No. Gum sticks to and deforms the aligner. Always remove trays before chewing.
Choosing Invisalign clear aligners is one of the best decisions you can make for your smile. Whether you’re based in Summertown, North Oxford, Woodstock, Wallingford, Chipping Norton, or anywhere across Oxfordshire – your journey to straighter teeth deserves the very best care.
But here’s the thing: getting the most from your clear braces depends just as much on how you look after them as on the treatment itself. Invisalign aftercare is simple once you know the rules – and this guide covers everything you need.
At Summertown Dental & Implants, we see patients every week who are surprised to learn how a few small daily habits can make a huge difference to their results, their oral hygiene, and how long their aligners stay clear and transparent.
How Long Should You Wear Invisalign Each Day?
- This is the single most important rule of Invisalign aftercare. Your clear aligners work by applying gentle, consistent pressure to shift your teeth into position. For that to happen, they need to be in your mouth.
- The recommended wear time is 20 to 22 hours per day. That leaves 2 to 4 hours for eating, drinking, and cleaning – which is plenty if you plan ahead.
Why does wear time matter so much?
Every hour your aligners are out is an hour they’re not working. If you consistently wear them for fewer than 20 hours, your teeth may not move as planned – which can delay treatment, affect your results, or require additional trays. This is one of the most common invisalign mistakes to avoid.
Invisalign Do’s & Don’ts: The Essential Rules
Let’s break this down clearly. Here are the most important invisalign care tips from our dental team in Summertown, Oxford.
| THINGS TO DO | THINGS TO AVOID |
|---|---|
| THINGS TO DO: ✓ Wear your aligners for 20-22 hours a day | THINGS TO AVOID: ✕ Eat or chew with aligners in your mouth |
| THINGS TO DO: ✓ Clean your aligners morning and night | THINGS TO AVOID: ✕ Drink coffee, tea, juice, or alcohol with aligners in |
| THINGS TO DO: ✓ Rinse with cool water when you remove them | THINGS TO AVOID: ✕ Clean aligners with toothpaste (it causes scratches) |
| THINGS TO DO: ✓ Brush and floss before reinserting aligners | THINGS TO AVOID: ✕ Use hot water to rinse or clean aligners |
| THINGS TO DO: ✓ Store aligners in their case when not in use | THINGS TO AVOID: ✕ Leave aligners loose on a table, in a napkin, or pocket |
| THINGS TO DO: ✓ Drink plain still water with aligners in | THINGS TO AVOID: ✕ Chew gum with invisalign trays in |
| THINGS TO DO: ✓ Attend all scheduled check-ups at your Oxford dental practice | THINGS TO AVOID: ✕ Skip wearing aligners for long periods |
| THINGS TO DO: ✓ Keep your previous set of aligners as a backup | THINGS TO AVOID: ✕ Use mouthwash or coloured soaps to clean trays |
How to Clean Invisalign Aligners at Home
A consistent invisalign cleaning routine is essential for keeping your trays hygienic, odour-free, and as clear as possible throughout your treatment. The good news is that it doesn’t take long.
Morning Clean
- Remove your aligners and rinse them under cool running water.
- Brush gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush – no toothpaste.
- Rinse again and set aside while you brush and floss your own teeth.
- Pop your aligners back in before eating or drinking anything other than water.
Evening Clean
- Remove aligners after your last meal and rinse thoroughly.
- Use Invisalign cleaning crystals or a mild, clear liquid soap.
- Gently brush all surfaces with a soft toothbrush.
- Rinse well with cool water before reinserting.
Can you use toothpaste to clean Invisalign?
No – and this is a very common mistake. Toothpaste contains abrasive particles that scratch the surface of your aligners. Those tiny scratches make the plastic look cloudy, trap bacteria, and can cause an unpleasant smell. Stick to a soft brush and either mild soap or Invisalign cleaning crystals.
Invisalign Cleaning Crystals vs Toothbrush: Which is Better?
