Part of what makes clear aligners so appealing to so many people is that they’re practically invisible. Unlike with traditional braces, you can wear them without anyone knowing you’re straightening your teeth. So if your trays are turning yellow, you’re probably more than a bit frustrated.
The first step to solving any problem is figuring out what’s causing it! Keep reading, and you’ll know what you need to do to take better care of your next-step trays.
You’re Not Removing Your Trays Before Meals
Clear aligners are designed to be comfortable and, well, unnoticeable. It can be difficult to remember you’re even wearing them! If you’ve taken a bite of food or gulped down a colored liquid without removing your clear aligners, that’s probably why they’re staining.
Fortunately, this one has a fairly simple fix. Try scheduling reminders and alarms on your phone or smart watch so that when it’s time to eat, you’ll get a notification about taking out your trays beforehand.
Your Aligners Need to be Cleaned More Consistently
Even if you successfully manage to avoid eating or drinking with your clear aligners, there are other things that can discolor them throughout the day. Bacteria and your own saliva are good examples.
To dispel these substances before they settle into stains, clean your plastic trays on a regular basis. They should be rinsed after taking them out and before putting them on, and brushed with hand soap at least twice per day.
Your Teeth Are Stained
Believe it or not, the hue of your teeth can affect the transparency of your aligners. Since your aligners are designed to press snugly against your pearly whites, any bacteria, leftover food particles, and color pigments stuck to your enamel will be pressed tightly against your trays. That kind of squeezing can definitely result in tarnishing if you’re not careful.
You have to wear your aligners in order for the treatment to work, so mitigating their contact with your teeth isn’t an option. You can, however, dislodge all that leftover ickiness by brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing once per day, and rinsing your mouth after meals.
Conclusion
The good news about yellow aligners is that you won’t be stuck with them forever. Eventually, you’ll move on to your next-step trays and be able to start fresh with an improved care routine. If you still have trouble keeping your aligners clear, be sure to let your orthodontist know. Their professional tips can pack an extra-powerful, stain-preventing punch!
About the Author
As a certified orthodontist, Dr. Davis Witt is well qualified to provide and help you care for your clear aligners. In his 25 years of private practice, he’s treated thousands of patients who wanted to straighten their teeth in style. Dr. Witt has seen first-hand how important it is for patients to be confident in their smiles, and will do everything he can to make sure you have a positive experience with your clear aligners. If you have questions or would like to make an appointment in Holden, call Dr. Witt’s office at (508) 829-7650.
