Clear aligners are a popular choice to fix bite and alignment problems because they are virtually invisible. You don’t have to worry about the appearance or restrictions of brackets and wires. Aligners are worn over your teeth to move them in small increments. This provides a discreet and comfortable method to straighten your smile. However, your aligners may turn yellow if you’re not caring for them correctly. Here’s how you can ensure your aligners stay discreet.
How to Prevent Clear Aligner Stains
Clear aligners can discolor for several reasons, like using the wrong oral hygiene products or wearing them while drinking coffee. You can avoid staining your aligners by following a few tips:
- Remove Them When Eating and Drinking: You should only drink water when wearing your aligners. Never eat or drink anything else to prevent staining or damaging them.
- Keep Your Mouth Clean: Good oral hygiene is more important than ever before. Besides brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily, brush after eating. Food residue and bacteria can get trapped between your aligners and your enamel, increasing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. However, it can also cause tooth and aligner discoloration.
- Avoid Abrasive Dental Products: Your aligners must be cleaned at least twice a day, but don’t use any abrasive dental products. Hard-bristled toothbrushes and regular toothpaste can scratch your aligners, which can make them look discolored. Food residue and bacteria can also get trapped in the scratches, leading to unpleasant odors. Only use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a mild hand soap or dishwashing liquid to clean them.
- Use Cleaning Crystals: Soak your clear aligners in cleaning crystals daily. This will kill any remaining bacteria to keep them looking and smelling their best.
- Don’t Smoke: Smoking not only causes your enamel to change color, but it can also stain your aligners.
Besides keeping your mouth and aligners clean, commit to wearing them for at least 22 hours per day to keep your treatment on track. Change to the next set of aligners every 1-2 weeks as instructed by your dentist. In no time at all, you’ll be finished with your treatment.
About Dr. Christian A. Pham
Dr. Pham earned his dental degree from the Boston University School of Dentistry and has regularly continued his education in various specialties, like dental implants, root canal therapy, and cosmetic dentistry. He specializes in orthodontics, including clean aligners. Request an appointment through his website or call his office at (210) 934-7775.