Wear your aligners 22 hours a day
That’s only 2 hours total out of your day for eating, drinking (anything other than water), and cleaning.
- Remove only for meals and drinks (except plain water)
- Brush your teeth before putting trays back in
- Always store aligners in their case when not wearing them
- Never wrap them in a napkin — they get thrown away!
The more you wear them, the faster and more comfortable your results will be.
How to Clean and Care for Your Aligners
Daily Cleaning Routine
- Rinse aligners every morning and night with cool water.
- Gently brush with a soft toothbrush and a tiny bit of clear, unscented dish soap or Invisalign cleaning crystals.
- Rinse thoroughly. Avoid toothpaste — it can scratch the trays.
- Let them air dry or pat dry before reinserting.
Deep Cleaning & What to Avoid
- • Use Invisalign® Cleaning Crystals or denture cleaner 1–2× per week.
- • Never use hot water — it can warp the plastic.
- • Avoid colored or scented mouthwash while wearing trays.
- • Replace your case regularly and keep it clean.
Clean trays = healthier gums and fresher breath throughout treatment.
What to Expect
Mild pressure or soreness is normal for the first 1–3 days of a new tray (and sometimes after attachments are placed). It usually fades quickly. Over-the-counter pain relief and cold drinks help.
A slight lisp is common for the first few days as your tongue adjusts. Most people adapt within a week. Reading out loud helps speed up the process. Your speech will return to normal.
Most patients change trays every 7–14 days (your doctor will tell you exactly). Always follow the schedule we gave you. Never skip ahead without approval.
Tips for Success & FAQs
Pro Tips from Our Patients
- → Keep your case with you at all times (car, purse, desk).
- → Use chewies for the first 5–10 minutes after inserting a new tray for better fit.
- → Take progress photos every 2 weeks in the same lighting — you’ll be amazed.
- → Stay hydrated. Dry mouth can make trays feel less comfortable.
- → If a tray feels extremely tight or painful after 48 hours, call us.
Can I drink coffee, wine, or soda with my trays in?
Only plain water. Anything else can stain the trays and your teeth. Remove them, enjoy your drink, brush or rinse, then put them back in.
What if I lose or break a tray?
Call us immediately. We may have you move to the previous or next tray temporarily while we get a replacement made. Do not skip trays on your own.
How do I know when it’s time to change to the next tray?
Your doctor will give you the exact schedule. Most people change every 7 or 14 days. Use our Tray Reminder Tool below so you never miss a change!
Do I need to wear retainers after treatment?
Yes — retention is forever if you want to keep that beautiful smile. We’ll give you clear instructions and retainers at the end of active treatment.
Your Personal Tray Reminder + Encouragement Tool
Get weekly reminders for tray changes and uplifting messages from the Indy Smile Group team right in your inbox (and here on this page).
Tray Reminder Tool
Tell us where you are in treatment and we’ll send you gentle weekly reminders for tray changes plus uplifting messages from the Indy Smile Group team. (Browser simulation — in-office this triggers real emails/SMS.)
Questions about your treatment?
We’re just a phone call or text away. Reach out to your nearest Indy Smile Group office any time.
This guide is for educational purposes. Always follow the specific instructions given to you by your doctor.