General Instructions

  • Wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day.
  • Wear each set of trays for two weeks, unless otherwise instructed.
  • Always save your last set of trays when you change to the next.
  • You may feel pressure or soreness on your teeth each time you wear the new set of trays. The pressure may last for a few days.

Invisalign Tips by Invisalign

  • It will take a few days for the pressure to go away completely. To find out more about how to manage it check our Emergency Care page.
  • Expect feeling pressure on your teeth and some level of soreness each time you wear the new set of trays.

Filing Invisalign Tray

  • If your tray rubs against your tongue or lips and causes discomfort, you may need to smoothen the area with a nail file as shown in the video.
  • Don not overuse the nail file. one or two stroke should be enough.
  • Do not cut or trim your aligner with scissors.
  • Take your trays out for eating, brushing, and flossing.
  • You can drink with your aligners however, drinking with a straw is preferred.
  • After drinking anything besides water, make sure to rinse your mouth with mouthwash and your aligners with water.
  • Be extra cautious after drinking acidic, staining and sugary drinks like soda, wine, coffee, and fruit juice.
  • For the first few days, speaking may be different. It will be back to normal quite soon.
  • Talk more, sing your favorite songs or read aloud to learn how to speak with them.
  • Invisalign aligners can break; be careful with them when they are not in your mouth.
  • Always keep your aligners in their case whenever they are not in your mouth. 
  • Do not leave your aligners in the car because the heat may distort the aligner.
  • Keep your aligners out of reach of your pets. They love to chew on them!
  • If you misplace, break, or lose your current aligner, try to fit your next set of aligners. If they don’t fit, wear your previous and call us.
  • Losing your attachments is not an emergency. Just keep your next appointment. We may or may not replace it on your next visit.

Cleaning Instruction

  • Brush your aligners at least once a day. It will remove plaque and eliminate odors.
  • Use a soft brush and liquid soap.
  • Do not use toothpaste on your aligner. Micro scratches caused by toothpaste will stain your aligner. Rinse them thoroughly with warm (not hot) water.
  • Never use any bleaching detergent.
  • Efferdent®, Retainer Brite®, or other orthodontic appliance cleaners can be used, but they do not take the place of brushing.
  • Do not put them in a dishwasher.