Invisalign® Care

Invisalign is a series of clear aligners that straighten your teeth. Like any orthodontic treatment patients who choose to align their teeth with invisalign will have to follow a set of instructions during their ongoing treatment.

Invisalign Care Instructions

Wear your aligners per your doctor’s instructions, usually 20-22 hours per day. Aligners are designed to be changed every 1-2 weeks or at your doctor’s discretion.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your aligners.
Rinse your aligners when removing them from the packaging for the first time. Use proper technique described below when inserting and removing aligners to avoid damaging aligners.

Aligner insertion

Prior to each insertion and before bed, inspect aligners for cracks and deformation. Severe cracks or deformities should be reported to the doctor immediately. Caution on aligners with cracks the size of the height of the tooth should not be used.
Make sure you have the proper aligner—the upper for your top teeth and the lower for your bottom teeth.
You may insert either the upper or lower aligner first. When inserting each aligner, gently push the aligners over your front teeth.
Apply equal pressure, using your fingertips, to the tops of your left and right molars (back teeth) until the aligner snaps into place.

Aligner removal

On one side of your mouth, use your fingertip on the inside of your back molar to slowly pull the aligner from your molars.
Repeat this process on the other side of your mouth before trying to completely remove the aligner.
Once aligner is disengaged from the back molars on both sides of your mouth, you should be able to slowly work your way forward gently prying the aligner away from your teeth with your fingertips.

Daily Care and Maintenance of Your Aligners

Aligners should be rinsed/brushed and dried prior to storage in a protective case.
Aligners are intended to be removed only for eating, drinking, and oral care. Unnecessary and excessive removal/ insertion of aligners with precision wings may prematurely damage and/or break the aligners.
Take care in removing your aligners, especially if multiple attachments are being used.
Do NOT use excessive force to bend or twist an aligner to get it off.
Do NOT use any sharp object to remove your aligners. Consider an aligner removal tool if needed.
Consult with your doctor if your aligners are extremely difficult to remove
Clean your aligners prior to each insertion. Use a soft bristle toothbrush with water and a small amount of toothpaste.
Be sure to rinse each aligner thoroughly with water after each cleaning. Use Invisalign cleaning products as needed.
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. Note: A parent or guardian should inspect aligners of children.
Aligner cases may be hand washed with soap and water. Do not use dish washing machines to clean the cases.

Proper oral hygiene

Remove your aligners for eating and drinking.
You do not need to remove your aligners to drink water
Brush and floss your teeth after each meal or snack prior to re-inserting your aligners.
Be sure to thoroughly clean your aligners at your earliest convenience.
Regular dental checkups and cleaning are recommended for the continued health of your teeth and gums.

Storing your Invisalign aligners