Clear aligners are designed to be discreet, making them a popular choice for straightening teeth. However, many patients are surprised when their aligners begin to look yellow or cloudy over time. While this can be frustrating, discoloration is common and usually preventable. Understanding why it happens and what you can do about it can help keep your aligners looking clear and your smile on track.
Why Clear Aligners Turn Yellow
One of the most common causes of yellowing is drinking or eating while wearing your aligners. Beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, and soda contain pigments that easily stain the plastic. Even clear drinks can cause discoloration if they are acidic or sugary, as they weaken the aligner material and allow stains to set in.
Poor cleaning habits are another major factor. Simply rinsing aligners with water isn’t enough to remove plaque and bacteria, which can build up and cause a yellow tint. Additionally, using hot water to clean aligners can warp the plastic and make it more prone to staining.
Smoking or vaping while wearing aligners can also lead to noticeable discoloration. Nicotine and tar cling to the plastic, turning aligners yellow or brown and creating unpleasant odors.
How Long You Wear Your Aligners Matters
Aligners are typically worn 20 to 22 hours a day, which means any stains have plenty of time to develop if care isn’t consistent. Wearing aligners longer than recommended before switching to the next set can also increase discoloration, as the plastic naturally degrades over time.
What to Do If Your Aligners Are Yellow
Start by improving your cleaning routine. Rinse your aligners every time you remove them and brush them gently at least once a day using a soft toothbrush and clear, unscented soap or aligner cleaner. Avoid toothpaste, which can be abrasive and make aligners appear cloudy.
Always remove aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. If you do have a staining beverage, rinse your mouth and brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in.
If yellowing persists, talk to your dentist or orthodontist. They can recommend professional cleaning products or confirm whether it’s time to move on to your next aligner tray.
Tips to Prevent Future Discoloration
Consistency is key. Clean your aligners daily, store them in their case when not in use, and avoid smoking while wearing them. Following your dentist’s instructions closely will help keep your aligners clear and effective.
Yellowing aligners are usually a sign of staining or buildup, not a treatment failure. With proper care and habits, you can keep your clear aligners looking clean and discreet throughout your treatment.
About the Author
Dr. Stephen Tomaszewski (“Dr. Steve” to his patients) earned his D.D.S. degree from the LSU School of Dentistry before joining the U.S. Navy Dental Corps and completing an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency while living in Okinawa, Japan. He returned to Slidell in 2007 to join his dentist father at his practice, and in 2010, Dr. Tomaszewski bought the practice. Since his private practice career began almost 20 years ago, he has been voted a “Top Dentist” every year by his peers in New Orleans Magazine. If you’d like clear aligners to straighten out your smile, schedule an appointment with us online or call (985) 641-4444.