Aligners are an effective alternative to braces that, when guided by the right hands, can match the strength and accuracy of braces. But like any orthodontic treatment, success depends on what you do between appointments. At Adirondack Orthodontics, we know those early days of Invisalign treatment can come with a lot of new habits and small adjustments. That’s why we put together our top 5 tips for new Invisalign patients for simple, real-world advice to help you start strong and feel confident from the very first tray and beyond.
Invisalign vs. Braces
When people think about orthodontics, metal braces, or, recently, clear braces, are often the first things that come to mind. Brackets, wires, and elastics have been the standard for decades, and for good reason. Braces are precise, reliable, and effective for a wide range of alignment issues.
Invisalign works toward the same goals, but with a different approach that’s just as powerful. Instead of brackets and wires, it uses a series of clear, removable aligners that gradually shift your teeth into place. Each set is custom-made for your smile and designed to fit comfortably over your teeth with minimal visibility.
Another cool part about clear aligners that sets them apart from braces is that they’re removable. That means they can be taken out for meals, brushing, flossing, and special occasions, giving you more flexibility in your day-to-day routine than fixed braces.
Why Adirondack Orthodontics For Invisalign?
Adirondack Orthodontics is proud to be the #1 Invisalign provider in the Capital Region. As a Blue Diamond+ Provider, our team has provided Invisalign treatment to over 10,000 patients while maintaining high levels of patient satisfaction. That recognition reflects not only how many smiles we’ve treated, but the care and precision we bring to every one of them. With this level of experience, we’re able to treat a wide range of cases using clear aligners—even those that once required braces—through personalized plans to create a smile built to last.
This proven dedication is felt in every part of the treatment journey. You’ll be supported by a team that’s built a reputation for making treatment easy, comfortable, and even fun. Our offices are upbeat, welcoming, and filled with people who truly enjoy what they do. From the first scan to the final tray, we work hard to make every part of the process feel smooth and stress-free. Every treatment plan is precise, every visit is purposeful, and we never settle for “good enough” results—we aim for beautiful, confident, and unforgettable smiles.
#1: Actually Wear Them
This tip might sound obvious, but it’s easy to underestimate how often aligners need to stay in. For Invisalign treatment to work properly, you must wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. They should only be taken out for eating or drinking anything other than water, cleaning them, or performing your oral hygiene routine.
Leaving them out for too long can delay your progress and cause discomfort when you put them back in. If you’re not wearing your aligners consistently, the teeth won’t move as planned, leading to longer treatment time or a less precise outcome.
Parent Pro Tip: Invisalign for Teens and Invisalign First aligners include a small blue compliance indicator that fades with wear. You can use this to ensure the young patients in your family are actually wearing their aligners when they’re not at home.
#2: Use Your Protective Case
It only takes a second to lose an aligner. One rushed lunch or a napkin-wrapped tray can turn into a replacement call that delays your progress. Aligners are clear, small, and easy to misplace if they’re not put in the case every time they come out.
Getting in the habit of using the case also helps keep your aligners safe from damage and bacteria that can make the aligners smell funky, be uncomfortable to wear, or harm your oral health.
Parent Pro Tip: Let your child or teen choose a design for their Invisalign case that fits their personality. A fun look makes the case easier to keep track of and less likely to be mistaken for someone else’s.
#3: Stay On Schedule
Each set of aligners is part of a carefully timed plan. Switching to the next set too early or too late can throw off your progress or cause unnecessary discomfort. The aligners are designed to move your teeth in small, controlled steps. Rushing through them or falling behind won’t give your teeth time to settle properly.
Adirondack Orthodontics’ orthodontists, Dr. Berenshteyn, Dr. Taylor, Dr. Ha, Dr. Sanacore, or Dr. Rakholia, will give you a schedule that shows exactly when to change aligners. Stick to it closely and keep your appointments for regular check-ins so we can make sure everything is moving along as it should.
#4: Keep Your Old Aligners
It might feel natural to toss your old trays once you’ve moved on, but holding onto the previous set is a smart move. If your current aligners get lost or damaged, you can wear the last set temporarily to keep your teeth from shifting out of place.
Having a backup buys you time until a replacement can be made, and helps keep your Invisalign treatment on track. Store each set in a clean, labeled bag or case so you know which one is which. If you’re traveling, pack your current set, your last set, and your next set—just in case.
If you have questions, need a replacement, or want to reschedule a visit, you can reach out to any of our six locations in Glens Falls, Clifton Park, Albany, Latham, East Greenbush, or Schenectady.
#5: Clean Your Aligners & Maintain Oral Hygiene
This tip is a two-in-one, but they’re both dependent on the other. You can’t have clean aligners without a clean mouth, and a clean mouth won’t stay that way if your aligners aren’t taken care of, too.
Since Invisalign aligners sit snugly against your teeth for the majority of the day, anything stuck between or on your teeth, like food, plaque, or bacteria, gets trapped there. That creates the perfect environment for bad breath, enamel stains, irritated gums, and even cavities. Especially for Invisalign First kids who are still getting the hang of brushing and flossing, not maintaining clear aligners or good oral hygiene can set their oral health back quickly.
Fortunately, keeping everything clean isn’t complicated. Here’s how to do it right:
- Brush your aligners gently with a soft toothbrush and mild toothpaste. Rinse, then let air dry before wearing.
- Rinse them with lukewarm water every time you take them out. Hot water can warp the plastic, and cold water alone won’t remove buildup.
- Never eat or drink anything other than water while wearing your aligners. Sugar and food particles pressed against your teeth for hours can accelerate tooth decay, damage the aligners, and discolor the plastic.
- Brush and floss your teeth after every meal before putting your trays back in.
- Continue going to the dentist during treatment. Though you will see your orthodontist regularly, you should still visit your dentist. Attending your dental checkups is crucial to preventing and treating oral health problems before they can cause permanent damage to your smile.
Following these habits keeps your aligners crystal-clear and your mouth healthy, and that means better results from your Invisalign treatment.
Start Invisalign Treatment Today!
There’s something really exciting about the first time you look in the mirror and notice a change. Not just in your teeth, but in how you carry yourself. You smile more freely. Your confidence shows. You’re no longer uncomfortable in photos.
That kind of shift starts with care that meets you where you are and supports you all the way through. At Adirondack Orthodontics, we’ve seen how seemingly small choices like wearing your aligners, asking a question, or keeping your appointment can lead to big results. If you need help along the way or are ready to schedule a free consultation, we’re right here. Stop by or contact any of our six locations in Glens Falls, Clifton Park, Albany, Latham, East Greenbush, or Schenectady. We’d love to be part of your smile story.