Clear aligners have become a popular choice for orthodontic treatment, thanks to their discreet appearance. However, over time, you may notice your aligners losing their transparent quality and turning a dull yellow color.
If you got clear aligners to stay under the radar about your treatment, yellowing can blow your cover. Continue reading to explore the reasons behind aligner yellowing and learn how to halt or reverse the process.
Why Did My Aligner Turn Yellow?
Yellowing of clear aligners can happen for a number of reasons. If you want to address the issue effectively, you’ll need to understand what you’re doing that’s causing it. While some degree of discoloration is normal, here are the primary culprits of heavy staining:
Foods and Products That Cause Staining
Certain foods and beverages are notorious for causing teeth staining, and they can also affect the color of your aligners. Coffee, tea, dark sodas, dyed foods, mustard, and even some healthcare products like colored retainer cleaner cause stains.
Natural Stainers
Genetics and lifestyle choices can cause your aligners to stain faster. For instance, if you don’t practice good oral hygiene, plaque can build up on your teeth.
This bacterial film feeds on sugars and starches to produce acid in your mouth. This acid weakens enamel, making your teeth more vulnerable to staining.
Saliva can also cause staining. It contains trace minerals and generally dries a yellow color. If you’re not properly cleaning your teeth or your clear aligner, it could absorb some of these minerals and turn yellow.
How To Keep Your Aligners Clear
If you want to keep your aligners invisible, you’ll need to be proactive in caring for them. Here are some ways you can do this:
- Remove your aligners before eating or drinking.
- Rinse your aligners after you take them off.
- Use a case to keep debris off them.
- After eating, you should brush and floss.
- Use a non-dyed solution to soak your aligners.
Maintaining your clear aligners is important to preserve their clarity. By keeping your aligner and your teeth well cared for, you can prevent yellowing and enjoy a brighter and more confident smile throughout your treatment. If you have other concerns, speak to your dentist and ask for further guidance.
About the Author
Dr. Neil Dean is a warm and friendly dentist passionate about helping children learn and take care of their teeth. He earned his dental degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and he went on to obtain his specialty certificate in pediatric dentistry at the Texas A&M College of Dentistry. To schedule a clear aligner consultation, call (972) 884-5450 or visit the website to explore other services.
