If you were recently fitted with Invisalign trays to help straighten your teeth instead of getting braces, you may appreciate that they are clear and hardly noticeable. However, you may be afraid that they will stain over time, making them more noticeable when you flash your smile. Along with brushing the trays with a soft toothbrush every time you brush your teeth, use the tips below to help keep your Invisalign trays clean and clear.

1. Take the Trays Out Before You Eat or Drink

One thing you can do to help keep your trays from becoming stained is to take them out before you eat or drink anything. Unlike braces, one of the conveniences of the trays is that you can remove them for short periods of time without impeding your progress toward straighter teeth.

If you keep your trays in while eating or drinking, food particles and liquid can leak in under the trays and remain there. Especially if the food or beverage normally stains teeth, such as dark berries or coffee, the clear material could become stained fairly quickly. To avoid this, remove the aligners.

However, there may be times that you forget or cannot take your trays out before consuming food or drinking a beverage. In these cases, try to go to the bathroom as soon as possible after you eat or drink something and rinse them with warm water. This should remove most of the residue left on the trays. Then, brush them as soon as you get home to remove the rest.

2. Soak the Trays Overnight in a Cleansing Solution 

Another thing that you can do to help keep your trays clean is to soak them overnight while you are sleeping. Even if you are meticulous about brushing them, taking them out before eating, and rinsing them off in between uses, bacteria will grow on the surface that can stain them.

When you are soaking them, use a cleansing solution that is specifically designed for your Invisalign aligners. If you are unsure as to what cleaner you should use, ask the dentist who fitted you for the trays for their recommendation

Using the above tips can help keep your trays clear and hard to detect while you are wearing them to straighten your smile. If you have any further questions or concerns about taking care of your Invisalign trays, speak with your dentist during your next appointment.