When to wear your aligners
Wear your aligners day and night, taking them out only to eat, drink, and brush. They should be in for at least 22 hours per day.
Eating and drinking with aligners
Drinking water with your aligners in is completely fine, but you should remove them before consuming anything else. Eating or drinking with your aligners in could cause cavities and stain your aligners, making them far more visible!
Staying comfortable through treatment
Your teeth may be tender for a few days. Shop for softer foods like oatmeal, pastas, and soups, and take an over-the-counter pain reliever if you're sore. If that doesn't do it, let us know.
How to store your clear aligners
When your Invisalign trays aren't in your mouth, place them in their case. Setting them on a surface or wrapping them in a napkin often goes awry: they get knocked on the floor, pets nab them, or they get thrown out by accident. (Trust us!)
Cleaning your aligners
Your aligners need to be cleaned at least twice a day by scrubbing them with a toothbrush and water. Don't use toothpaste, since it will scratch the plastic and reduce its transparency. And don't soak your aligners in colored mouthwash, since it will stain the plastic that color!
Switching trays
Make sure to change your trays once per week, unless directed otherwise by your dentist or orthodontist.
Using chewies
Your dentist or orthodontist may give you small dental pillows called "chewies" to bite on occasionally. Chewies can help your aligners fit better, and your teeth move faster. With your aligners in, chew on the chewies twice per day for five minutes.
Replacing lost or damaged trays
If your current trays are lost or damaged, let us know right away and move on to the next tray immediately.
Invisalign®, the Invisalign logo, and iTero®, among others, are trademarks and/or service marks of Align Technology, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies and may be registered in the U.S. and/or other countries.
Questions?
Reach out any time via email or by calling (212) 686-3686.