Invisalign Patient Instructions

Invisalign treatment is the hassle-free way to get the smile you deserve. These genius devices are tailored to your unique needs and offer impressive results. However, you'll need to use your Invisalign aligners correctly to get the most out of them.

Taking care of the aligners and following some basic steps will guarantee the best results - in the shortest time. We have put some helpful Invisalign patient instructions together as follows:

Investing in Invisalign gives you a tailored treatment programme that suits your needs. The process uses a controlled force that gradually moves your teeth and aligns them into a new position.

You'll receive a bag from your dentist with a range of numbered aligner trays for various stages of your treatment. The previous aligners will initiate small changes, and you'll move on to the next aligner, then through the trays, until your treatment is completed.

When putting in a new aligner, ensure it's seated against your teeth properly. We provide sticks with all our trays, which you should use for 10 minutes before bed.

Aligners must fit properly to work, and be fully seated. In most cases, you can use sticks or special chewing tools, and they'll ensure a secure fit. However, if you're due to change the aligner but notice the previous one still isn't fully seated, you should wear it for another 48 hours.

Clear aligners are designed to be a more convenient and discreet alternative to traditional fixed braces. Whether you're treating crooked teeth, gaps or an overbite, aligners will correct the issue and give you a straighter smile.

However, one of people's biggest mistakes is not using the aligners properly. 

You can take them out to eat, drink and brush your teeth, but wearing your aligners as often as possible ensures you complete the treatment and see the difference.

Leaving your aligners in while eating and drinking can cause staining and discolouration, so always remove them. We also sell Retainer Brite tablets in the practice which can be used if the aligner becomes discoloured.

However, if you don't want to remove them, it's OK to drink water.

Following the instructions for Invisalign ensures they work their magic, and you get that brand-new straighter, more confident smile.

Luckily, they're not a challenge to maintain, and most people find following some basic rules is more than enough to protect your aligners.

You should always take care of your oral health when using aligners, including brushing your teeth, using mouthwash and flossing daily. Many people forget to clean their aligners regularly, but it's important to factor them into your morning and evening routine.

All you need is a soft toothbrush and toothpaste to clean your aligners and gently remove any bacteria. Not only does this keep them fresh, but it also reduces the risks of infections (never use dish soap or any other detergent).

You can wash the aligners with cool or lukewarm water, but refrain from using hot water as it can cause them to bend.

For many people, investing in their smile means making significant sacrifices, but as an Invisalign patient, you can enjoy more flexibility. However, there are some small compromises you'll need to make, but they'll speed up the treatment duration and secure the best results.

Here's what you can't do:

• Chew gum: Chewing gum can stick to your aligners, a breeding ground for bacteria. If you do want a cheeky chew, remove the aligners first.
• Remove the aligners frequently: Aligners that aren't in for at least 22 hours a day won't make changes to your front and back teeth. The treatment time will be longer, and you might need new aligners.
• Consume hot drinks: You don't have to sacrifice your morning coffee or afternoon tea, but make sure you take the aligners out before.
• Use tobacco: Tobacco products can stain the aligners - and nobody wants a yellow-tinged finish.

The Invisalign instructions help you streamline your experience and reap the benefits of investing in aligners. As a new patient, you may have some questions about your aligners, and we've compiled some helpful answers.

Soaking the aligners can ensure they remain invisible and kill off any bacteria. Invisalign cleaning products are available and explicitly designed for the aligners, so make sure you use them instead of other cleaning products.

When you take a set of aligners out, store them in the designated case. Even if you're just brushing your teeth or eating food, it's best to put them in the case, as it prevents damage and ensures you don't unintentionally throw them away.

Do the aligners hurt? Aligners gently move your back and front teeth into their proper positions, which can cause some minor discomfort.

In most cases, this is more of an annoyance than anything else, and the pain will subside as you get used to the treatment. OTC painkillers, including ibuprofen and paracetamol, can relieve some of the symptoms, and any pain or discomfort will usually last for a maximum of three days.

What should I do if I lose the aligner or it snaps? You should always keep your previous aligners because you can go back to them if you lose the current tray.

If you feel the aligner snap or crack, you can move on to the next aligner if you're nearing the end of the cycle.

Keeping your aligners safe and, in their case, when you're not wearing them, will prevent having to go back to the previous trays.

We'll arrange regular checkups to track your progress. You can also contact our dedicated team with any questions. All of the instructions in this guide apply to the Invisalign Go treatment also.

If you have any other queries please do not hesitate to call us.