Invisalign, whether it’s the Express version or the full treatment, requires diligent care of both your aligners and your overall oral health to achieve the best possible results. Here are some essential tips to follow during and after your Invisalign treatment:

Key Tips for Invisalign Success:

Maximize Wear Time, Especially Initially: For the first 48 hours after switching to a new set of aligners, it’s crucial to wear them as much as possible, ideally 20-22 hours a day. This initial period is when your teeth are most responsive to movement, so maximizing wear time during these first two days is critical for effective treatment.
Brush and Floss After Every Meal: Maintain meticulous oral hygiene throughout your Invisalign treatment. Brush your teeth after every meal and snack before putting your aligners back in. This prevents food particles and bacteria from getting trapped between your teeth and the aligners, which can lead to cavities, gum problems, and bad breath. Floss at least once a day to remove plaque and debris from between your teeth.
On-the-Go Oral Hygiene: If brushing after every meal isn’t feasible when you’re out and about, keep mouthwash or a mouth rinse handy for a quick refresh. While this isn’t a substitute for brushing, it can help temporarily reduce bacteria and freshen your breath.
Use a Straw for Beverages: To minimize staining of both your teeth and your aligners, drink beverages (especially dark-colored ones like coffee, tea, and soda) through a straw. This helps reduce contact between the liquid and your teeth/aligners. It is also good to not drink liquids other than water.
Clean Your Aligners Properly: Remove your aligners before brushing them. Rinse them with lukewarm water (never hot water, as it can warp the plastic). Keeping your aligners clean prevents bacterial buildup, which can contribute to bad breath and potentially affect your oral health. The official Invisalign website and your dentist/orthodontist can provide specific cleaning instructions and recommendations. Avoid using toothpaste.
Discuss with dentist before attempting whitening, wait until treatment completion.

By following these care tips consistently, you’ll maximize the effectiveness of your Invisalign treatment and enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile.

By Alexander Ash, DDS

Dr. Ash is the founder of Studio Dental Care. He earned his Doctorate at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, followed by two General Residencies at New York-Presbyterian / Weill-Cornell Hospital and the UCLA Sepulveda VA Hospital.