Maintaining Your Aligners

Taking care of your aligners is vital to the success of your treatment. When you visit West End Orthodontics, Dr. Frank Iuorno and his team will provide you with instructions on how to properly maintain your aligners. We have also provided some basic information about aligner use and maintenance on this page. To learn more about maintaining your Invisalign aligners in Glen Allen, Virginia, and to schedule your appointment with our orthodontist, please contact our practice at 804-364-8366.

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    How Long to Wear Each Tray 

    You will wear each set of aligners for 1 week before changing to the next set unless otherwise instructed. Do not skip a set of aligners, as each set is designed to make specific changes to the position of your teeth.

  • Appointments

    We will give you four aligners at your first appointment. At your second appointment, we will give you 8 at a time. Your appointments will usually be scheduled at intervals of about 8 weeks.

  • Attachments

    Attachments are small, tooth-colored buttons that are attached to the teeth. They help the aligners to grab hold of and reposition the teeth. If one of your attachments pops off or is damaged, please contact our office so that we can reattach it.

  • How Often to Wear Your Aligners Each Day

    Your aligners should be worn 20-22 hours each day. Do not remove them except to eat, drink, brush, or floss.

  • What Can You Drink and Eat

    You can drink while wearing your aligners, but if the drink is sugary or hot we recommend using a straw and rinsing your aligners with water afterward. If you are drinking something that may stain your teeth or aligners, such as grape juice or soda, you may want to remove your aligners to prevent your teeth from appearing dirty or stained afterward. There are no restrictions on what types of food you can eat – just remember to take your aligners out before your meal or snack.

  • How to Clean Your Teeth on the Go

    If you are unable to brush your teeth after eating, chew a piece of sugar-free gum for a few minutes, and rinse your mouth with water before putting your aligners back in.

  • What to Do with Old Aligners

    Do not throw away your old aligners! If you lose an aligner, wear the previous set until a new one can be ordered, or until our orthodontist directs you to move into the next set. When we give you a new grouping of trays at your appointment, you can discard the previous grouping.

  • How to Store Aligners

    Always keep your aligner case with you so that you have something to store your aligners in. We strongly advise against using a napkin or paper towel, as you may accidentally throw your aligner away with it. Keep your aligners out of reach of pets to avoid having them chewed up.

  • How Many Aligners Will You Receive

    The number of aligners we provide varies from patient to patient. Dr. Iuorno may also provide you with a few additional aligners after you complete your treatment to put the finishing touches on your new smile.

  • How to Clean Aligners

    Clean your aligners by brushing them lightly with cold water and liquid hand soap. Do not use toothpaste or mouth wash, as these are too abrasive and may damage your aligners.

For more information about aligners maintenance, please contact Dr. Frank Iuorno at West End Orthodontics.