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How to Care for Your Invisalign Aligners

dentist and patient

If you go the Invisalign® route to straighten your teeth, you’ll receive a series of clear aligners that will gently shift your teeth into alignment. Your aligners will remain clear and virtually unnoticeable if you take good care of them over the course of your treatment. Follow these tips to preserve the cleanliness and appearance of your aligners:

  1. Remove Your Aligners to Eat
  2. Always remove your aligners when you eat, even if it’s just a quick snack. Eating with your aligners will damage and stain them. This is also a good time to clean your aligners. You can use a cleaner designed for Invisalign, a retainer cleaner, or a small amount of liquid dish soap with a toothbrush. Brush gently to scrub away plaque and other residue.

  3. Remove Your Aligners to Drink Anything Other Than Water
  4. You also need to remove your aligners when you drink any liquids that aren’t plain water. Don’t let this slip your mind if you grab a coffee or soda during a work break. Drinking anything other than water while wearing your aligners will stain them and increase your risk of tooth decay.

  5. Brush & Floss Before Replacing Your Aligners
  6. Before putting your aligners back in after a meal, snack, or beverage, take the time to brush and floss your teeth. Food particles that are trapped in your teeth can stain your aligners and increase your risk for cavities, gum disease, and tooth discoloration.

  7. Store Your Invisalign Aligners In Their Case
  8. To keep your Invisalign aligners safe, store them in their case any time you remove them. We hope this protective habit becomes second-nature during your treatment. Otherwise, you could accidentally damage your aligners or throw them away.

Reach Out to Our Team!

If you have any questions about how to care for your clear aligners during any point in your treatment, please ask our team at CarolinasDentist. We want to help you achieve a straight smile that is healthy and beautiful. Please contact your closest office location today!

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Andrew Callender

Andrew Callender

Regional Director of Operations

Andrew Callender was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, and serves as one of our Regional Directors of Operations at CarolinasDentist, focusing on our Western NC and Charlotte regions. He joined the leadership team in 2025 and earned his degree from Western Colorado University. Andrew brings over 12 years of experience in dentistry, including more than 10 years of progressive leadership in healthcare operations and three years serving as a Regional Director of Operations. He relocated to North Carolina in 2023 and has quickly made an impact across the region.

Andrew is passionate about delivering outstanding patient care through operational excellence. He is committed to fostering an environment that aligns with CarolinasDentist’s values and culture while leveraging diverse perspectives and experiences to support team success and growth. His leadership style is rooted in collaboration, consistency, and continuous improvement.

Outside of work, Andrew enjoys spending time with his wife and their four children. He’s an avid golfer and also enjoys walking his lab, Harper—making the most of his time outdoors with family and fresh air.

Nate Bunyak

Nate Bunyak

Regional Director of Operations

Nate Bunyak brings a little bit of Pittsburgh grit and a whole lot of energy to everything he does. He is one of the Regional Director of Operations at CarolinasDentist focusing on our Triangle region, joining the team in 2026. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Nate graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) with a degree in Marketing and Management—and has been putting both to work ever since. Three years ago, he traded in steel city winters for North Carolina sunshine—and hasn’t looked back.

When he’s not working, Nate is all about family life with his wife, Melissa, and their three kids—Bryce, Molly, and Connor. Whether cheering on their activities, exploring the outdoors, or simply embracing the joyful chaos of a busy household, he makes the most of every moment with his family.

An avid hiker and nature enthusiast, Nate loves adventures that combine fresh air, beautiful views, and lasting memories. That same adventurous, positive spirit carries into his work—he’s driven, all-in, and always ready to take on what’s next.

Jenna Holland

Jenna Holland

Regional Hygiene Director

Jenna Holland is a Fayetteville native and serves as Regional Hygiene Director, joining the leadership team in 2026. She began her career with CarolinasDentist in June 2016 as a dental hygienist in the Fayetteville office after graduating from Fayetteville Technical Community College. Over the years, she has grown within the organization, building strong relationships with both patients and team members while staying rooted in her passion for patient care.

Jenna is deeply committed to promoting overall well-being through oral health and believes in the powerful connection between a healthy smile and a healthy body. In her leadership role, she especially loves mentoring and coaching hygienists, helping them grow in confidence, strengthen their clinical skills, and develop into exceptional providers. She takes pride in supporting her team and fostering an environment of continuous learning and encouragement.

Her best advice for patients is simple: stay consistent with routine check-ups and cleanings to maintain optimal health. Outside of the office, Jenna enjoys traveling—especially to warm, tropical destinations—and is engaged to her high school sweetheart, adding a personal touch to her passion for caring for others.