When you need a cosmetic dentist in Cottonwood, Arizona, Smile Designers can provide Invisalign clear aligners as well as general dentistry services. Invisalign is a great alternative to braces, but what happens when Invisalign trays turn yellow? We’ll discuss the reasons and the solutions below.
What Are Invisalign Trays?
Like braces, Invisalign trays help straighten your teeth. Whereas braces have metal brackets and wires, Invisalign trays are made from a clear, plastic material. This makes them a preferable choice for those who want something more discreet. Every few weeks, our orthodontists will replace your Invisalign tray with a new set. The goal is to gently shift your teeth into their correct position.
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Why Do Invisalign Trays Turn Yellow?
- Because Invisalign is made from a plastic, clear material, it’s possible for them to discolor slightly and turn yellow. There are several reasons this happens:
- Food and beverage stains: Drinks such as coffee, red wine, and tea can stain your Invisalign trays. Foods that are colored with spices can stain your trays as well.
- Neglecting your oral hygiene: If you don’t brush and floss your teeth often, your Invisalign tray will accumulate plaque and bacteria. Over time, this can turn the tray slightly yellow.Smoking: Smoking stains teeth, and in a similar fashion, it will stain your Invisalign trays.
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How Can You Keep Your Invisalign Trays From Turning Yellow?
Orthodontists typically replace Invisalign trays every few weeks, so a tray that’s heavily stained will soon be replaced. However, there are ways you can minimize stains:
- Avoid foods and drinks that stain: Try to avoid any foods or drinks that stain your teeth. If that’s hard to do, make sure to remove your trays when drinking coffee, wine, and tea or when eating heavily colored food.
- Brush and floss regularly: Make sure to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day before putting the trays back in your mouth.
- Clean your trays often: Gently brush your Invisalign trays once or twice a day with non-abrasive toothpaste or cleaning crystals. You should also soak them once a day.
- Don’t smoke: You can try to reduce the amount you smoke or quit altogether.
What to Do If Your Invisalign Trays Are Already Yellow
If your Invisalign trays have already turned yellow and it isn’t time to get a replacement set, here are some ways you can clean them:
- Use a non-abrasive toothpaste: Brush your trays gently with a small amount of non-abrasive toothpaste or cleaning crystals that our Cottonwood office can provide. Don’t use abrasive toothpaste as it may scratch your Invisalign trays.
- Use hydrogen peroxide mixture: Mix one cup of hydrogen peroxide and one cup of water. Soak your trays in this solution for about 15 minutes, and then rinse them. Not only can you remove the stains, but the hydrogen peroxide can also help disinfect the trays.
- Try vinegar solution: Mix one cup of white vinegar with one cup of water. Like with the hydrogen peroxide solution, soak your trays in the vinegar/water solution for 15 minutes, and then rinse them.
Where to Get Cottonwood Invisalign Trays
Need Invisalign aligners in Cottonwood? Our cosmetic dentist in Cottonwood can help with Invisalign trays, dental implants, root canals, veneers, and more. Contact Arizona Smile Designers if you’re looking for a straighter smile!
