Many people with crooked or gapped teeth or a bite misalignment want to straighten their smiles, but are seeking a more comfortable and discreet solution than traditional braces. If you’re seeking a less invasive treatment, you might be a good candidate for Invisalign.
Unlike standard orthodontics, this service uses clear plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth to gently shift them into their ideal positions. But if you don’t take the proper precautions, your aligners might take on a darker hue. Continue reading to learn 3 potential causes of stained trays so you can avoid them!
Cause #1: Dark Foods and Drinks
One reason Invisalign continues to gain popularity is that the trays are completely removable and are less likely to affect your daily habits and routines than more traditional metal brackets and wires. But that also means they’re not intended to be worn while eating or drinking anything other than cool or room-temperature water.
The plastic material your aligners are made from is strong enough to exert pressure on your teeth to shift them, but it isn’t designed to withstand the pressure of biting and chewing. Wearing your trays for snacks or meals could cut, break, or gouge the material. Not only that, but if you drink tea, coffee, soda, or eat other colorful foods, like berries or tomatoes, you might cloud or stain the transparent trays.
Cause #2: Neglecting Oral Hygiene
Not only does the removable nature of these trays mean there are no real dietary restrictions, but it also makes it easier for patients to maintain their smiles. Unlike standard braces, which require interproximal brushes and other special cleaning accessories, patients who choose Invisalign can easily remove their trays in the morning and at night to thoroughly brush and floss their grins.
But plaque can form on the surfaces of your aligners, too, so if you’re not also scrubbing their surfaces twice daily, then you’re neglecting an important aspect of your dental hygiene routine. Gently washing all sides of the trays with a soft-bristle toothbrush and clear dish soap that won’t stain or abrade the surface can help remove germs to prevent cloudy residue from forming, which defeats the purpose of ‘invisible’ orthodontics.
Cause #3: Dry Mouth
The unhealthy germs in your mouth that contribute to common oral concerns, such as cavities and gum disease, thrive in drier conditions. Unfortunately, some patients develop dry mouth when wearing Invisalign, which can create ideal conditions for these bacteria to flourish, increasing the likelihood of plaque buildup that discolors your Invisalign.
This can often be avoided by increasing your water intake throughout the day, which offers several benefits. For instance, it helps rinse away germs and leftover debris that can cause stains or dental problems; it has a neutral pH to counter potential acid damage to your smile; and it also helps support a healthy, hydrated immune system to prevent gum disease or other infections.
If you have additional questions about how your Invisalign became discolored or how to address it, you can learn more by scheduling an appointment with your provider!
Meet the Author
Dr. Lauri Barge is passionate about helping her patients build and maintain the healthiest and most beautiful versions of their smiles. She earned her dental doctorate from Texas A&M College of Dentistry and then completed a General Practice Residency program at Olin E Teague VA Hospital in Temple, TX. Today, she offers a complete menu of services, including Invisalign, using state-of-the-art technology for more comfortable, accurate results meant to last. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (972) 539-3800.