Maintaining Your Invisalign

The Jersey Orthodontic Centre Guide

Keeping Your Smile on Track

So, you’ve started your journey to a straighter smile with Invisalign at the Jersey Orthodontic Centre—congratulations! Under the expert care of Dr Joseph McGill, you’re using one of the most advanced, discreet, and comfortable systems available today.

One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable, fitting seamlessly into your Jersey lifestyle. However, to get those “Perfect Patient Result” smiles we love to see, a little bit of maintenance goes a long way.

Here are our top tips for keeping your aligners clear, fresh, and effective throughout your treatment.

1. The 22-Hour Rule
   Invisalign only works when it’s in contact with your teeth. To stay on track with your personalised 3D treatment plan, you should aim to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. Only remove them for eating, drinking (anything other than water), and your morning/evening dental routine.
2. Rinse Every Time You Remove
   Every time you take your aligners out, give them a quick rinse under lukewarm water. This prevents saliva and plaque from drying on the plastic, which can lead to a dull appearance or an unpleasant odour. Note: Never use hot water, as it can warp the medical-grade plastic and change the fit of your aligner.
3. Clean Your Teeth Before Re-Inserting
   This is the golden rule of Invisalign hygiene. If you eat a meal and put your aligners straight back in without brushing, you are trapping food particles and sugars against your teeth. This increases the risk of cavities and can stain your clear aligners. We recommend carrying a small travel toothbrush for when you’re out and about in St. Helier!
4. Soak Them Daily
   To keep your aligners “nearly invisible,” they need a deep clean. Use Invisalign cleaning crystals or a gentle, fragrance-free liquid soap with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Avoid using toothpaste on the aligners themselves, as many brands contain abrasive ingredients that can scratch the plastic, making them look cloudy.
5. Use Your Case (Always!)
   “If they aren’t in your face, they’re in the case.” It’s tempting to wrap your aligners in a napkin while eating at a restaurant, but this is the number one way aligners accidentally get thrown away. Keeping them in their protective case ensures they stay safe from bacteria and accidental loss.
6. Keep Up With Your Reviews
   During your treatment, you’ll visit us at the Jersey Orthodontic Centre every 6 to 8 weeks. These appointments allow Dr McGill to monitor your progress and ensure your teeth are moving exactly as predicted by our state-of-the-art 3D scanning technology.

What Happens If I Lose an Aligner?

Accidents happen! If you lose or break an aligner, don’t wait until your next scheduled appointment. Contact our friendly team at 01534 853695 immediately. We will advise you whether to move back to a previous set or jump ahead to the next one to ensure your progress isn’t stalled.