Congratulations on starting your Invisalign journey! Proper care and wear of your aligners are essential for achieving the best results. Follow these dos and don’ts to keep your treatment on track.
📞 Questions or concerns? Call Manhattan Dental Spa at 212-683-2530.
✅ Do: How to Wear & Care for Your Aligners
✔ Inserting Your Aligners Correctly
🔹 Use your fingers (not your teeth) to place your aligners.
🔹 First, fit the aligners over your front teeth, then gently push down over your molars.
🔹 Your aligners should fit snugly with no gaps between the aligner and your teeth.
✔ When to Wear Your Aligners
🔹 Wear your aligners 20-22 hours per day—only remove them for eating, drinking (except water), brushing, and flossing.
🔹 Remove aligners when drinking hot beverages (coffee, tea) to prevent warping.
✔ Proper Aligner Removal
🔹 Remove your aligners by gently pulling from both back molars simultaneously, then lifting them off the front teeth.
🔹 Always store your aligners in the provided case when not in use.
✔ Cleaning Your Aligners
🔹 Use a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to clean aligners daily.
🔹 Rinse with lukewarm water to remove bacteria and buildup.
✔ Tracking Your Aligner Schedule
🔹 Wear each set of aligners for two weeks (or as instructed by our office).
🔹 Follow the correct numerical order—each aligner is labeled with a U (upper) or L (lower) and a number.
🔹 Keep all previous aligners and bring them to your orthodontic checkups.
🚫 Don’t: Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Don’t place aligners in a napkin or tissue—they are easily lost or accidentally thrown away.
❌ Never bite down on your aligners to seat them—this can cause damage.
❌ Keep aligners away from pets—they are attracted to saliva and may chew on them.
❌ Do not use denture cleaner, alcohol, or bleach—these can damage the aligners.
❌ Avoid boiling water or hot water—heat can warp the aligners, making them ineffective.
❌ No chewing gum while wearing aligners—it can stick to them and distort their shape.
❌ Refrain from smoking while wearing aligners—smoke can stain both the trays and your teeth.
❗Just in Case: What to Do if You Lose or Break an Aligner
🔹 Lost or broken attachment (button on your tooth)? Call us right away to determine if an earlier appointment is needed.
🔹 Lost an aligner tray?
✔ If you have the next tray: Start wearing it immediately.
✔ If you don’t have the next tray: Wear your previous aligner to prevent teeth from shifting.
✔ Call our office to report the lost tray—we’ll determine if a replacement is necessary (fees may apply).
Stay on Track for Your Best Smile!
Following these guidelines will ensure effective treatment and a smooth Invisalign experience. If you have any questions or issues, don’t hesitate to call Manhattan Dental Spa at 212-683-2530.