Smiling young woman with long hair stands outside a modern building with greenery around her.

Aligner Care

Get The Smile You Deserve

Master Your Aligner Care in Columbia

Dr. Gol and our team are thrilled to help you achieve the straight smile you've always wanted. Your customized clear aligners will gently shift your teeth over the next six to 18 months with minimal interruption to your lifestyle. Proper aligner care here in Columbia will ensure your Invisalign treatment stays on track.

We've created this easy-to-follow guide to help you maintain clean and clear aligners. With these simple daily habits, your aligners will stay in perfect condition. And remember, we're just a phone call away if you need assistance. If you want to begin your own Invisalign journey, schedule your appointment.

Smiling woman with long hair and glasses in a bright, elegant setting.
Smiling woman with long hair and glasses in a bright, elegant setting.

Maintain Crystal Clear Aligners

Keeping your aligners clear isn't just about appearances. It's about your dental health too! When your aligners stay clean, your teeth stay protected. Follow these tips to keep everything on track:

  • Give your aligners a quick lukewarm water rinse each time you take them out. This washes away saliva and prevents film buildup.
  • Always brush your teeth thoroughly after eating and before putting your aligners back in. This prevents trapping food particles that could cause cavities.
  • Use a mild, clear soap and soft brush to clean your aligners morning and night. Avoid colored soaps that might stain the plastic or toothpaste since it's too abrasive.
  • Store your aligners in their protective case whenever they're not in your mouth. This prevents damage and loss. It keeps them away from curious pets, too.
  • Always stick with cool or lukewarm water for rinsing. Hot water can warp the plastic and ruin your custom-fit aligners.

These simple habits protect both your investment in Invisalign and your dental health.

Young woman with curly hair smiles while holding clear aligners near her mouth.
Young woman with curly hair smiles while holding clear aligners near her mouth.

Ensure Top Results

Your daily habits make all the difference in your aligner treatment outcome. Small actions add up to big results when it comes to orthodontic treatment:

  • Always remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything except water. This prevents staining and warping that can throw off your treatment plan.
  • Your aligner case isn't just a storage box. It's protection for your investment. Keep it with you during meals, so you never wrap aligners in napkins. (This is a common way they get thrown away and lost.)
  • Wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours a day to move your teeth effectively. Even missing a few hours can slow down your progress.
  • When you switch to new aligners, you'll feel some pressure. That's a good thing! This gentle pressure means your teeth are shifting according to plan.
  • Your check-ups with our team are crucial for tracking your progress. We can also make adjustments if needed.

You'll feel confident during treatment, knowing you're getting the smile you've always wanted. With proper aligner care in Columbia, you'll be showing off your new smile before you know it!

Read Why Our Patients Love Us

I always have a great experience as a returning patient. Every time, the staff demonstrate exceptional professionalism. My dentist and hygienist are both highly skilled and incredibly friendly, taking time to explain everything thoroughly. The office environment is always welcoming and clean,...

I always have a great experience as a returning patient. Every time, the staff demonstrate exceptional professionalism. My dentist and hygienist are both highly skilled and incredibly friendly, taking time to explain everything thoroughly. The office environment is always welcoming and clean, enhancing my overall comfort. I highly recommend Precision Dentistry for their outstanding care and genuine concern for their patients.


Farzaneh A.

Great dental office - have been going here for over 4 years. Always polite, friendly staff. Have never had to wait for my scheduled appt. AND they have been very flexible the one or two times have been running late. So grateful to have found this dental practice.

Stephen L.

I always get great treatment from Dr Gol and his staff. I moved to Richmond, VA. 3 years ago and continue to drive the 2 1/2 hours one way to see Dr. Gol , can't imagine going to another dentist when I already have the best!!

Don S.

They keep up with the most updated practices. I have gotten cleanings from Dr. Wayson and the office manager. I will never go anywhere else. Dr. Wayson is wonderful. They are thorough and up front about pricing (my insurance isn't great). They don't ever make you feel bad if you haven't been in...

They keep up with the most updated practices. I have gotten cleanings from Dr. Wayson and the office manager. I will never go anywhere else. Dr. Wayson is wonderful. They are thorough and up front about pricing (my insurance isn't great). They don't ever make you feel bad if you haven't been in for awhile, they just welcome you back. I can't recommend enough. My insurance only covers 50% but I will not risk leaving the practice. They are wonderful!!!! I feel so lucky to have found Dr. Wayson as my dentist. I have to go more than usual and I am never dreading my visit.


Kathleen A.

Dr. Wayson is the best. She figured out the pain I was having in my back tooth and found a solution for it very quickly. The Botox injections Dr. Gol did will help with my pain from grinding during the day. They were painless. The hygienists Tina and Christina did a great job on the scans for...

Dr. Wayson is the best. She figured out the pain I was having in my back tooth and found a solution for it very quickly. The Botox injections Dr. Gol did will help with my pain from grinding during the day. They were painless. The hygienists Tina and Christina did a great job on the scans for both my night guards and Invisalign. I cannot wait to see the final results!


Glenn W.

Dr. Gol and his team are AMAZING!!!! They were professional and provided compassionate care. Dr. Gol explained the procedure and gave sound advice. He listens and practices with integrity. I highly recommend Precision Dentistry without reservation. Thank you, Dr. Gol and Team.

Melanie W.

Dr. Wayson and Dr. Gol are wonderful dentists. Kristina is great and always fun to talk to during cleanings. The office staff are always friendly and welcoming.

Melinda R.

I haven't been to the dentist in 5 plus years, so I was a little hesitant to go back because of any damage to my teeth. I am so glad that I found Precision Dentistry. Dr. Gol and his team are phenomenal. I felt comfortable throughout the appointment, and everything was clean. The staff are very...

I haven't been to the dentist in 5 plus years, so I was a little hesitant to go back because of any damage to my teeth. I am so glad that I found Precision Dentistry. Dr. Gol and his team are phenomenal. I felt comfortable throughout the appointment, and everything was clean. The staff are very welcoming and explain everything to you thoroughly. I am looking forward to my annual cleanings now! Highly recommend!


Abby M.

Frequently Asked Questions About Aligner Care

How often should I clean my aligners?
You should clean your aligners at least twice a day, such as morning and night. Quick rinses with lukewarm water whenever you remove them will help prevent buildup throughout the day. For deeper cleaning, use a gentle, clear soap and a soft brush to remove any residue. Remember that keeping your aligners clean is essential for both your dental health and the effectiveness of your treatment.
Can I eat or drink while wearing my aligners?
You should only drink plain water while wearing your aligners. Remove your aligners before eating any food or drinking anything besides water to prevent staining and damage. Beverages like coffee, tea, wine, and soda can discolor your aligners and trap sugar against your teeth. Always rinse your mouth or brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in after eating.
What should I do if my aligners feel too tight?

Feeling pressure when you switch to new aligners is completely normal and means they're working to move your teeth. The tightness should fade after a few days as your teeth adjust to their new positions. If discomfort persists beyond a week or becomes painful, call our office for guidance. Consistently wearing your aligners for the recommended 20-22 hours daily will help your teeth adjust more comfortably.