How to Put In Your Invisalign Aligners?
Congratulations! You’ve just started your Invisalign treatment.
The first few days with your clear aligners can seem overwhelming. How do you put in your Invisalign aligners correctly? How do you ensure they’re comfortable and effective?
Properly positioning your aligners is crucial for treatment effectiveness. Here are all the essential steps to achieve this.
Why Proper Aligner Positioning is Essential
A poorly positioned aligner = less effective treatment.
Your Invisalign aligners apply precise pressure to each tooth. If an area isn’t properly fitted, tooth movement won’t occur as planned.
Result: your treatment may take longer or be less accurate.
A properly fitted aligner = maximum comfort.
A correctly positioned aligner quickly becomes invisible. You’ll completely forget about it in daily life.
Normal brushing morning and night. No food stuck between wires. No surprise cavities at the end of treatment.
Steps to Put In Your Invisalign Aligners
Step 1: Wash Your Hands and Prepare Your Aligners
Always wash your hands before handling your aligners.
Rinse your aligners with lukewarm water to remove any saliva or residue.
Check that your aligners are clean and crack-free. A damaged aligner can injure your gums.
Step 2: Identify the Correct Aligner
Each aligner is marked:
- “U” or “H” = upper aligner (Upper/High)
- “L” or “D” = lower aligner (Lower/Down)
The number corresponds to your treatment week. Never use an aligner that doesn’t match your schedule.
Step 3: Insert the Aligner Correctly
Start with your front teeth.
First place the aligner on your incisors. The aligner should perfectly fit the shape of your teeth.
Work toward the back.
Gently press with your fingers to slide the aligner over all your teeth. Never make sudden movements.
Important: Never bite directly on the aligner to position it. You risk deforming it or injuring yourself.
Step 4: Check Perfect Fit
The aligner should cover all your teeth down to the gum line.
No edges should protrude or create discomfort.
Run your tongue over your teeth. You should feel the aligner perfectly conforms to each surface.
Chewies: A Useful Accessory for Adjustment
What is a chewie?
It’s a small soft silicone roll that your orthodontist may recommend. It’s bitten for a few minutes after putting in your aligners.
How to use it if you have one:
- Place the chewie between your teeth
- Bite gently for 2-3 minutes
- Change positions to cover your entire dentition
Why it’s effective:
Chewies allow perfect adjustment of your aligners. They eliminate small gaps between the aligner and your teeth.
Result: immediate comfort and maximum treatment effectiveness.
Errors to Avoid Absolutely
Forcing Brutally
If your aligner resists, never force it. Instead, check that you’re using the right aligner and the right technique.
Using Your Nails or Objects
Your nails can scratch the aligner or injure your gums. Use only your fingertips.
Wearing a Dirty or Cracked Aligner
A damaged aligner can create irritation and compromise your treatment. Contact your orthodontist immediately.
Wearing a Dirty or Cracked Aligner
A damaged aligner can create irritation and compromise your treatment. Contact your orthodontist immediately.
Inserting the Aligner Backwards
Always take time to verify you have the right aligner (upper/lower) and in the right direction.
Our Expert Tips
Create a Fixed Routine
Morning and evening, same time. Your brain gets used to it and insertion becomes automatic.
In front of a mirror the first few days. You better control the positioning.
Use a Timer
Time your first insertions. With practice, you’ll go from 2-3 minutes to 30 seconds.
Keep Lukewarm Water Handy
Never hot water which could deform the plastic. Lukewarm water slightly softens the aligner for easier placement.
What to Do If Your Aligner Doesn't Fit Well?
Check Your Treatment Schedule
Are you on the right week? An aligner from the following week will be tighter and harder to put in.
Have you respected the minimum 7 days with the previous aligner?
Use Chewies Longer (If You Have Them)
Bite for 5-10 minutes instead of the usual 2-3 minutes if your orthodontist has recommended them.
Focus on the tightest areas.
Check Your Teeth
Food debris can prevent proper adjustment. Brush your teeth before putting the aligner back in.
Contact Your Orthodontist
If the problem persists after 24 hours, contact your orthodontist. They can verify that everything is proceeding normally in your treatment.
Regular follow-up consultations also serve to adjust your technique if needed.
The First Few Days: What's Normal
Pressure Sensation
This is a sign that your teeth are moving. This sensation fades after 2-3 days.
Slight Lisp
Your tongue gets used to the aligner’s presence. Speak, read aloud: adaptation happens in a few days.
Increased Salivation
Normal reaction to a foreign object in the mouth. It naturally regulates itself.
Putting In Your Aligners Becomes a Reflex
After a week, inserting your Invisalign aligners will have become automatic.
Most patients adapt very quickly to wearing their aligners. Adaptation generally happens in just a few days.
The secret? Following these simple steps and not hesitating to contact your orthodontist if you have any questions.
Your dream smile begins with these good daily habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
First few days: 2-3 minutes. After a week: 30 seconds maximum.
No, always remove them to eat and drink (except clear water).
Check that the aligner edges don’t protrude. If pain persists, consult your orthodontist.
Over time this is possible. Proper daily cleaning slows this process.
Question about your Invisalign aligners?