Invisalign Use and Care Guide

Orthodontics

Invisalign Use and Care Guide

Caring for your Invisalign aligners is very important. This ensures that your device is kept in good condition and also helps to keep your teeth and gums healthy too.

Inserting your aligners

Always wash your hands thoroughly before inserting your aligners. If possible clean your aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste before you insert them. If this is not possible wash your aligner with water. This is to ensure that you are not transferring bacteria into your mouth and onto your teeth. Maintaining good dental hygiene is essential.
Gently place your aligner over your front teeth ensuring that you have the correct one. You can differentiate between the two by looking at the printed lettering on the bottom of the aligner. The upper aligner is marked with ‘U’ and the lower is marked with ‘L’. Once you have the aligner in position, apply gentle but firm pressure to the back of the aligner (where your molars are) and clip into place. You will get aligner Chewies silicone from us to help push your aligners into place.

Removing your aligners

To remove your aligner choose one side to work free first. This involves placing your fingertip on the inside of the back molar and pulling downward for upper aligners and upward for lower aligners to unclip it from the teeth.
Repeat the process on the other side.
Following this, work your fingers forward towards the front teeth while gently pulling to release it.
Take care not to bend, twist, or pull the aligner while inserting or removing it.

Taking care of your Invisalign aligners

One of the great things about Invisalign is that it is practically invisible. However, this may not be the case if you do not look after your aligners correctly. It is important to take your aligners out when eating or drinking (however, cool water is fine). When you remove your aligners be sure to store them safely in the case provided. Once you have eaten or had a drink that is not water it is advisable to clean your aligners thoroughly with a toothbrush and toothpaste, as well as clean and floss your teeth. If this is not practical then rinse your mouth out with water and run the aligners under the tap.

Changing your aligners

When the time comes to change to your new aligners you may experience some discomfort for a few days after. This is normal and should subside relatively quickly. It is recommended that you change your aligners at night. This allows the new aligner to remain in the mouth for a full twelve hours.