Yikes! Why Are My Invisalign Trays Turning Yellow?

When you put on your first set of Invisalign trays, they practically disappeared. It was amazing! After avoiding orthodontics for years because you thought you had to get braces, now you have a treatment that no one will notice. That is, until your trays started taking on a distinct yellow tint. While this is fairly common, that doesn’t make it any less annoying! What’s causing this to happen? Is there anything you can do about it? Fortunately, there are clear answers to both of these questions.

The Two Big Reasons Your Invisalign Trays Are Yellow

Your dentist probably said you need to remove your Invisalign trays before eating or drinking anything besides unflavored water. That’s because if you forget and have beverages like coffee, wine, tea, or soda while still wearing your aligners, the pigments that would normally stain your teeth can end up on your trays, giving them a less-than-ideal shade.

The change could also stem from your trays needing to be cleaned more often. Needless to say, after spending hours in your mouth, they are covered in saliva. Did you know that when saliva dries, it turns yellow?

Not cleaning your trays after every meal and snack, as well as not brushing your teeth at least twice a day, can lead to a buildup of dried saliva, plaque, and bacteria that not only affect the color of your trays, but may also increase your risk for tooth decay and gum disease.

What You Can Do About It

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each
• Clean your aligners with a soft-bristle toothbrush and clear hand soap after each meal and snack.
• Avoid using regular toothpaste with your aligners, as this can create scratches that bacteria and plaque can hide in.
• Occasionally, soak your aligners in a dedicated cleaning solution—once or twice a week is a good starting point.
• Always remember to take out your trays when eating or drinking anything other than regular water.
• Talk to your dentist about what product you could use to remove the current stains on your trays (they may recommend skipping this step if you’re about to switch to a new set of aligners)

Altogether, this will keep your trays and teeth incredibly clean, preventing the sources of yellow staining. The added benefit is that these practices are great for your oral health as well!

While your Invisalign trays might be yellow right now, there is plenty you can do to avoid this in the future, ensuring your treatment remains perfectly discreet until your new smile is ready.

About the Practice

At Dental Health & Wellness Boston, we are one of the premier Invisalign providers in the area, having offered the treatment for over 20 years and helped hundreds of patients achieve the healthy, straight teeth they desire. We combine advanced technology with our decades of expertise and dedication to giving each patient a positive experience.

Having trouble with your Invisalign trays? You can request a consultation by clicking here or calling 617-742-1220.