10 tips for the perfect daily aligner routine!

From the moment you start your clear aligner treatment, you'll be dreaming about that sparkling smile.

If you've been thinking about the best daily aligner routine to help you get from that first aligner fitting to your final treatment completion review, here's an easy 10-step routine to follow (go ahead and add us to your favourites so you can come back to this article later).

We'll help you put your best smile forward; you can find out more about our before-and-after results and your first visit to our clinic. From prepping for your dream job or a special occasion to improving your oral health by closing a gap that always gets that bit of food stuck in it, there are lots of reasons people start their journey with Impress.

How can an aligner routine help with Invisalign treatment?

If you can get this aligner routine on repeat, your orthodontist will be signing you off before you can say "Invisalign at Impress". If you're already sure about starting clear aligner treatment, you can book a free consultation with us.

If you want those tips, keep reading!

1. Brush your teeth: you might think it's weird to mention it, but you'd be surprised how many people don't do it as regularly as they should. 2-3x a day is the perfect amount – especially when replacing your clear aligner after meals. Start your routine by giving a deep but steady clean. Intense brushing isn't necessary and can actually damage teeth and gums.
2. Floss (water flossers can be more thorough). Whether you use interdental brushes, waxed, unwaxed or a water flossing model. Using floss as part of your daily routine helps make sure nothing is lurking in your gaps that could cause cavities, tarnish or make your clear aligners worse for wear.
3. Mouthwash: Surprisingly, it's not just for dates and interviews. Implement using mouthwash into your daily oral hygiene routine to give your mouth some additional hydration and to feel fresh when placing those aligners back after a biscuit or a brew.
4. Clean aligners: Start the day by giving them a quick rinse or a soft-bristled brush before putting them in for the day. Depending on the time of day and the food you've eaten, you can clean your aligners in different ways.
5. Chewies: Those cute little cylinder-shaped chewies are part of your treatment kit, and they do more than remind you of the stuffing in a gift box. Use them after your clear aligners are in to give them a little more accuracy with placement. There is nothing worse than having your aligner feel out of place. Chewies are your friend here; pop them in your bag before you head out.
6. Cheek Retractor: Use the cheek retractor – a plastic version of the tool your orthodontist uses at the clinic. You should use it at home to allow room between gums, lip and teeth. Using it helps you take more accurate photos of your teeth straightening progression, as it opens the mouth at the optimal positions to capture the evolution of each tooth's movement.
7. Upload images to the Impress App: We use an orthodontic tracking app to help our patients keep on track with their clear aligner treatment and maintain their busy lifestyles week-to-week.
8. Make-up, face cream, daily skin love: We advocate looking after all of you, not just your smile. So, however you normally prep for the day ahead, now's the time. Whether it's a special face cream, lipsticks that make your smile brighter, an accessory to finish your look, or a trademark perfume, don't skip the stuff that makes you feel more like you. 
9. Check your smile: Take a look at your smile and remind yourself what you're doing this for. Your health, an upcoming event, or to walk with your head held high. 
10. Grab your travel case and go! Don't leave home without your travel case to make sure your aligner is with you and can be easily taken care of and safely stored on any occasion, from the tennis courts to a checkup at our clinics.

Invisalign® clear aligner treatment at Impress is pretty special. We provide you with everything in your aligner treatment kit; there's nothing we haven't thought about! From the digital Impress app to your responses from our medical team, we want to make sure your treatment is efficient and enjoyable.

If you want to know more about how the Impress app can help you throughout your treatment, and why uploading your photos so our medical team can review them is so crucial, read more about the digital treatment app.