Invisalign is a popular alternative to traditional braces for many teens and adults. The clear aligners are nearly invisible, removable, and often more comfortable than metal braces. But even though Invisalign looks low-maintenance, it still requires daily care. Following basic guidelines can help ensure your treatment stays on track and your aligners stay clean, clear, and effective.
Here’s what you need to know to take proper care of your Invisalign aligners and avoid common mistakes that could slow down your progress or cause issues.
Make Sure You Wear Your Aligners Consistently
This is one of the most important habits you’ll need to build. Invisalign only works when you wear the aligners as instructed. Most orthodontists recommend wearing them 20 to 22 hours each day. That gives you enough time to remove them while eating, drinking anything besides water, and cleaning your teeth—but not much more.
If you leave your aligners out for long periods, your teeth may shift out of place. That can set your treatment back and even require new trays to be made. Always put your aligners back in as soon as you’re done eating or brushing.
Remove Aligners for Meals and Drinks
It may be tempting to sip on coffee or snack while wearing your aligners, but this is one habit to avoid. Hot drinks can warp the plastic, and anything with color or sugar can stain or damage the material. Water is the only beverage you should have while wearing Invisalign.
Eating while your aligners are in place can also damage or crack them. Even soft foods can cause small bends or weaken the tray structure over time. Before each meal or snack, take your aligners out and store them in their case.
Always Use the Case
It’s easy to lose or damage aligners if you leave them on a napkin or place them in your pocket. Using the provided case helps keep them clean and safe when not in use.
Many people accidentally throw their aligners away because they wrap them in tissue during meals. To avoid this, make a habit of putting them in the case right away. Keep the case in a purse, backpack, or jacket so it’s always within reach.
Clean Aligners Daily
You’ll be wearing your aligners most of the day, so keeping them clean is essential. Rinse them with lukewarm water every time you take them out. Avoid using hot water—it can cause the trays to warp.
At least once a day, clean your aligners more thoroughly. Use a soft toothbrush with clear, unscented liquid soap or a designated Invisalign cleaning product. Gently brush them to remove buildup, then rinse completely.
Do not use toothpaste to clean your aligners. Many kinds contain abrasive ingredients that can scratch the surface, making the trays look cloudy or dull.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Your aligners sit directly against your teeth. That means any leftover food, plaque, or bacteria can get trapped inside. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, you may be at greater risk for cavities or gum issues during treatment.
Always brush your teeth after eating and before putting your aligners back in. If brushing isn’t possible right away, at least rinse your mouth thoroughly with water until you can clean your teeth properly.
Keeping your teeth clean helps your aligners stay clear and prevents bad breath. It also supports healthy progress throughout your treatment.
Don’t Skip Aligner Changes
Your orthodontist will give you a schedule for changing to the next set of aligners—usually every one to two weeks. Sticking to this schedule is important because each set is designed to make small movements. Delaying a change can slow down the entire treatment process.
On the other hand, don’t try to speed up your treatment by switching trays early. Your teeth need time to adjust to each new position. Changing trays too soon can cause discomfort and may even damage your teeth.
Avoid Harsh Cleaning Methods
Some people use household cleaners, mouthwash, or denture tablets to clean their aligners. These products may seem harmless, but they can contain chemicals or dyes that damage the plastic or leave behind residue.
Stick to clear antibacterial soap, Invisalign cleaning crystals, or products specifically made for clear aligners. These options are gentle, effective, and safe for daily use.
Keep Your Old Aligners Just in Case
Once you move on to the next tray in your series, don’t throw out the previous one. Keep it in a safe spot just in case you lose or break your current set. Having the last tray available can help maintain your progress until your orthodontist can replace the damaged one.
Accidents happen. Holding onto your previous aligner can make a big difference if something goes wrong unexpectedly.
Be Honest With Your Orthodontist
If you forget to wear your aligners or notice they’re not fitting as well, don’t try to hide it. Let your orthodontist know. Adjustments can usually be made, and the sooner they know, the better.
Trying to force trays that don’t fit or skipping trays entirely can hurt your progress and potentially cause long-term issues with tooth alignment.
Wear Your Retainer After Treatment Ends
Once you complete your Invisalign treatment, your orthodontist will give you a retainer to wear. This helps prevent your teeth from shifting back into their old positions.
Many patients think the job is done when they remove their final tray, but the retention phase is just as important as the rest of the process. Wearing your retainer as instructed helps maintain the results you worked hard to achieve.
Conclusion
Caring for Invisalign aligners doesn’t take a lot of time, but it does require consistency. Developing the right habits early can make your treatment go more smoothly and lead to better results.
Wear your aligners for the recommended hours, clean them regularly, and follow your orthodontist’s instructions. Avoid shortcuts, handle them carefully, and don’t skip any parts of your routine. These simple actions can make a big difference in how well your Invisalign treatment works and how long it takes to complete.
If you have questions or concerns about your Invisalign care, always reach out to your orthodontist. Their guidance is key to keeping your smile healthy and your treatment on track.