Tips For Invisalign care

Wearing your aligners properly and keeping them clean is vital to the success of your treatment. Your teeth are particularly vulnerable to dental decay during orthodontic treatment, and even a small cavity can derail your treatment.

  • Wear each set of aligners for 2 weeks and at least 22 hours each day.
    • Do not take them out for more than 40 minutes at a time.
    • If aligners are worn any less than 22 hours each day, or are out for more than 40 minutes at a time, movement will not occur as projected.

 

  • Always switch to new aligners at night before bed.
    • Most movement happens within the first 6-8 hours and switching them before bed allows uninterrupted movement.

 

  • Before you reach the last set of aligners, please be sure you have an appointment to get your next set.
    • Each packet is pre-dated for you so you will know when to schedule your next appointment.

 

  • You can drink with aligners in, but do not eat with aligners on. It is recommended to not drink beverages with sugar while wearing aligners.
    • Your travel toothbrush and case should be kept with you at all times when you are not home.
    • When taken out, aligners should be rinsed with water and immediately placed in a case. DO NOT wrap them in a napkin as they will get thrown away. Replacing a set of aligners costs $200.
    • Remember to have the aligners out for no more than 40 minutes at a time.
    • Brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back in. Keeping up with good oral hygiene is important because this will prevent the aligners from becoming traps for bacteria which can lead to cavities.

 

  • While at home, every few days soak your aligners in a cup of hydrogen peroxide (you do not need to dilute it), Invisalign cleaning crystals or denture cleaner.
    • Hydrogen peroxide is safe for oral use and prevents trays from staining
    • Gently brush your aligners before reinserting them

 

  • Always save the previous Invisalign aligner once you switch to a new aligner.
    • Store it in its dated pouch with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide. If you lose an aligner, then you will have a backup until you can switch to another set.
    • Please call us if an aligner is lost so we can evaluate if you can move on to the next set of aligners, or if the one that was lost needs to be re-ordered to continue treatment. Replacing a set of aligners costs $200.

 

  • Invisalign usually causes less soreness than traditional braces, but some discomfort may occur when you switch to a new tray for the first day or so.
    • To relieve any soreness or discomfort, take over the counter medication such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen).