Start by positioning the aligners over your front teeth. Use your fingertips to carefully press the aligners over your back teeth (molars) until they are secure. Properly positioned, the aligners should snugly cover your teeth without any gaps at the top edge. Initially, the aligners may feel tight, but they will become more comfortable as you approach the end of the two-week period.
Always remove your aligners when eating, brushing, or flossing to maintain oral hygiene and the integrity of the aligners. Also, remove them when drinking hot beverages, such as coffee or tea, to prevent warping or damage due to heat.
To remove the aligners, gently lift and pull them from both sides of your back teeth first, then from the front. This method helps to ease the aligners off comfortably and safely.
When not wearing your aligners, always store them in the protective case provided by our office. This practice prevents loss and damage.
Clean your aligners regularly using a soft toothbrush and toothpaste. Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of bacteria and keeps the aligners clear and free from odors.
Wear each set of aligners for exactly two weeks unless instructed otherwise by our office. It’s crucial to wear them in the specific numerical order indicated on each aligner, marked with a number and a ‘U’ for upper or ‘L’ for lower, to ensure they effectively adjust your teeth over time.
Please retain all your previous sets of aligners and bring them along to your orthodontic check-ups. This will allow us to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
How to Protect and Care for Your Aligners:
Do not rest your aligners on a napkin or tissue. Many patients have lost their aligners by accidentally throwing them away with disposable paper products.
Do not use your teeth to force your aligners into position. Doing so can damage both your aligners and your teeth. Always use your fingers to gently guide them into place.
Store your aligners out of reach of pets. Animals are often attracted to the smell of saliva and may chew on and destroy your aligners.
Avoid using denture cleaners, alcohol, or bleach on your aligners. These substances can be too harsh and may damage the material of the aligners.
Do not clean your aligners with boiling or hot water. High temperatures can warp the plastic and ruin the fit of the aligners.
Avoid chewing gum while wearing your aligners. Gum can stick to and damage the aligners.
If You Encounter Issues With Your Aligners:
If the tooth attachment that secures your aligner comes off, contact our office immediately. This allows us to assess whether you need to visit sooner than your scheduled appointment to address the issue.
If you misplace an aligner tray, promptly switch to the next tray in the series if available. If you don’t have the next tray, revert to wearing the previous tray. Continuously wearing an aligner is crucial to prevent your teeth from shifting out of their correct positions.
Notify us as soon as possible about the loss of an aligner tray. We must evaluate whether you require a replacement tray to stay on track with your treatment plan.
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