The Complete Guide to Invisalign Aftercare: Tips for a Perfect Smile

Your Invisalign trays are finally in, and you believe nothing can now come between you and your dream smile. But then there’s the catch—you cannot expect to keep your teeth straight just by wearing the aligners. If you don’t maintain them (and your teeth) in alignment, things can go awry fairly quickly. Stains, bad breath, even cavities—these aren’t quite the dream smile deal.

The good news? No magic is required to keep your teeth and aligners in their optimal condition—a good aftercare routine is all you’ll need. This Invisalign aftercare guide will walk you through everything that you’ll need to know to have clear aligners, a clean smile, and your teeth on the right track. Let’s begin.

1. Cleaning Your Aligners Like a Pro

Invisalign trays are resting on your teeth 20+ hours a day, so if you don’t clean them thoroughly, they can be a breeding ground for bacteria and plaque. Gross aligners = bad breath and yellow trays—no way! Do this:

• Rinse each time – The second you take them out, rinse them with lukewarm water (never hot!).
• Clean them with care – Soft brush is the best to brush them gently. Soft scrubbing with a toothbrush helps keep them clear of buildup. Forego the toothpaste; it’s too harsh.
• Soak them daily – Invisalign cleaning crystals or a clear retainer cleaner does the work to keep them clean.
• Do not use abrasive chemicals – No mouthwash, no bleach, and no coloured soap that will deposit the colour onto the trays.

2. Eating and Drinking: The Dos and Don’ts

Your Invisalign is removable except during eating and drinking. Here’s how you can protect your aligners:

• Remove them to eat – Food particles accumulate and cause the growth of bacteria.
• Drink only water – Coffee, tea, and wine stain your trays and dull them.
• Rinse before wearing them again – Even if it was a snack, rinse your mouth so aligners can be clean.
• Brush after eating – Food particles lead to cavities and bad breath if they become trapped under the aligners.

•  No chewing gum – It gets stuck in the trays.
• Avoid sweet drinks – Juice, soda, and energy drinks can seep underneath the aligners and lead to tooth decay.

3. Wearing Aligners Properly

An Invisalign aftercare guide is incomplete without mentioning the tips for wearing your aligners the right way. Here are some reminders to observe:

• Follow 22 hours a day – Less time = slower results. Only remove them to eat and brush.
• Chewies are your friend – These small rubber cylinders help your aligners fit and work properly.
• Don’t miss trays – Wear them in your orthodontist’s recommended order; missing trays won’t speed up the process.
• Keep them in the proper case – Wear the Invisalign case at all times. Trays scattered around can become lost, damaged, or develop bacteria.

4. Oral Hygiene More Important Than Ever

Invisalign is fitted snugly over your teeth, and all the bacteria inside are trapped. Without hygiene, plaque and decay set in very fast. Here is what you should do:

• Brush after every meal – No exceptions.
• Floss daily – Food stuck between teeth causes cavities.
• Rinse with mouthwash – A non-alcohol antimicrobial mouthwash kills germs and leaves the mouth fresh.
• See your dentist from time to time – Your dentist will catch and fix issues before they become serious.

5. What to Do If Your Aligners Get Stained or Cloudy

Despite perfect maintenance, aligners do sometimes get cloudy. Here’s how to get them clear again:

• Hydrogen peroxide soak – Half water and half hydrogen peroxide, soak for 30 minutes and rinse.
• Baking soda paste – Use a baking soda and water paste to scrub away stains. 
• Vinegar rinse – Soak in a dilute vinegar solution for 10 minutes to break down the plaque deposit.
• Professional cleaning tablets – Aligner-specific and will keep the aligners crystal clear.

Avoid DIY remedies with strong chemicals, which will harm the aligners.

6. Handle Discomfort 

Discomfort is normal, especially when you switch to a new aligner set. Here’s how you cope:

• Chewies – They make the trays comfortable to wear and relieve pressure.
• Cold compress – Use ice packs on your jaw if it hurts.
• Pain relievers – Use over-the-counter medication to relieve temporary pain.
• Be consistent – Wear them more often, and your teeth will adjust sooner.

7. Retainers: The Last Step

This Invisalign aftercare guide is incomplete without talking about retainers. After you complete your Invisalign treatment, retainers stop your teeth from going back. Here’s how you take care of them:

• Wear as instructed – Skipping at night can erase months of progress.
• Clean them like aligners – Rinse, gently brush, and regularly soak.
• Store in a case – Don’t toss them by mistake or crack them.

Need personalized Invisalign aftercare advice? Our London dentists are more than happy to help. Pain, discolored trays, or simply looking to get the most out of your treatment, we can help. Get in touch today and keep on smiling!