Invisalign

Home care instructions for Invisalign 

Getting your teeth straightened is exciting!  The following advice is useful for patients with Invisalign.

What next:

  • Your teeth will feel tender after your first Invisalign trays are placed.  This is normal – you might like to take some anti-Inflammatory medication such as Neurofen to help with the pressure or tenderness.

  • Wear your aligners as much as possible. The more you wear them, the faster your teeth will move to the desired position. Your teeth will also get used to the pressure faster and will not feel tender anymore.

  • Minimum wear is 22 hours a day

  • It is important to wear trays to bed. This will be the longest continuous time period for wearing your aligners and is important for teeth movement.

  • You may take your aligners out to eat, drink, brush and floss your teeth.

  • Usually you see the dentist every 6 weeks and are given 3 sets of aligners to be changed every 2 weeks.  This may vary occasionally so be guided by your dentist’s instructions.

  • Always book your follow-up appointment to make sure your Invisalign treatment is monitored and completed by the desired date.

Care and maintenance

  • You can drink water while wearing your aligners, as water is clear and will not stain your aligners. 

  • You can clean your aligners. The easiest way is to give them a gentle brush when you are brushing your teeth. Best to use a soft tooth brush and no toothpaste as it is abrasive and may scratch your aligners.

  • Do not rinse them in hot water as it may warp the material your aligners are made of.

Inserting/removing aligners and keeping them safe 

  • When putting aligners in remember to bite down on the rubber pieces you’ve been given to make sure the aligners are seated in the correct position.

  • When taking aligners out, use the case given to you on the first appointment. This will help to ensure you don’t lose them. 

  • It is very easy when eating out, for your plate to be taken away and thrown out with leftover food with aligners still on them!

  • Contact us if you do lose a set or sets of aligners. You may need an appointment earlier than your scheduled visit.

  • The dentist may glue small plastic bumps on your teeth. If one comes off don’t worry, but please call the surgery to let us know.

  • Tip - make sure your contact details are clearly visible on your aligner case.