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The following tips will help you make sure you use thealigners correctly and avoid damaging them. 

Always remember

  1. Use corrective rails as directed by your dentist, usually 20 to 22 hours a day.  

  2. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling the straightening rails.  

  3. Handle ONLY one straight rail at a time.  

  4. Rinse the straightening rails when you take them out of the package. 

Installing straightening rails 

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  • Make sure you install the correct straight rails - the upper rails on the upper teeth and the lower rails on the lower teeth.  

  • For clarity, all straightening rails are engraved with a unique treatment number, the marking “U” for the upper teeth or “L” for the lower teeth, and the treatment stage number. 

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  • You can install either the top or bottom rail first. To start installing the straightening rail, press it lightly over the front teeth. Then press your fingertips evenly on the left and right sides of the cheek teeth (back teeth) until the rail snaps into place.

  • The rails must NOT be bitten. Biting can damage the membranes.

Note: If you feel a stabbing pain or the orthodontic rails are very uncomfortable, stop using them and contact your dentist. 

Removing straightening rails

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  • Slowly pull the rail from the inside of the cheek teeth on the other side of your cheek teeth.

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  • Repeat the step on the other side of the mouth before attempting to remove the rail completely.

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  • Once the rail is off the cheek teeth on either side, you should be able to twist the rail lightly off the teeth with your fingertips, moving slowly.

NOTE: 

  • Immediately rinse the straightening rail with water, shake off excess water and place the rails in the protective case provided with the starter kit.  

  • Avoid removing the straightening rails unnecessarily to prevent damage.  

  • Carefully remove the straightening rails, especially if they have multiple fasteners.  

  • Do not bend or twist the straightening rails forcefully to remove them.  

  • Do not use sharp objects to remove the straightening rails.  

  • If it is very difficult to remove the straightening rails, consult a dentist. 

Daily care and maintenance of Invisalign rails.

1. Always clean the straightening rails before installation. 

Use a soft toothbrush, water and a small amount of toothpaste. The outer surfaces of the straightening rails may be easiest to clean by brushing while the rails are still in your mouth. Then remove the rails and clean the inside surfaces.

Note: Be sure to rinse each rail thoroughly with water after cleaning. We also recommend using Invisalign rail cleaning products once a week or as needed.

2. DO NOT use denture cleaners to clean the rails. The rails MUST NOT be soaked in mouthwash. These products can damage the surface of the rails and make it dimmer and more visible.

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Proper oral hygiene 

  1. Remove the rails while eating and drinking. (The rails do not need to be removed while drinking cold water.)  

  2. Brush your teeth and clean the gaps with dental floss after each meal or snack, before installing the rails. If no cleaning system or toothbrush is available, you can simply rinse your mouth and clean the rails by keeping them under warm running water. This is not the best cleaning method, but it will work if there is no other option. Be sure to clean the rails thoroughly as soon as possible.  

  3. Ask your orthodontic team if you have any further questions about membrane-related hygiene.  

  4. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are recommended to maintain the health of your teeth and gums. 

Preservation of Invisalign straightening rails 

The starter kit includes two orthodox rail housings, a blue and a red (or orange) housing. We recommend that you keep the Invisalign rails in the case when they are not in your mouth. This will help keep the rails safe and protect them from damage.  

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Use the blue straightening box for your “current” treatment phase. Store the rails you are currently using (for example, in step 1) in this case. When it is time to move on to the next step (e.g. step 2), move the previous (e.g. step 1) rails to the red (or orange) housing. Always keep the rails you used last in this case. If your existing orthodontic rails are lost or broken, your dentist may recommend that you temporarily return to the previous step and use the rails in the red (or orange) housing until you get new ones.  

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Note: Keep all your older straightening rails in a clean plastic bag or follow your dentist's instructions. Keep the rails out of the reach of small children and pets. 

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