{"id":416,"date":"2026-04-23T14:05:29","date_gmt":"2026-04-23T14:05:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.deandentalcare.com\/blog\/?p=416"},"modified":"2026-04-23T14:05:30","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T14:05:30","slug":"why-are-my-aligners-turning-colors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.deandentalcare.com\/blog\/2026\/04\/23\/why-are-my-aligners-turning-colors\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Are My Aligners Turning Colors?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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If you are straightening your smile with the help of clear aligners<\/a> like Invisalign or Six Month Smiles, you likely chose them at least in part for their discreet appearance. Unfortunately, however, although your trays started out clear, they may begin to take on a noticeable tint with time. Here\u2019s what could be causing this embarrassing discoloration, and what you can do to prevent it from happening in the future!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Poor Oral Hygiene<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although you may not think the two are related, one of the main causes of discolored aligners is improper oral hygiene. Whether your teeth have developed stains due to your diet, or you simply aren\u2019t brushing and flossing as often as you should, darkly pigmented foods and beverages and unsightly plaque buildup on your teeth can cause your aligners to change hues so your teeth look dull and dirty when you wear them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Improper Cleaning<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your teeth aren\u2019t the only things that need to be properly cleaned to keep your trays clear. The aligners themselves<\/em> should be cared for regularly, too.  You can do this by soaking them in a clear retainer soak (colored soaks can stain them), and scrub them gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild hand soap. Just make sure you rinse them very well before putting them back in your mouth!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eating While Wearing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the most important rules of clear aligners is to take them out of your mouth before you eat or drink anything but water. This is why you\u2019re given a two-hour \u201cbreak\u201d each day. Unfortunately, while it would certainly be convenient, wearing aligners while you eat can cause them to stain and can even damage them and put your treatment behind schedule!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keeping Aligners Clear<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To keep your aligners as discreet and stain-free as possible, be sure to follow your dentist\u2019s care instructions, and the following tips and tricks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n