Both have their place. Invisalign cleaning crystals are a specialist product designed to dissolve in water and soak your aligners – brilliant for a deeper clean. A soft toothbrush is great for a quick daily scrub. Many patients use both: a brush for morning, and a soak with crystals in the evening.
What you should never use: mouthwash, bleach, coloured soaps, or denture tablets. These can all damage, discolour, or warp your clear aligners.
Eating & Drinking With Invisalign: What You Need to Know
Can You Eat With Invisalign In Your Mouth?
No – you should always remove your aligners before eating or chewing anything. Eating with aligners in can crack or warp the trays, push them out of shape, and force food particles underneath where bacteria thrive.
This rule applies to everything: full meals, snacks, chewing gum, and even sweets. If it goes in your mouth and it’s not water, remove your aligners first.
Can You Drink Coffee With Invisalign?
Not with your aligners in. Hot drinks like coffee and tea can warp the plastic. The tannins in coffee and tea will also stain your aligners yellow very quickly – completely undermining the point of having clear braces.
Alcohol is fine to drink – but remove your aligners first. Alcoholic drinks are often acidic or sugary, both of which can damage the aligner material and affect your oral hygiene if they become trapped underneath the trays.
The only drink that’s safe with Invisalign in? Plain still water.
Everything else – including sparkling water, squash, sports drinks, smoothies, and fizzy drinks – should be consumed only after removing your aligners. Always rinse your mouth and brush before reinserting.
What happens if you don’t clean your Invisalign trays?
Unclean aligners become a breeding ground for bacteria. You may notice a bad smell (a common search is ‘how to get rid of invisalign smell’), white deposits building up on the trays, and a noticeably cloudier appearance. Left unchecked, this can lead to bad breath, increased plaque, and a higher risk of cavities.
What To Do If Your Invisalign Aligner Cracks
If your aligner cracks, chips, or breaks, don’t panic – but do act quickly. Here’s what to do:
- Step 1: Switch back to your previous set of aligners to maintain your tooth position.
- Step 2: Contact Summertown Dental & Implants as soon as possible to arrange a replacement tray.
- Step 3: Do not attempt to glue or repair the aligner yourself.
- Step 4: Keep the broken tray in your case as reference until you speak to your dentist.
Most cracks happen when aligners are removed too forcefully, exposed to hot water, or accidentally sat on or stood on. Gentle handling and proper storage are the best prevention.
Invisalign Aftercare Advice for Patients Across Oxfordshire
At Summertown Dental & Implants, we work with patients from right across the county. Whether you’re travelling in from Wallingford, Thame, Burford, Chipping Norton, Woodstock, or right here in North Oxford and Summertown – our team is here to support your Invisalign journey from start to finish.
We offer personalised invisalign aftercare advice as part of every treatment plan, with regular check-ups at our Oxford practice to monitor your progress, answer questions, and keep your treatment on track.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign Aftercare
Can I chew gum with Invisalign?
Can I drink coffee with Invisalign?
Not with aligners in. Coffee stains and warps clear aligners. Remove first.
Can I drink alcohol with Invisalign?
Remove your aligners first. Alcohol is acidic and can damage aligner material.
How long should I wear Invisalign each day?
A minimum of 20 hours, ideally 22 hours. Remove only to eat, drink, and clean.
What to clean Invisalign with?
A soft toothbrush with mild clear soap, or Invisalign cleaning crystals. Never toothpaste.
What if my aligner cracks?
Return to your previous tray and contact us at Summertown Dental & Implants straight away.
How do I get rid of Invisalign smell?
Clean trays twice daily, rinse every time you remove them, and use cleaning crystals weekly.
Ready to Start Your Invisalign Journey?
Book a free Invisalign consultation at Summertown Dental & Implants in North Oxford.
Serving patients from Oxford, Summertown, Woodstock, Wallingford, Thame, Burford, Chipping Norton and across Oxfordshire.
📞 Call us today or visit us at our Summertown, Oxford practice.
Summertown Dental Practice
01865 558822 
