Clear Aligners Instructions

Clear aligners require careful daily commitment because they are removable. Wearing them for enough hours, cleaning them regularly, and storing them properly are among the most important factors that help support successful treatment and achieve the best possible result according to your dentist’s plan.

First: Wearing Time

Wear your clear aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day. Remove them only when eating or drinking, except for water, or when brushing your teeth and cleaning the aligners.

Wearing the aligners for the recommended time is the most important factor for treatment success. Reducing the wearing hours may delay tooth movement and may cause the aligner to stop fitting properly over time.

Second: Eating and Drinking with Aligners

Remove the aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water, because food and drinks may affect the cleanliness of the aligner or change its color.

Avoid drinking coffee, tea, or juices while wearing the aligners, as these drinks may cause visible staining and affect the clear appearance of the aligner.

Third: Cleaning Your Teeth Before Rewearing Aligners

Brush your teeth before putting the aligners back in your mouth, especially after meals, to avoid trapping food particles between the teeth and the aligner.

Not cleaning your teeth before wearing the aligner may increase plaque buildup, cause unwanted odor, or irritate the gums.

Fourth: Cleaning Clear Aligners

Clean your aligners twice daily using a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, as it may change the shape of the aligner or affect how it fits your teeth.

Special cleaning products for clear aligners may be used if recommended by your dentist. Avoid harsh toothpaste or materials that may scratch the aligner surface.

Fifth: Daily Oral Hygiene

Brush your teeth after every meal and floss daily, because clear aligners cover the teeth for long periods and may trap any remaining food particles.

A mouthwash may be used when needed, such as Chlorhexidine, according to your dentist’s instructions. It should not be used for a long period without professional recommendation.

Sixth: Changing Aligners on Schedule

Change your aligner according to the schedule set by your dentist. In most cases, aligners are changed every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the treatment plan and tooth movement.

Do not move to the next aligner before the scheduled time, as this may apply inappropriate pressure on the teeth or affect the progress of treatment.

Seventh: Storing Aligners When Removed

Place the aligners in their special case whenever you remove them, to protect them from breaking, getting lost, or becoming contaminated.

Do not wrap the aligners in a tissue, as they may be lost easily or thrown away by mistake. They may also become dirty or damaged.

Eighth: Pressure or Discomfort with a New Aligner

It is normal to feel mild pressure when using each new aligner, as the aligner begins to move the teeth gradually according to the treatment plan.

A simple pain reliever such as Paracetamol may be used if needed, according to your dentist’s instructions. If the pain is severe or unusual, contact your dentist.

Ninth: Habits to Avoid

Avoid smoking while wearing the aligners, as it may stain them and cause unwanted odor.

Avoid chewing gum while wearing the aligners, and avoid leaving the aligners out of your mouth for long periods, as this may affect the required wearing time and the treatment result.

When Should You Contact the Dentist?

You should contact your dentist if the aligner breaks or cracks, if you experience severe unusual pain, or if you notice that the aligner does not fit your teeth properly.

You should also contact your dentist if you lose an aligner or cannot wear it for enough hours, so you can receive the right guidance according to your treatment plan.