Invisalign 101: Why Stains Happen and How to Avoid Them

October 9, 2025

Woman smiling while holding her Invisalign trays

Many patients choose Invisalign because of how discreet they are compared to traditional braces. This treatment uses clear aligners, which are hard to spot while you’re wearing them. Not only that, but they are much more convenient! However, what if you notice that your trays are starting to turn a bit yellow? Keep reading to learn why this may be happening and what you can do about it.

Why Are My Invisalign Trays Turning Yellow?

The main cause of aligner discoloration is due to the things you eat and your oral hygiene habits. Here is a quick rundown of what you should be aware of:

  • Drinks: Dark-colored items, such as coffee, red wine, and certain sodas, can lead to stains on both your teeth and Invisalign! That’s because it’s made of a porous plastic, so particles can find their way into these small spaces and cling on.
  • Colored Mouthwash: Some people rinse with mouthwash while wearing their aligners. If the product you use has a color to it or you don’t rinse your mouth afterward, then it can cause some tinting.
  • Saliva: Although this is mainly made of water, there are also some minerals, proteins, enzymes, and mucus inside it. When it dries on your trays, it can eventually stain.
  • Plaque: This is a film of bacteria that can develop on your teeth after you eat. If you don’t clean out your smile, then it can transfer to your Invisalign and harden to become tartar. This can lead to a yellow color developing.

How Can I Get Rid of the Yellow Tint on My Aligners?

Although there are several ways that your aligners can stain, thankfully, fighting against it is easy! One of the best things you can do is to brush and floss after every meal. This can help remove any bacteria and plaque that’s on your teeth. That way, they don’t transfer to your trays when you put them back in. You should also drink water after enjoying any other beverage to wash away any particles that are lingering.

If you do end up noticing some staining on your aligners, then you can try brushing them with some diluted hydrogen peroxide or a mixture of white vinegar and water. These can help dissolve some discoloration. That way, you can feel confident knowing that people are admiring your smile instead of looking at your Invisalign.

About the Practice

At All Smiles Leesburg, you benefit from a team of skilled dentists who look after you and your oral health. We are here to help the community get the healthier bites they deserve with Invisalign. By sticking with you every step of the way, you can trust we give you what you need to ensure a smooth treatment without delays. If you want to know how you can better care for your aligners, schedule an appointment or call our office at (703) 782-5171.