Wearing Clear Aligners

There were many times after I’d given our patients their aligner care instructions, 90% of them forget as soon as they leave the dental office. So this article is for patients who need a refresher for the essentials of wearing clear aligners, or if you want to prepare yourself before you start treatment.

I’ll share the 3 must- follow wear and care tips for your Invisalign or Clear Aligner treatment and cover topics such as:

I hope that this information will help you get started on your journey to a straighter smile.

What to Expect During your Treatment

During your clear aligner treatment, you will be given a series of aligners to wear. Each set of aligners will be worn for a specific period of time, typically 1-2 weeks. As you wear each set of aligners, your teeth will slowly move into their desired positions.

You may experience some discomfort during your treatment, especially when you first switch to a new set of aligners. This discomfort is usually mild and will go away within a few days.

It is important to wear your aligners for the full amount of time prescribed by your orthodontist. This will ensure that your teeth move correctly and that your treatment is successful.

How to Insert Your Aligners

Each set of aligners has 2 trays, one for your upper and one for the lower. To put on your top aligners, make sure you have your top set before starting- they are usually the larger of the aligner set, with the front 2 teeth being the largest. 

To put on your lower aligners, make sure you have your bottom set before starting- they are usually the smaller of the aligner set, with the bottom 4 teeth being about the same size.

Seating Aligners with Fingers

* You will most likely notice a gap between the aligner and your teeth- which is normal for the first few days in each new set of aligners, however, the gap should be completely closed before starting a new set of aligners. A closed gap is an indication that your teeth have shifted fully into place for that aligner tray.  

Use an aligner seating device like the BITE ME to push your aligners fully into place. Use the BITE ME for  2-3 minutes each time you put your aligners back in or for a total of at least 10 minutes a day to help shift your teeth into place. 

Aligner Removal

Removing your aligners at the beginning of each new tray can be a little tricky because your teeth have not fully shifted into place yet. Many patients can use their fingernails for aligner removal or may need a tool to help.

Aligner Removal with Fingers

DO NOT RIP YOUR ALIGNERS OUT OF YOUR MOUTH. It can damage your aligners and delay your treatment.

Difficulties with Aligner Removal

If you find that you have difficulties with aligner removal because you have soft nails, long nails, or have a lack of dexterity, you can use an aligner removal tool. Some patients also find it is difficult to remove aligners with attachments or buttons. I created the original PULTOOL in 2013 to help our patients who struggled with aligner removal. 

Instructions for Aligner Removal with BITE ME or PULTOOL:

How to Clean Your Aligners

Cleaning your aligners daily is important because our saliva is super sticky and sometimes can be smelly especially after a delicious meal. Cleaning them daily will prevent the build up of tartar or plaque, and keep them tasting fresh.

• Rinse your aligners with water after each removal and keep them safe in your aligner case. 
• Brush your aligners with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste at least once a day or use an aligner cleansing solution such as our FIZZ ME.
• On days when you can’t rinse your aligner after removal, I highly recommend soaking them in the FIZZ ME for 10 minutes or while you have your last meal to help remove any build up and odors.

Bonus Care Tips:

It is important to care for your aligners properly in order to ensure that they last for the duration of your treatment. Here are extra tips for caring for your aligners:

Wear your aligners for 20-22 hours each day.  This is important for the success of your treatment and I always told our patients that aligners will only work if they wear them

My office highly recommended that our patients do not eat with their aligners in, but if you have to, be careful with what you eat and drink while wearing your aligners. Avoid sticky foods, sugary food or foods that can stain your teeth.

Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly before putting your aligners back in. This will help to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Do not chew gum  (even sugar free, but sugar-free mints are okay) while wearing your aligners.

Do not expose your aligners to extreme temperatures, such as hot water or the sun- it can melt your aligners!

Avoid yellow mustard or curries since they tend to stain aligner trays.

If you have any problems with your aligners, such as discomfort or pain, contact your orthodontist immediately.

Closing

I hope this article gave you a basic understanding of wearing and caring for your aligners! If you’d like a more comprehensive overview for your aligner treatment, check out our What to Expect Before Starting Clear Aligner Treatment Article. 

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