Eating and cleaningQuestion after the braces come off

How can I whiten my retainer or aligner if it has turned yellow?

Answered byDr Ivelina Ivanova-Koycheva, Orthodontist (MSc)Master's degrees in orthodontics in Rome and in aligner treatment in Turin, international lecturerPublished on 12 November 2026

If you notice your clear retainer or aligner changing colour, the first step in restoring it is thorough cleaning with a brush and soap. You can get a whitening effect by soaking the retainer in a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution.

This answer is for general information. Your own case needs an examination by an orthodontist.