Invisalign aligners are wonderful for patients of all ages. In fact, one of the largest benefits of Invisalign aligners are the fact that they can be removed as needed, whether during eating, special events or family photos. However, you may notice that when you remove your aligners they look white or cloudy. You might be thinking to yourself “Is this normal?” or “Does this happen to anyone else?”

The truth of the matter is that tartar, or plaque can build up on the aligners’ surface just like it can build up on your teeth. This is what normally causes that white cloudy look. Be sure to remove your aligners while eating or drinking any substances other than water to limit the likeliness of build up on the aligner. Additionally, be sure to remove your aligners and clean it when you get up in the morning. It is recommended you do this because plaque can also build up overnight increasing the chances of a discolored aligner!

Other tips on how to rid your aligner from discoloration by ensuring cleanliness:

• Cleaning your aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush – You can do this with a little dab of toothpaste as well to clean the inside and outside surfaces of the aligners. However, be sure not to use hot water as your aligners are plastic and heat can increase chances of warping the aligners. Instead, use lukewarm water while brushing.
• Brush and floss your teeth each time after eating or removing your aligner – This will limit the amount of plaque and bacteria that will build up on the teeth.
• Rinse your aligners frequently after each cleaning session with water – Again, try to steer clear of very hot water so that your aligners do not become warped in the process.
• Use your Invisalign cleaning products at least once a week – This will help to limit any build up on your aligners. If you would like, you can certainly use these products more frequently.

For any staining on your aligners, we recommend that you soak them to try and remove the stains. However, refrain from soaking them in mouthwash or denture products because these may only cause damage to your aligners.

Instead, try using some at home-remedies that we know are successful:

• Soaking your aligners in a solution of 50% hydrogen peroxide and 50% water
• Soaking your aligners in a mixture of one part bleach to ten parts cool water
• Soaking your aligners in a solution of 50% white vinegar and 50% water to remove any tartar buildup and some noticeable staining

If you have tried these methods to remove any cloudiness or staining of your Invisalign aligners and they don’t seem to be working, please contact Sims Orthodontics for more information! Clean aligners are important and we would like to help find a cleaning routine that works well for you.