Instructions for Invisalign

The following are instructions for care of your Invisalign treament.

Do

Use your fingers to put your aligners in place. First place the aligners over your front teeth, and then use your fingers to push the aligners down gently over your molars. When aligners are correctly inserted, they will fit all the way down on the teeth, with no space between the top of the aligners and the top of the teeth. Aligners will fit tightly at first but should be less of a challenge to insert and remove after a few days.
Keep aligners in except when brushing and flossing. Keep aligners in while eating. It helps the aligners fit well and move the teeth more effectively. Tumeric and curry will stain the aligners, so go ahead and remove the aligners when eating these foods.
Remove the aligner by pulling it off both sides of your back teeth simultaneously then lifting it off of your front teeth. Place your aligners in the case we provided any time they are not being worn.
Clean aligners with a toothbrush and clear hand soap or toothpaste.
Wear each set of aligners for one week unless our office directs you to vary from this schedule.
Wear aligners in the correct numerical order. (Each aligner is labeled by number and with a U or an L to designate upper or lower.)
Keep your last set of aligners in case you break or lose your current set. Call our office at 703-527-1724 for further directions if aligners are lost or broken.

Don’t place your aligners in or on a napkin or tissue. Many aligners have accidentally been thrown out this way!
Don’t use your teeth to “bite” your aligners into place. This can deform or break your aligners.
If you have pets, don’t place your aligners anywhere that your pets can reach them. Pets are attracted to saliva and would enjoy chewing on your Invisalign aligners!
Do not use Denture cleaner, alcohol, mouthwash, or bleach to clean your aligners.
Do not use boiling water or warm water on your aligners.
Don’t chew gum with your aligners in.
It would be best not to smoke while wearing aligners. The smoke can stain the aligners as well as your teeth.

If you lose one of your aligner trays, please wear the next tray if you have it. If you do not have the next tray, please wear the previous tray. It is extremely important to use a tray to keep teeth from shifting. Call our office to let us know which tray was lost so that we can determine if a replacement tray is needed. There will be a fee if replacement trays are required.