Essential Invisalign Care Guide

Maintenance

Can anyone tell that I’m wearing the aligners?

Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible. Others may not even notice you’re wearing them, making Invisalign treatment a seamless fit with your lifestyle.

Can I take my aligners off whenever I need to?

Yes, you can remove your Invisalign aligners for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. You can take them off for special occasions, like a wedding, job interview, or for playing your favorite sport or instrument. Your doctor will tell you how long to wear your aligners each day, but typically people wear their Invisalign aligners 20 to 22 hours a day to get the best results.

Are there any restrictions on what I can eat while in treatment?

None! Invisalign clear aligners are removable, so there are no food restrictions at all (hello popcorn!). With traditional wires and brackets, there’s a long list of foods you unfortunately can’t enjoy because they can damage or get stuck in your braces.

Is Invisalign treatment painful?

Invisalign treatment moves your teeth by applying gentle, constant force, but some people do feel temporary discomfort for the first few days of wearing a new set of aligners. Typically, people describe it as feeling “pressure” and it’s normal - it’s a sign your Invisalign clear aligners are working and transforming your smile. See your doctor if you have any concerns or experience continued discomfort. 

Sometimes when I remove my aligners, my teeth feel loose. Is that common?

Yes. As your Invisalign aligners gradually shift your teeth into their proper position, your gums are re-forming around each tooth as it moves. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any concerns.

Will Invisalign treatment still work if I only wear my aligners while I sleep?

You need to wear your Invisalign aligners 20 to 22 hours a day to get the results you want.

Will wearing Invisalign clear aligners affect my speech?

It may take a couple of days for your tongue to get used to having your Invisalign in your mouth, and you may have a slight lisp. But this should disappear quickly. 

Will smoking stain my aligners?

We discourage smoking while wearing Invisalign aligners because it can stain them. 

Can I chew gum while wearing aligners?

No, gum will stick to your Invisalign aligners. We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks, including gum.

Can the aligners slip off while I’m asleep?

It is very unlikely that your aligners would ever fall out, no matter what you are doing: sleeping, talking, laughing, etc. Invisalign clear aligners are designed to fit snugly around your teeth, so this should not be a cause for concern.

I went on a trip and forgot to take my aligners with me. Will my aligners still fit?

The answer depends on how long you’ve gone without wearing your Invisalign aligners. If it’s only been a short time, your aligners should still fit, but they might feel uncomfortable. If it’s been a longer time, talk to your doctor about your unique situation.

What’s the best way to clean my aligners?

The best way to clean your aligners is by using a soft bristle toothbrush with water and a small amount of toothpaste. You may find it easiest to clean the outside of your aligners by brushing them while they are still on your teeth, then remove your aligners to clean the inside surfaces. You may also use Invisalign Cleaning Crystals to conveniently keep them odor-free, hygienic, and clear. It’s important that you brush your teeth after each meal before re-inserting your aligners to maintain good oral hygiene. 

If I have food residue (like blueberries or pasta sauce) in my mouth when I put my aligners back in, can they become stained?

Yes. That's why it’s important to brush after every meal, before placing your Invisalign aligners back in your mouth.

What if I lose or break an aligner, what should I do?

If you lose or break an Invisalign aligner, immediately let your Invisalign-trained doctor know. Your doctor will work with you to ensure you stay on-track with your treatment plan, which may involve wearing a previous set of aligners, your next set of aligners, or ordering replacement aligners.

Can I order replacement aligners from the Invisalign brand directly?

All aligners and retainers must be ordered through your Invisalign-trained doctor, as they are considered a prescription item. Please contact your doctor directly if you need to order a replacement.

What is covered in the Use and Care Instructions for my Invisalign aligners?

Before using your Invisalign aligners, we highly recommend that all patients - including parents and guardians - carefully read these Use and Care Instructions. It includes guidance on maintaining your aligners, oral hygiene recommendations, warnings and precautions to consider during treatment. We also suggest saving these instructions for future reference and if you have additional questions, contact your doctor.

Vivera™ retainers

Will I need to wear a retainer after treatment to prevent my teeth from moving again?

Most doctors recommend that anyone who has completed orthodontic treatment, whether with braces or Invisalign treatment, use a retainer to prevent teeth from gradually shifting back toward their initial position. Every case is different, so ask your doctor if you need retainers.

What type of retainer should I use?

While there are many different types of retainers, Vivera retainers use the same state-of-the-art technology that makes up Invisalign aligners, and its material is at least 30% stronger and twice as durable as other leading clear retainer materials.