If you've decided to choose Invisalign tooth aligners to straighten your teeth, you've made a great choice. Invisalign are the perfect way to achieve the results you want, without the bulky metal braces. Invisalign allow you to straighten your teeth while still giving you the freedom to eat the foods you love, and maintain a normal lifestyle. However, it is important to note that your Invisalign aligners will need to have proper care. Without the right care, your aligners can develop foul odors. Not to mention a few other unpleasant problems. Here are four steps you'll need to take to keep your aligners in good condition.

Rinse Well After Every Meal

If you're wearing Invisalign aligners, it's important that you remember to rinse them after each meal. Rinsing the aligners will remove the food particles that can lead to foul odors. Not only that, but rinsing your aligners will also prevent bacteria from settling in between your teeth and under your gum line. All you need to do is take your aligner out and rinse it in clear water. If you're not by a sink, simply pour a bottle of water over your aligners.

Avoid Drinks that can Stain

You might not realize this, but your plastic aligners can get stained quite quickly. That's because the coloring in the drinks can be absorbed into the plastic. When that happens, you can end up with aligners that are signficantly discolored. Unfortunately, once they're discolored, you'll need to invest in new aligners. To avoid stains, take your aligners out before drinking beverages like wine and red or purple fruit drinks.

Use Liquid Soap Instead of Toothpaste

When you brush your teeth, you might be tempted to use toothpaste to clean your aligners. However, toothpaste should never be used to clean your Invisalign aligners. Toothpaste is too harsh to be used on your aligners. Instead, either use a small amount of liquid antibacterial soap. The liquid soap will gently clean your aligners and the antibacterial power will keep them germ-free.

Always Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush

When it comes to cleaning your aligners, it's also important that you use the right type of brush. While it's safe to use a medium bristled toothbrush on your teeth, it's not safe to use one on your aligners. Using a medium or hard bristled toothbrush on your aligners can leave small scratches and grooves in the surface of your aligners, which will be very visible once you put them back in your mouth. Prevent the scratches by cleaning your aligners with soft-bristled toothbrushes only.

For more information, contact establishments like Galloway Dental Care.