How to Care for Clear Aligners (Invisalign® or SureSmile®)

How to Care for Clear Aligners (Invisalign® or SureSmile®)

Keep Your Treatment on Track—and Your Smile Sparkling

Clear aligners (Invisalign® or SureSmile®) are a popular way to straighten your teeth without the look or feel of traditional braces. But to get the best results, proper care is key!

At Prime Dental Care in Woodbridge, VA, we want every patient to get the most out of their aligner treatment. Here’s how to care for your clear aligners and keep your smile healthy along the way.

1. Wear Your Aligners as Directed

For best results, wear your aligners 20–22 hours a day—only removing them to eat, drink (except water), brush, or floss. Skipping wear time can delay progress.

2. Clean Your Aligners Daily

Bacteria and plaque can build up quickly. Clean your aligners by:

• Rinsing with lukewarm water (never hot!)

• Brushing gently with a soft toothbrush

• Using a clear aligner cleaning solution or retainer tablets (ask us for recommendations)

Avoid toothpaste—it can scratch and cloud the plastic.

3. Brush and Floss After Every Meal

Food particles can get trapped between your teeth and aligners. To avoid bad breath, staining, and decay:

• Brush and floss before putting your aligners back in

• Carry a travel toothbrush when you’re on the go

4. Store Aligners Properly

Always use your case when your aligners aren’t in. Don’t wrap them in a napkin—they might get thrown away by accident!

5. Keep Up With Check-Ins

Visit Prime Dental Care regularly to:

• Monitor your progress

• Pick up your next set of aligners

• Address any issues or discomfort early

We’ll help you stay on track and make adjustments if needed.

6. Watch for Trouble Signs

If your aligners feel unusually tight, cracked, or you lose a tray, call us right away. The sooner we know, the quicker we can fix it.

Ready for a Straighter, Healthier Smile?

At Prime Dental Care, we offer Invisalign® and SureSmile® clear aligners with customized care and flexible payment options. Call (571) 513-7117 or book your consultation online to get started.

Let’s keep your aligners clean, your teeth moving, and your confidence growing!