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How Your Dental Environment Affects Aligner Color

How Your Dental Environment Affects Aligner Color

In a fast-paced, professional community like Irvine, Invisalign is the go-to for adult orthodontics because they fit beautifully into a busy lifestyle. 

However, to enjoy the benefits of clear aligners, you have to keep them clear. It may sound simple, but discolored aligner trays is one of the biggest complaints people have throughout treatment. 

So, how can you keep your trays virtually invisible? It starts by creating the right environment in your mouth. Here’s what you need to know. 

Properly Cleaning After Eating is Critical 

Every time you eat, the bacteria in your mouth break down sugars and produce mild acids. Normally, your saliva washes the acids away. However, aligners seal off your teeth from saliva. So, when you put the trays in right after eating, you can trap loose food particles and acid right against the plastic and your teeth. Unable to escape, these substances ferment inside the tray. They then rapidly dull the aligner material, turning it yellow and creating a stale odor.  

The Post-Meal Hygiene Routine

We understand that when you are dining out or working in Irvine, brushing your teeth in a public restroom isn’t always ideal. However, hygiene before re-inserting your aligner trays is critical for protecting them.

Ideally, brush your teeth before putting them back in. If brushing is not possible, then rinse your mouth thoroughly with cool water and rinse out your trays under tap water. 

Guarding Against Hidden Dyes in Beverages

It is a well-known rule that dark colas and red wine will stain aligners, but many patients are caught off guard by clear or lightly colored beverages. Sparkling waters with artificial berry flavorings, sports drinks, or energy drops often contain hidden chemical dyes. Even if the drink looks clear in a glass, the synthetic pigments can chemically bond with the clear thermoplastic to tint it. 

Turn to Irvine Dental to Align Your Smile

To keep your Invisalign trays clear, you must manage your oral environment with smart routines (especially surrounding meal time). Keeping your mouth clean is the key to avoiding stains and enjoying an invisible smile transformation. 

Enjoy the power of clear aligners by visiting Irvine Dental. Throughout treatment, we provide detailed advice to help you enjoy the most efficient and comfortable process. 

Let’s unlock your brilliant smile. Schedule a consultation for Invisalign treatment in Irvine today.

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