Congratulations on your decision to start Invisalign treatment. It is critical to wear your aligners as instructed to ensure the desired outcome. Please follow these instructions for the wear and care of your aligners:
- Aligners must be worn 22-23 hours a day to achieve a successful result. Only remove them to eat and brush.
- Before placing your aligners, always make sure you brush and floss your teeth. Make sure to also brush and floss your teeth after each meal or snack prior to reinserting your aligners. If you don’t have access to a toothbrush or floss, you can simply rinse your mouth and then the aligners by holding them under warm running water.
- Aligners should be cleaned prior to each insertion using a soft bristle toothbrush with water and a small amount of toothpaste. Be sure that each aligner is rinsed thoroughly with water after each cleaning.
- Prior to each insertion and before bed, inspect aligners for cracks and deformation. Severe cracks or deformities should be reported to the doctor immediately. Aligners with cracks the size of the height of the tooth should not be used.
- Do not use denture cleaners to clean aligners. Do not soak them in mouthwash. These products can damage the surface of the aligners, causing it to become dull or more visible.
- We recommend that you start every new set of aligners before bed. Most of the initial movement occurs in the first 12 hours, and it is best to wear them without interruption during this time.
- Prior to starting a new set of aligners, we recommend taking Advil® or Tylenol®. Each new set of aligners is incrementally moving your teeth and may cause some initial discomfort.
- Do not drink anything other than water while you are wearing your aligners. Aligners should be removed for eating and drinking.
- Aligners should be worn for a minimum of 1 week. Each set of aligners is designed to be replaced after 1-2 weeks of 22-23 hours of wear per day unless otherwise instructed by the doctor.
- Your aligners cannot handle much heat! Be careful not to leave your aligners in the sun or car on a hot day, and never place your aligners in hot or boiling water to clean or sterilize them.
- Keep aligners away from dogs—they love chewing on aligners.
- Note that not every aligner is cut exactly the same. There may be a rough patch on the edge of an aligner or an area where the aligner puts too much pressure on your gum tissue. If this happens, please let us know so we can help you achieve a comfortable fit.
- Bring all your used and new aligners to your appointment if aligners are not fitting well.