Does Invisalign Make Teeth Yellow?
Can you imagine taking off your Invisalign aligners only to notice discoloration or stains on your teeth? That would be disheartening, right? Unfortunately, during orthodontist treatments, many things can go wrong. Fortunately, there are effective ways to prevent potential problems.
For instance, if you have crooked or misaligned teeth, your dentist will likely recommend Invisalign treatment. You may have come across some suggestions that Invisalign can make your teeth yellow. If you’re wondering whether it is true, this article has an answer to your query.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign treatment is a cosmetic procedure that seeks to improve the appearance of your teeth and jawline. In most cases, Invisalign aligners are used to correct crooked and misaligned teeth by slowing shifting them to the desired position.
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign treatment consists of clear or invisible tray aligners. As a result, Invisalign patients don’t have to deal with metallic wires and brackets. In addition, the fact that the aligners are invisible allows you to correct your smile secretively.
During the treatment, you will also have to wear a new set of trays every two weeks. After the treatment period, you’ll require to wear a retainer to keep the teeth in their new position. For more information on Invisalign, contact Spruce Canyon Family Dentistry.
Does Invisalign Make Your Teeth Yellow?
No, Invisalign aligners do not make your teeth yellow. However, it can happen. With Invisalign treatment, you should wear the aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours a day. This leaves you with 2-4 hours when you can have your aligners off.
It’s also worth noting that you are not allowed to eat or drink anything apart from clear water when wearing the Invisalign braces. Within the 2-4 hours that you won’t have the aligners on, you can eat, drink, brush, or clean the aligners. If proper dental care and hygiene aren’t observed during the Invisalign treatment, things can go wrong.
For instance, you are supposed to brush your teeth after eating or drinking. If you wear the aligners without brushing the teeth, food particles and other debris can get trapped between the teeth and the aligners, leading to bacteria and plaque build-up.
Overtime, the bacteria and plaque build-up may cause discoloration or staining, among other problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. Similarly, if your diet consists of staining foods and drinks, it can increase the chances of teeth stains during the Invisalign treatment.
Therefore, whether your teeth will stain during the Invisalign treatment depends on your teeth care and hygiene practices and your diet, not the Invisalign treatment itself. If you aren’t attentive with your oral hygiene routine, it’s likely your teeth will stain or discolor.
How to Prevent Teeth Yellowing During the Invisalign Treatment
Use the following tips to prevent staining your teeth during the Invisalign treatment.
1. Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks
With Invisalign, you are not restricted to what you can eat or drink. However, you can avoid the trouble of staining your teeth by avoiding colored foods and drinks. These include colored juices, soft drinks, tea, wine, coffee, and colored sauces. If you can’t avoid these foods or drink, brush, floss, and rinse your braces thoroughly after eating. Also, avoid other staining behaviors such as smoking.
2. Regular Cleaning
Proper dental care and hygiene are essential in preventing teeth discoloration and promoting oral health. Simple steps you can take to keep your teeth brighter throughout the Invisalign treatment include;
- Clean your aligners every day with a soft brush. Rinse your aligners after removing them.
- Brush thoroughly, at least twice a day. For best results, always brush after every meal.
- Floss at least once per day. It helps to get rid of any food particles trapped between the teeth.
- Use antimicrobial mouth rinses after eating if you don’t have time to brush.
- Schedule regular dental cleanings with your dentist
3. Use Fluoride-Based Toothpaste and Mouthwash
Using fluoride-based dental products is recommended for Invisalign patients. Brushing and rinsing your mouth with a fluoride-based mouthwash helps to prevent the formation of white spots and demineralization.
Final Verdict
As you can see, Invisalign treatment doesn’t cause teeth yellowing. What matters is what you eat and your daily dental routine. For Invisalign near you, contact Spruce Canyon Family Dentistry.