Invisalign Care Guide
Everything you need to keep your treatment on track.
Invisalign is designed to fit seamlessly into your lifestyle, but wearing and caring for your aligners properly is the key to achieving the best possible results. This guide will help you care for your aligners, answer common questions, and know what to do if something doesn't go as planned.
Wearing your Aligners
Wear aligners 20–22 hours each day
Keep your last 2 sets of trays as backups
Consistency creates beautiful results
For Invisalign to work as planned, your aligners should be worn 20–22 hours each day, removing them only to eat, drink anything other than water, brush, and floss. Consistent wear keeps your teeth moving according to your personalized treatment plan and helps prevent unnecessary delays.
Everyday wear tips
Brush and floss before putting them back in
Protect your aligners (store them in your case)
Change trays on schedule
Cleaning your Aligners
Keep your Aligners clear & fresh
Clean aligners help keep both your teeth and your smile healthy throughout treatment.
How to clean them:
DO:
Clean them daily using a soft toothbrush, lukewarm water, and clear, mild soap.
Rinse your aligners every time you remove them.
Use Invisalign Cleaning Crystals or an approved retainer cleaner when recommended.
AVOID:
Hot water (can warp the plastic)
Toothpaste (can scratch the aligners)
Colored mouthwash (may stain)
Harsh household cleaners
Remove aligners before eating
Eating & Drinking
Enjoy your favorite foods
Water only while wearing them
Brush or rinse before putting them back in.
Protect your aligners & always use your case
Common Concerns
-
That's completely normal! New aligners often feel snug for the first day or two because they're gently moving your teeth into their next position.
-
Wear them again as soon as possible and continue wearing them consistently. If they've been out for an extended period or no longer fit properly, contact our office before moving to your next set.
-
Use your chewies to help fully seat your aligners. If they still don't fit after wearing them consistently, contact our office before switching to the next tray.
-
Contact our office right away. Until we provide instructions, continue wearing your previous aligners whenever possible to help prevent unwanted tooth movement.
-
Small cracks may not affect treatment, but larger cracks or broken aligners should be evaluated by our team. Continue wearing the aligner if it remains comfortable, and contact us for guidance.
-
Don't worry! Continue wearing your aligners as directed and contact our office so we can determine whether the attachment needs to be replaced.
Using Chewies
Why chewies matter
Chewies are small, soft cylinders that help your aligners fit snugly against your teeth. Properly seated aligners help your teeth move more efficiently and improve the accuracy of your treatment.
We recommend using chewies:
After inserting a new set of aligners
Whenever your trays don't feel fully seated
As instructed by your doctor
Using chewies for a few minutes several times a day can help your aligners seat more completely and keep your treatment progressing as planned.
If your treatment includes elastics, wear them exactly as instructed by your doctor. Elastics help correct your bite and are an important part of your treatment plan.
Elastics with Invisalign
If an elastic hook breaks or you run out of elastics, contact our office before making changes to your wear schedule.
What to look for:
Your aligners should fit snugly against your teeth. If you notice any small spaces or "air gaps" between your aligners and your teeth, your trays may not be fully seated.
Common signs your aligners may need extra seating:
Small gaps between the aligner and the edge of your teeth
One or more teeth that don't appear fully inside the aligner
A new aligner that feels loose in certain areas
An aligner that doesn't fully snap into place
Current Aligners
Toothpaste
Traveling with Invisalign
Keep your smile on track, wherever life takes you.
Whether you're heading out for the weekend or traveling across the world, a little preparation helps keep your Invisalign treatment moving forward without interruption.
Don't leave home without...
Invisalign Case
Toothbrush
Chewies
Floss
Previous Set
Elastics (if prescribed)
