Life with Aligners

Clear aligners are a convenient and discreet way to straighten your smile — but like any orthodontic treatment, they work best when used correctly. Below are helpful tips to keep your treatment comfortable, effective, and on track.

Caring for Your Aligners

Keeping your aligners clean is essential for both oral health and appearance.

Daily care tips:

• Rinse aligners with lukewarm water when removing them
• Gently brush them using a soft toothbrush
• Use clear aligner cleaning crystals or mild, unscented soap if needed
• Avoid hot water, which can warp the aligners

Never use toothpaste on aligners unless recommended — it can scratch them and make them appear cloudy.

Wearing Your Aligners

For best results, aligners should be worn 20–22 hours per day.

• Remove them only for eating or drinking anything other than water
• The more consistently you wear them, the faster and more predictable your results will be

Consistency is key to staying on schedule.

Keeping Aligners Safe

Always store your aligners in their protective case when not in use.

⚠️ Never wrap aligners in a napkin — this is the most common way they accidentally get thrown away.

Keeping them protected also helps prevent warping, loss, or damage.

Switching to a New Set

Most patients switch to a new set of aligners every 5–10 days, depending on their treatment plan.

• Always follow the schedule provided by our office
• If you’re unsure when to switch, contact us before moving forward

What If You Lose an Aligner?

If an aligner is lost:

• Wear your previous aligner to prevent shifting
• Contact our office as soon as possible so we can advise you on next steps

Acting quickly helps keep your treatment on track.

Eating & Drinking With Aligners

• Remove aligners before eating or drinking anything except water
• Avoid sugary or colored drinks while wearing aligners
• Brush your teeth before placing aligners back in your mouth

This helps prevent cavities, staining, and odor buildup.

Discomfort & Adjustment Period

It’s normal to feel some tightness or pressure when switching to a new aligner — this means your teeth are moving as planned.

Helpful tips:

• Change to a new aligner at night, so you sleep through the initial pressure
• Use chewies to help seat aligners fully and comfortably
• Mild soreness typically fades within a day or two

Attachments & Elastics

Some aligner treatments require small, tooth-colored attachments bonded to the teeth. These help the aligners grip and move teeth more precisely.

You may also need to wear elastics with aligners in certain cases. Care for these just as you would with braces, and wear them exactly as instructed for best results.