For most people, the most exciting day is when they take off the last Invisalign® tray to mark the end of the teeth straightening treatment. However, it can be disheartening to see that stains or discoloration occurred during treatment. Although this can happen with any orthodontic treatment, there are simple and effective ways to prevent yellow teeth when you have Invisalign.
The following are tips to keep the teeth white and free of stains.
Whether Invisalign treatment is ongoing or not, one of the most effective ways to maintain the color of the teeth is to brush and floss the teeth regularly. This will prevent the accumulation of plaque and stain-causing pigments from foods and drinks. Routine oral hygiene is more convenient with Invisalign aligners because the trays are removable. The aligner trays need to be cleaned daily to prevent staining.
It is crucial that patients make the extra effort daily after brushing their teeth to clean all the nooks and crannies of the Invisalign aligners. There is Invisalign cleaning crystals available to aid the cleaning process. Also, at the start of the treatment, the dentist will recommend the best oral hygiene routine and show patients how to clean their device properly.
Some foods are highly pigmented and would probably cause dental stains, so with wearing Invisalign trays, it is advisable to lower consumption to prevent yellow teeth. These foods include coffee, wine, soft drinks, dark-colored sauces and berries, tea and highly-pigmented popsicles and juices. The thumb rule is if the food or drink can stain a white shirt, it can stain the teeth. Patients do not need to avoid the item completely, but reducing intake and cleaning the teeth after eating or drinking can produce optimal results.
Routine dental cleanings handled by a dental professional can remove plaque and stain pigments from different parts of the mouth, especially the hard-to-reach areas. It is therefore important to keep up with those dental appointments throughout the teeth-straightening treatment process. Ideally, patients should undergo dental cleaning at least twice a year, but sometimes, more regular visits may be necessary for oral health and appearance.
Even with proper discipline with oral hygiene and diet while wearing Invisalign, there is a chance that stains might still develop on the teeth. Knowing that certain foods cause yellowing is sometimes not enough to avoid them. Fortunately, stains of this nature can be removed with professional teeth whitening after treatment ends.
As you continue on your journey to a straighter smile, try to cultivate a personal routine that includes good oral hygiene and habits. Keep the teeth and aligners clean, and follow the instructions provided by the dentist until it is finally time to take off the Invisalign trays. Do not forget to reach out to the dental office if you have more questions.
Request an appointment here: https://www.gearydental.com or call Geary Dental Center at (415) 702-1310 for an appointment in our San Francisco office.
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