Living With Invisalign®: A Day-to-Day Guide

Align Technology, the maker of Invisalign, says to wear your aligners “20–22 hours a day, removing them only for eating, drinking (except water), and brushing.”

Aligners only move teeth while they’re in your mouth. Time out adds up quickly, so keep breaks short and put your aligners back in right after meals.

You’ll move to a new set of aligners weekly or every two weeks, as your dentist directs. Align says aligners change “weekly or biweekly, depending on your provider’s instructions.”

A few tips:

• Switch at the same time of day, such as bedtime, so you don’t forget
• Keep a note of your current set number
• Don’t skip ahead to the next set unless your dentist tells you to

You can eat what you like because you take your aligners out to eat. The AAO says no foods are off-limits, but you should drink only tap water while your aligners are in.

Here’s a simple routine for meals:

1. Take out your aligners and put them in their case, not in a napkin.
2. Eat and drink as you normally would.
3. Brush your teeth, or at least rinse well if you can’t brush right away.
4. Put your aligners back in.

Take your aligners out for coffee, tea, soda, juice and wine. Drinks other than water can get trapped against your teeth under the aligner.

Clean your aligners every day and brush your teeth before putting them back in. Clean teeth and clean aligners help prevent odor, staining and cavities.

Follow the cleaning instructions your dentist gives you, and ask us if you’re unsure what to use.

Keep up your regular dental cleanings and exams during treatment too. Healthy teeth and gums help treatment go smoothly.

The AAO says mild discomfort is common for the first few days. Many people also notice pressure when they switch to a new set.

To feel more comfortable:

• Switch to a new set at bedtime so the first hours pass while you sleep
• Eat softer foods for a day or two after switching
• Call us if an edge rubs your cheek or tongue, or if pain doesn’t ease after a few days

Call our office as soon as you can. The AAO notes that a lost aligner can extend your treatment, so it’s important to get a plan quickly.

Your dentist will tell you what to do next.

A little planning keeps treatment on track when you’re away from home. Common-sense tips:

• Pack your aligner case and a travel toothbrush in your bag
• Bring your current aligners and your next set if your trip includes a switch date
• Carry a water bottle so you can rinse after eating when you can’t brush

Yes. Align says plainly: “Your teeth will shift without a retainer.” A retainer helps hold your teeth in their new position after your last aligner.

About retainers:

• Your dentist will recommend the retainer that fits your case and tell you how often to wear it.
• Bring your retainer to your checkups.
• Tell your dentist if you grind or clench your teeth.

Daily routines look a little different at every age. Teens can take aligners out for sports and meals at school; see Invisalign for teens. Adults can fit wear around work and travel; see Invisalign for adults. Still deciding? Compare Invisalign vs. braces.

For more patient tips, read Tips for Invisalign Patients and Everything About Invisalign Aligners. For insurance and financing, see Invisalign cost and payment options.

Dental Arts of Boston is a general dental practice; Invisalign care is led by our general dentist Dr. Michelle Stevens, together with Dr. George Stevens.

Our Back Bay team is here to help you through every stage of treatment. Schedule Online or call 857-376-6559.

Sources: Align: wearing your aligners · AAO aligner FAQs · AAO aligner FAQs, page 2 · Align: Vivera retainers