Baking soda’s been a lifesaver for me too—just a tiny bit makes a difference, and way cheaper than those tablets. I totally get what you mean about coffee though. I swear, one cup and my aligners look foggy for days. Sometimes I wonder if it’s even worth stressing over the cloudiness as long as they’re clean. Have you noticed if certain soaps leave a film? I had to switch brands because some made it worse.
Sometimes I wonder if it’s even worth stressing over the cloudiness as long as they’re clean.
I’ve had that exact debate with myself. I used to obsess over every little smudge, but honestly, after a couple months, I just wanted them to feel fresh and not taste weird. The film from some soaps drove me nuts though—Dove bar was the worst for me, left this weird haze I couldn’t scrub off. Switched to clear dish soap and it’s been way better, but I still avoid coffee unless I’m desperate.
That weird haze drove me crazy too. I tried the clear dish soap trick, but still noticed some fogginess after a while. I started rinsing mine with really warm water before brushing them, and that seemed to help a bit. Coffee stains are brutal though... I caved once and regretted it for days.
That haze makes me super self-conscious, honestly. I tried the dish soap thing too, and even those little cleaning crystals they give you, but nothing ever gets them back to day-one clear. Warm water helps a bit, but I’m always worried about making them warp if it’s too hot, so I just end up standing there second-guessing myself every time.
Coffee is my downfall too. I managed to avoid it for a couple weeks, but then had one of those mornings where I just needed it... totally forgot I had my aligners in. The stains didn’t come out, and I spent the rest of the day feeling like everyone could tell. I’ve started carrying a little toothbrush everywhere, but even then, sometimes I feel like they’re never really clean.
It’s kind of stressful, not gonna lie. I keep hoping my next set will look better, but it’s always the same after a few days.
The haze is the worst, right? I totally get what you mean about feeling like everyone can see it—even though logically, I know most people probably aren’t staring at my teeth all day. Still, it gets in my head sometimes. I’ve tried the dish soap trick too, and honestly, I’m not convinced it does much except make my aligners taste weird for a while.
One thing that’s helped me a little is using a super soft baby toothbrush (like, the ones for actual babies) with just water—no toothpaste or soap. I do a gentle scrub morning and night, and it seems to keep the worst of the cloudiness away. Not perfect, but better than nothing. The coffee thing though... yeah, I’ve definitely spaced out and sipped with them in. The guilt is real.
I wish they’d invent an aligner that’s actually stain-proof. Until then, I just try to remind myself that nobody’s looking as closely as I am. And hey, at least we’re getting straighter teeth out of this whole ordeal, even if we have to give up hot drinks and dignity for a bit.
