Unless you look closely, Invisalign aligners are difficult to see. This is why some patients who prefer to keep their orthodontic treatment discreet choose Invisalign. But you might worry that your Invisalign aligners won't always be invisible. The best way to keep your aligners from attracting unwanted attention is to keep them clean.

If you clean your aligners the right way, you can ensure that most people won't notice them. Here six tips to help you keep your aligners clean the right way.

1. Remove your aligners before you eat

Although some dentists do say that you can eat with your Invisalign aligners in, doing so could stain your aligners. Some foods contain strong colors that can stick to Invisalign aligners. Rather than risk staining your aligners while eating, remove them at mealtimes.

2. Store your aligners in their case, not your pocket

Invisalign aligners are porous, which means they can pick up stains from food and liquids easily. As such, try to keep your Invisalign aligners in their case whenever you take them out. Your pockets or even tissue paper won't keep out staining molecules, but the aligner case will.

3. Brush your aligners gently

It is safe to brush your aligners with a soft toothbrush. But don't brush too hard because using too much force can scratch the surface of your aligners and cause them to look scratched or cloudy. Avoid using abrasive toothpastes, too.

4. Soak your aligners in a cleaning solution

While you brush and floss your teeth, soak your Invisalign aligners in a cleaning solution to remove bacteria and stains. Use a cleaning solution designed for Invisalign. You can also use white vinegar, but make sure you use a half vinegar and half warm water solution.

5. Clean your teeth before you put your aligners in

After you eat, clean your teeth before you put your Invisalign aligners back in your mouth. Otherwise, the food particles on your teeth could stain your aligners.

6. Don't use colored toothpaste or soap to clean aligners

Colored substances like toothpaste or soap can also stain your aligners, especially if your aligners are already scratched. Use clear cleaning solutions to keep your aligners stain-free.

If you follow these cleaning tips while undergoing Invisalign treatment, you can keep your Invisalign aligners clean and discreet. Investing in an Invisalign cleaning kit can also help to keep your Invisalign aligners clean. For more information about Invisalign, reach out to a local dental clinic.