Invisalign Home Care Instructions

Investing in your smile is a wise decision, and Adirondack Orthodontics’ Invisalign treatment plan will help create a smile you will be proud to show off. Invisalign requires care and commitment to get the most out of your treatment. Follow this guide to ensure you are doing all you can to support your treatment and progress appropriately.

General Care Information

  • Aligners must be worn for 22 hours a day. Aligners are only to be removed for eating, drinking, and brushing/flossing your teeth.
  • Use the bite stick to set the trays for the first few days of a new tray.
  • Each tray will be worn for 7 to 10 days based on the treatment plan your doctor has prescribed.
  • Drink only water with Invisalign trays.
  • In order to avoid tray discoloration, avoid smoking and drinks that are colored or contain sugar.

Placing and Removing Your Aligners

  • When placing the aligner, start with the front teeth, then proceed with the back teeth.
  • Press gently until the aligner snaps into place.
  • When removing the aligner, take off one side AT A TIME.
  • Start with the back first, then work around to the front. Use your two pointer fingers on the upper and your thumbs on the lower.
  • DO NOT REMOVE FROM BOTH SIDES AT ONCE.

Cleaning

  • Lightly brush trays with a toothbrush and toothpaste after each removal. Use cool water and be sure to rinse them well after each cleaning.
  • Brush and floss your teeth after every meal and before each tray insertion. Maintaining proper dental hygiene during treatment is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT.

Progressing to the Next Aligner

  • The standard recommendation is to wear each set of aligners based on the personalized treatment plan your orthodontist has laid out.
  • When you have worn the aligners for a full week (NO LESS), and your aligners fit more easily, you may move on to the next set of aligners.
  • DO NOT THROW YOUR ALIGNERS AWAY. In the event an aligner is damaged or broken, it is important that you maintain alignment while a new tray is provided. You should revert to the previous tray in order to prevent your teeth from slipping back into their old positioning.
  • You should change into new aligners before bed. The longer the new aligners are worn without interruption, the better.

Pain Management

  • Soreness and discomfort are normal during the realignment process. You can manage the pain with Motrin/Advil/Ibuprofen.
  • Use appropriate dosage as prescribed for body weight and age.

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