If you have Candid Pro Clear Aligners and are noticing they’re starting to look a little dingy, you might be wondering what could be going wrong to cause them to discolor. After all, they are called “clear” aligners. Unfortunately, even though they are made of clear material, aligners still can absorb stains from several different things. If your aligners are changing color, here’s what could be causing this and what you should do to prevent it.
Not Cleaning Your Teeth Properly
One of the first culprits of discolored aligners is not cleaning your teeth properly after eating. Whether you ate something dark like chocolate, coffee, or mustard, or you simply left plaque behind, any of these things can absorb into your aligners and make them appear yellow or take on the color of your last meal.
Not Cleaning Your Aligners Properly
In addition to cleaning your teeth, you should also be sure to clean your aligners daily. You can soak them in a clear retainer soak (colored soaks can cause discoloration, too!) and scrub them gently with a soft bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Be sure to rinse them well after brushing and soaking, and to rinse them each time you take them out of your mouth, even if it’s just to have a quick drink.
Eating With Aligners
You may already know that eating or drinking anything but water with your aligners in your mouth is a bad idea. That’s why you are allowed two hours each day to have them out. Keeping them in your mouth while eating and drinking colored liquids will not only get them dirty, but it can also cause stains, not to mention difficulty chewing.
How to Keep Aligners Clean
Thankfully, avoiding stains on your aligners is easy. Just be sure to follow these care instructions and they should stay clear for the duration of their use.
- Remove aligners each time you eat or drink anything but water.
- Brush and floss your teeth each time you eat, before putting them back in your mouth.
- Rinse them with water each time you remove them from your mouth.
- Clean them at least once a day with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste and rinse thoroughly.
- You can soak them in retainer soak if you choose, however this is up to you. Retainer soak should not replace brushing them but can be done in addition to brushing.
- Do not use colored mouthwashes or soaks.
Remember, they’re called clear aligners for a reason, so they should not be changing colors. If you notice them beginning to develop a tint, take a closer look at your care routine, as this could be affecting them without you realizing it.
About Dr. Lam
Dr. Vincent Lam loves helping make people smile. His passion for oral healthcare started when he was a college student, and he volunteered to help provide dental care to underserved patients in the San Diego, CA area. Today, Dr. Lam delivers that same care and compassion to his own patients at Seahurst Smiles of Burien.
To schedule an appointment for Candid Pro Clear Aligners, please visit our website or call us today at 206-589-8556.