Congratulations on the start of your orthodontic treatment. Here are some guidelines that we recommend you follow while you continue your Invisalign treatment:
- Please wear your CURRENT aligner to each appointment.
- Each aligner is to be worn 22 hours per day. We will instruct you on how many days you will be in each aligner. If you haven’t been able to reach 22 hours per day in the instructed time, you can extend wearing the aligner a day or two longer. Before switching to the next aligner, make sure it is fully seated (no air space between the aligner and your teeth) and can be placed without pressure.
- CHEWIES are to be used for a minimum of 2 minutes per day. This helps fully seat aligners for proper wear.
- Make sure to massage the gingival portion of the aligner around the attachments.
- Use a toothbrush with cold water and hand soap to clean the aligner. Avoid toothpaste or baking soda as they can be abrasive and scratch the aligners.
- If your aligner has a rough edge, you can use an emery board or nail file to smooth it. Orthodontic wax can be used if aligners irritate your lips or tongue. If you are unable to smooth it, please contact our office.
- We recommend keeping ALL of your old aligners by storing them in their numbered packaging.
- Check the attachments on your teeth EVERY DAY to ensure they are all present. If one is lost or broken, call the office to schedule a replacement.
- If the aligner breaks, try the next aligner. If it fits comfortably, wear it for a full 2 weeks. If not, contact the office.
- If instructed to wear elastics, follow directions closely to achieve the best results. Lack of compliance may prolong treatment time.
- Remove your aligners and store them safely while eating or drinking anything other than water. Do not wrap them in napkins or leave them on trays to avoid accidental disposal.
- You CAN drink water while wearing your aligners.
- Always brush your teeth or rinse with water before reinserting aligners to prevent trapping sugars against your teeth, which can cause cavities.
- Keep aligners away from pets.
- Do not leave aligners in hot areas like a car in the summer, as they can melt or warp.
- Aligners may temporarily affect your speech. A slight lisp is normal at first and typically resolves as your tongue adjusts.
