Invisalign Care Tips: How To Prevent Staining

While you might have chosen Invisalign braces because their clear trays are almost invisible, don't assume that your trays will stay clear automatically. You have to take care not to do anything that might stain a tray.

If a tray does pick up stains, then it becomes more visible. In some cases, it makes your teeth look colored. However, it doesn't take much effort to keep your trays clear and invisible. What do you need to do?

Clean Your Teeth and Trays After Meals 

You can't eat when you wear Invisalign trays. You take them out before a meal and then put them back in afterward.

Don't assume that not wearing your braces when you eat is enough to keep them in good cosmetic condition. If you have traces of colored food or drinks on your teeth or in your mouth when you put your trays back in, then these traces could stain your braces.

So, you should clean your teeth and rinse out your mouth after you eat. This gets rid of food particles that might stain your trays.

It's also a good idea to get into the habit of cleaning your trays when you take them out to eat. This also keeps them in good condition and makes it less likely that they will discolor.

Avoid Colored Drinks When You Wear Your Trays

You won't find it too hard not to eat when you're wearing your Invisalign trays. Eating isn't easy or comfortable. However, you might take your eye off the ball when it comes to drinks.

There is a reason why dentists tell patients to only drink water or clear drinks when they wear their trays. If you drink anything that has a strong color, such as red wine, coffee, tea, or colored sodas, then your trays are likely to stain.

Ideally, you should use the opportunity to drink colored drinks when you take your trays out to eat. You don't want to be taking your braces out too often.

However, if you do have an urge for a strong coffee to get you through the day or a glass of wine to relax after work, then take your trays out. Rinse your mouth with water before you put your braces back in. This prevents colorings from staining your trays.

Don't Smoke With Your Trays In

If you smoke, then you need to be careful when you're wearing your trays. The fact that you can smoke with your braces in isn't a reason to do it.

Smoking will turn your trays yellow fast. To keep them clean, try to time your smoke breaks for times when you have taken your trays out to eat.

While it's easy to stain clear braces, you'll find it harder to remove stains once they set in place. For more advice on how to look after your Invisalign braces or to get help dealing with existing stains, talk to your dentist.