Congratulations on starting your Invisalign journey at MBraces. Clear aligners are a remarkable treatment tool — but only when they are kept clean, worn consistently, and handled properly. Neglecting your aligner care routine can lead to stained, cloudy trays that are both less attractive and less hygienic, and can ultimately compromise your treatment results.
Here is everything you need to know to keep your aligners in top condition throughout treatment.
Wear Your Aligners for 20 to 22 Hours Per Day
This is the most important rule of Invisalign treatment. Aligners only move teeth when they are in your mouth applying gentle pressure. Every hour they are out is an hour your treatment is not progressing. Patients who consistently wear their aligners only 16 or 18 hours per day will fall behind schedule and may need additional aligners, extending their treatment time.
The only times your aligners should be out are during meals, when drinking anything other than plain water, and during your oral hygiene routine.
Rinse Your Aligners Every Time You Remove Them
Whenever you take your aligners out, rinse them under lukewarm water immediately. This removes saliva and any loose debris before they have a chance to dry on the surface. Dried saliva and plaque create a film on the aligner that contributes to odor and discoloration.
Do not rinse aligners in hot water. Heat can warp the thermoplastic material, distorting the fit and potentially compromising the planned tooth movement.
Clean Your Aligners Daily
Once per day, give your aligners a thorough cleaning. The method that works best:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush — not your regular toothbrush, which can harbor toothpaste residue that scratches aligners
- Brush gently with clear, unscented antibacterial soap or the Invisalign Cleaning Crystals system
- Rinse thoroughly under lukewarm water
- Avoid colored or scented soaps, which can leave residue and odor
- Avoid regular toothpaste, which contains mild abrasives that scratch clear plastic over time, causing cloudiness
Always Brush and Floss Before Reinserting Aligners
Before putting your aligners back in after a meal, brush and floss your teeth. Inserting aligners over unbrushed teeth traps food particles and bacteria against your teeth for hours, dramatically increasing cavity risk. Patients who skip this step often end up with white spot lesions — early tooth decay marks that appear as permanent white spots on the enamel after aligners are removed.
If you cannot brush after a meal, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water before reinserting. But brushing is strongly preferred whenever possible.
Store Aligners in Their Case When Not in Use
When your aligners are out of your mouth, they should be in their case — always. Leaving aligners wrapped in napkins or set on tables leads to them being accidentally thrown away or damaged. Pets also find aligners surprisingly attractive, and a chewed aligner cannot be repaired.
If your case becomes cracked or damaged, ask our team for a replacement at your next appointment.
Do Not Eat or Drink With Aligners In
Eating with aligners in can crack or warp them. Drinking anything other than plain water — coffee, tea, juice, soda, sports drinks — can stain the aligner permanently and raise the temperature to a degree that distorts its shape. Always remove aligners before eating or drinking anything except water.
Track Your Aligner Schedule
Most Invisalign patients progress to a new aligner set every one to two weeks according to Dr. Mazumder’s prescription. Some patients find it helpful to set a phone reminder on the day they are due to move to the next tray. If you lose or damage an aligner, contact our office right away — do not skip to the next one without guidance.
For more information on Invisalign treatment at our Bristol, Rocky Hill, and Waterbury offices, visit our Invisalign page. For general orthodontic hygiene guidance, see our Brushing and Flossing page. If you have questions or concerns about your aligners at any time, call us:
- Bristol: (860) 589-3316
- Rocky Hill: (860) 563-6563
- Waterbury: (203) 754-7822
Frequently Asked Questions — Invisalign Aligner Care
How often should I replace my Invisalign case?
There is no fixed replacement schedule, but cases should be rinsed and cleaned regularly and replaced if they crack or no longer close securely. A compromised case cannot properly protect your aligners. Ask our team for a replacement at any appointment.
Can I soak my aligners in mouthwash?
Avoid soaking aligners in colored mouthwash — it can permanently stain the clear plastic. If you wish to use a soaking solution, use Invisalign Cleaning Crystals or a clear, non-colored retainer cleaning tablet. Avoid anything with alcohol, which can dry out and damage the plastic.
My aligner feels tight when I first put it in. Is that normal?
Yes. A new aligner should feel snug — that tightness is the aligner actively applying pressure to move your teeth. This sensation typically eases within the first day or two of wearing the new tray. If a tray feels excessively painful or will not seat properly, contact our office.
What do I do if I lose an aligner?
Contact our office as soon as possible. We will advise whether you should go back to your previous aligner or progress to the next one while a replacement is ordered. Do not simply skip aligners without guidance, as this can create gaps in your tooth movement sequence.
Can I whiten my teeth while in Invisalign treatment?
Some patients do use whitening gel in their aligners, effectively using them as whitening trays. However, this should only be done with Dr. Mazumder’s knowledge and approval. Some whitening products may irritate gums if not used properly. Ask about this option at your next appointment.