Clear Aligners
Congratulations on taking measures to improve your smile for health and beauty!
What to expect NOW after getting the braces placed on your teeth
You may have more saliva coming in your mouth.
Difficulty in speaking.
- Don’t worry, that’s normal and will settle down after 2–3 days up to 1 week.
You may feel tenderness or pain when chewing for the next few days.
- Prefer a softer or semi-solid diet. Incorporate solid foods as you feel more comfortable.
- Nightly warm salt water rinses also help to prepare the soft tissues to better handle the aligners.
Aligner Wear Instructions
The most important requirement is that aligner trays must be worn at least 20–22 hours per day. Trays should not be out for more than a total of 2–4 hours per day. If trays are worn less than this, tooth movement will not occur as projected.
Each set of trays is to be worn for one week before switching to the next set.
Patients may drink non-staining liquids while wearing aligner trays, but must not eat with trays in. Drinking beverages with sugar is not recommended. If sugary drinks are consumed, patients should rinse thoroughly with water afterward.
When trays are removed, they must be placed immediately into their case to avoid loss and replacement costs. Please do not place trays in napkins, as they may be accidentally thrown away. Do not leave trays around pets, as they can be easily damaged or destroyed.
Patients must save the previous set of trays and keep them in the properly numbered aligner baggie. Keeping the previous set is important in case something happens to the current trays, as the next set may not fit properly.
When switching to a new set of trays, always change them at night before going to bed. Most tooth movement occurs within the first 6–8 hours, and switching at night allows this movement to happen without interruption.
To clean aligner trays, brush them gently under running water only. Toothpaste or soap should not be used, as these products are too abrasive and can damage the trays.