that.

How to Keep Your Invisalign Trays from Stains

One of the most discreet and efficient ways to straighten teeth is wearing Invisalign aligners. The nearly undetectable appearance of the clear trays makes them a popular option for both adults and teens. However, if not properly cared for, their transparency also makes them susceptible to stains.

The unique plastic used to make Invisalign aligners is strong and porous, allowing it to absorb color from specific foods and beverages. If you regularly consume red wine, tea, coffee, or colored sodas without removing your aligners, you risk darkening your trays and impacting your smile. Over time, smoking can also cause yellowing.

Some ways to prevent this include:

1. Remove Aligners Before Eating or Drinking

Never eat or drink anything other than water with your aligners in. Foods and beverages with a lot of pigmentation can quickly discolor your trays. Hot liquids may even distort them, making them unusable and necessitating a replacement. So, before you eat, always take a few extra minutes to remove your aligners and put them in their case.

2. Brush and Rinse After Meals

Brushing your teeth and washing your aligners after each meal is one of the simplest and most efficient ways to prevent discoloration. A simple rinse with lukewarm water can stop any leftover food particles from getting onto your trays. Additionally, this practice encourages improved oral hygiene in general, which will help you prevent cavities and gum disease.

3. Clean Aligners Properly and Regularly

Do not simply rinse your trays occasionally and call it a day. Every day, gently brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush (different from the one you use for your teeth) and a clear, odorless soap or cleaning solution that Invisalign has approved.

Abrasive or colored toothpaste can scratch and discolor the aligners, so stay away from them. Soaking them once daily in denture cleaner or cleaning crystals can also help maintain their clarity.

4. Keep Your Aligners in Their Case

Leaving your aligners outside exposes them to dust, bacteria, and possible spills, even for brief periods. When not in use, always keep them in their case. This minor practice guards against unintentional loss, damage, and discoloration.

5. Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking water throughout the day can help keep your teeth and aligners cleaner by washing away food particles and balancing out your mouth's acidity. It is the only liquid you should drink while wearing your Invisalign trays.

Make the Most Out of Your Treatment with an Invisalign Dentist Near You

Invisalign has become a popular treatment option because it successfully aligns cases of slight misalignments. Many patients opt for it as an alternative to traditional braces, which can be noticeable, uncomfortable, and harder to clean. Nevertheless, while Invisalign makes the process easier, proper care is still necessary.  

Removing your trays for eating or drinking anything other than water and cleaning them daily are key to keeping them transparent and clean. Otherwise, they won't only discolor and become unsightly; you're also risking your oral health. If you need help taking care of your Invisalign, Georgetown Sedation Dentistry is here for you.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

*Invisalign®, the Invisalign logo, and iTero®, among others, are trademarks and/ or service marks of Align Technology, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies and may be registered in the U.S. and/or other countries.