Tinted Trays: Why is My Invisalign Discolored?

Are you seeking a more comfortable and discreet alternative to traditional braces? If so, you might be a good candidate for Invisalign. Instead of relying on sharp metallic brackets and wires, this option utilizes clear plastic trays that fit snuggly over your arches to gently reposition them.

However, if you don’t care for your aligners correctly, they could become discolored, which defeats the purpose of opting for an ‘invisible’ treatment. Continue reading to learn 3 potential reasons for the discoloration so you can avoid them!

Cause #1: Bacteria Buildup

You must wear Invisalign for 20 to 22 hours daily to help keep your teeth from reverting to their starting positions, giving bacteria trapped between the plastic and your teeth and gums plenty of time to thrive. As they grow, they produce acids that can cling to the surface of your trays, resulting in plaque buildup that can become cloudy or tinted white or yellow.

To avoid this, you should remove your trays twice daily to thoroughly (but gently) scrub all their surfaces with a soft-bristle toothbrush and clear dish soap that won’t abrade the surface. You should also scrub your teeth and floss your gums to protect against common oral issues, like cavities and gum disease.

Cause #2: Dark Drinks

Did you know that Invisalign is usually considered less invasive than traditional braces? The clear trays are removable, so they don’t interfere as completely with your daily routines. For instance, there are no dietary restrictions because you shouldn’t have them in your mouth to eat or drink anything besides water.

You might think it’s safe to sip your morning coffee or tea with your aligners inserted, but this isn’t recommended for a couple of reasons. Firstly, hot temperatures can warp the material, causing it to no longer fit, and your dentist may have to order replacements. Furthermore, darkly pigmented foods and drinks can stain the plastic, making you feel self-conscious about wearing your trays.

Cause #3: Harsh Chemicals

If you’ve noticed that your aligners look murky or dark, you might feel tempted to try to clean them with household supplies known for tackling stubborn messes, like bleach or other cleaners. Unfortunately, many products contain chemicals that can harm the trays rather than help.

Thankfully, you can gently remove germs and plaque buildup by soaking the trays in special Invisalign cleaning crystals for about 15 minutes once or twice daily, depending on your circumstances. This solution is designed to kill unhealthy bacteria to keep your aligners clear without damaging the material.

If you’re still unsure why your Invisalign looks darker than it should, you can learn more by scheduling an appointment with your provider!

Meet the Author

Dr. Travis Markle has nearly 20 years of experience helping people of all ages build and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. He earned his dental doctorate from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and has completed hundreds of hours of continuing education programs with prestigious organizations, like the Dawson Academy. Today, he provides a comprehensive menu of services to meet your needs conveniently under one roof, including Invisalign. If you’re struggling to keep your trays clean, you can request an appointment on the website or call (903) 597-7902.