Bücco - Ortho guide
Use & Care Instructions for Invisalign Aligners

Use & Care Instructions for Invisalign Aligners

Here are some tips on how to properly use and avoid damaging your aligners.

Aligner insertion

  • Check the number on your aligner before putting it in your mouth.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water.
  • Before inserting them in your mouth, brush the aligners and your teeth.
  • When inserting each aligner, gently push it over the teeth and then, using your fingertips, apply equal pressure to your left and right molars until the aligner snaps into place.
  • Do not bite your aligners into position. This may damage them.
  • For 10 minutes every day, use the chewies provided. This seals the aligner and stimulates blood flow, as well as helping treatment progress more efficiently.

Aligner removal

  • Using your fingers, start at side at the molars and slowly work your way around the other side, gently pulling down to remove the aligner.
  • You may use a retainer removal device or crochet hook given to you by our office.
  • Rinse aligner with cold water only, since hot water will melt the aligner, then shake off the excess water and store your aligners in the case provided.

Daily Care and Maintenance of your aligners

  • Every time you use them, make sure to first clean your aligners with a soft-bristled brush and cold water.
  • We recommend a product called Polident Retainer Cleanser, which is available at most pharmacies. Many of our patients use the Polident 3 Minute Daily Cleanser tablets, with no adverse affects on their retainers.

Proper Oral Hygiene

  • Remove your aligners for eating and drinking, with the exception of drinking water.
  • Brush and floss after each meal or snack, before re-inserting the aligners.
  • Regular cleanings and check-ups with your dentist are recommended. Your dentist and hygienist should know not to remove the attachments on your teeth.

Using Invisalign Aligners: The Patient’s Role

For an Invisalign treatment to run smoothly, you’ll need to get to know the procedures involved.

  • Aligners need to be worn full time—day and night. During the day, they can be removed when you’re eating, drinking, brushing, or flossing.
  • Attachments or buttons may be attached to your teeth. They’re tooth-coloured or clear and are practically invisible. They will aid the aligners in coaxing your teeth to move. When you’re being seen by your dentist or hygienist, make sure they’re aware of them so that they know to leave them alone when cleaning your teeth.
  • Interproximal reduction (IPR), which involves polishing or removing some enamel on the sides of your teeth, may be a necessary procedure for the orthodontist to perform. It’s done to create space for crowded teeth or to allow for a proper bite between the upper and lower teeth.
  • It is critical that you follow instructions on inserting and removing aligners, cleaning them, and properly brushing and flossing, all covered in the Use and Care Instructions pamphlet.
    Using the chewies (10 minutes per day) will help the treatment progress.
  • When you’re not wearing your aligners, be sure to always store them in their case in order to not lose or damage them. You’ll have to pay a replacement fee for a lost aligner.
  • The aligners are designed to sequentially move your teeth, which is why it’s important to wear each aligner in the order and for the duration (normally two weeks each) prescribed by Dr.Lebuis. Do not wear aligners out of order.
  • Always keep at least two sets of previous aligners as backup, in case the current aligner breaks or goes missing.
  • Keep your appointments—it’s the only way we can see that your treatment is progressing as planned.
  • Additional aligners or other auxiliary appliances may be needed at the end of your treatment in order to complete your treatment.
  • Retainer wear following the treatment’s completion is designed to maintain the smile you’ve invested in. Retainers require a lifetime commitment.