Many patients opt for Invisalign to straighten their teeth and achieve the beautiful smiles they’ve always dreamed of. Invisalign aligners are clear and can be removed for activities such as cleaning, eating, and drinking. As long as you take great care of your aligners, they should stay clear and virtually invisible to the naked eye.
If you’ve noticed that your Invisalign aligners have turned a slight yellow color and are now suddenly noticeable, you should know that there are ways to avoid this situation. First and foremost, resist the temptation to put your aligners back in your mouth after eating a meal. Get into the habit of brushing after meals. If you are unable to brush for some reason, rinse your mouth as thoroughly as you can before putting your aligners back into your mouth.
Next, you should be selective about the toothpaste you use. Your orthodontist will recommend the ideal toothpaste for you aligners. This toothpaste will likely be a normal toothpaste with fluoride. Keep in mind that fancy toothpastes with whitening power can actually contribute to yellowish aligners.
Lastly, be mindful about what you drink. While you can drink coffee, soda, and other dark beverages, realize that these beverages can stain your aligners and should be consumed in moderation. Water is your safest option as it won’t stain your aligners and is actually good for your teeth and body.
If you have further questions about how to prevent your Invisalign aligners from turning yellow, call Gladwell Orthodontics today at (919) 453-6325.
