Can using clear retainers at night turn your teeth yellow? Can it stop whitening strips from working if you wear it afterwards?

Question

My clear retainer is 3 years old and pretty dirty. It's spotty and faded on the front and has crusty white stuff in the back. Is this yellowing my teeth? If so then of if I clean the retainer with solution will it no longer do so

Pamela Steiger, DMD · Answer

First off, I am thrilled to hear that you are still wearing your retainers -- this is wonderful!  You can try to clean it by soaking it in a glass of water with a denture cleaning tablet (for example, Polident). This is usually the best way to clean it. You can even do this once a week to keep your retainers fresh!There does come a point where it is best for you to get a new retainer made. Although retainers are really a life-long commitment, this does require replacement every few years. It may seem expensive but think it as maintenance for your teeth. And it is much less expensive than needing braces again later in your life if your teeth shift :-)All the best,Dr. Pam

Can using clear retainers at night turn your teeth yellow? Can it stop whitening strips from working if you wear it afterwards?

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