One of the best features of clear aligners is that they are, well, clear! They are very discreet when placed on the teeth, meaning you can smile with confidence throughout your treatment. But what if they start to turn yellow? Why can that happen, and what can you do about it? This blog post explains.
What Makes Clear Aligners Turn Yellow?
Clear aligners are designed to remain transparent throughout your orthodontic treatment, but they might turn yellow due to various factors, including:
- Dietary habits: Consuming heavily pigmented foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, red wine, and curry can lead to staining, particularly if you are not diligent about oral hygiene after meals.
- Improper cleaning: Failing to clean your aligners regularly can result in the buildup of plaque, bacteria, and dry saliva. This accumulation can lead to discoloration and compromise the clarity of your aligners.
- Smoking: Tobacco products contain chemicals that can stain aligners. Frequent smoking significantly increases the risk of yellowing.
- Extended use: If you wear aligners longer than the recommended time before switching to a new set, discoloration is more likely to occur.
Keeping Your Aligners Clean and Clear
To help your aligners maintain their clear and discreet appearance, take these simple steps:
- Brush and rinse: Always rinse your aligners with lukewarm water before placing them back in your mouth.
- Clean your aligners daily: Brush them gently using a soft-bristle toothbrush and a mild, clear soap.
- Avoid colored beverages: Refrain from consuming coffee, tea, wine, or other pigmented drinks while wearing your aligners. If you do indulge, ensure your aligners are out of your mouth and rinse your teeth thoroughly before reinserting them.
- Store your aligners properly: When not in use, keep your aligners in their designated case to protect them from environmental debris and accidental exposure to staining agents.
- Replace your aligners as directed: Adhere to the timeline provided by your orthodontist for switching to new sets of aligners. This minimizes the chances of discoloration due to extended wear.
Your aligners should stay clear! If you are struggling with yellowing or have other questions about how to enjoy successful treatment, talk to your care team.
Meet the Practice
At Spring Creek Dentistry, our team is pleased to provide CandidPro clear aligner treatment. This innovative approach to orthodontia is convenient, discreet, and effective! If you have questions about it or would like to get started with treatment, contact our Spring, TX, office at 281-407-8333.