Life with Aligners
Your journey to a confident, healthy smile is already underway—congratulations! Wearing clear aligners is a convenient and discreet way to straighten your teeth, but like any orthodontic treatment, there are a few things to know to ensure your experience is smooth and successful.
Here’s what to expect and how to take great care of your aligners (and your smile!) every step of the way.
Wearing Your Aligners
Your aligners should be worn 20–22 hours daily to ensure effective tooth movement. Only remove them for eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing or flossing your teeth. Skipping wear time—even for a day or two—can delay your treatment and affect your progress.
Switch to your next set of aligners as directed, usually every 1–2 weeks, based on your orthodontist’s plan.
Eating and Drinking
The good news? With aligners, there are no food restrictions! Just remove your trays before eating or drinking (anything besides plain water). This keeps your aligners clear, undamaged, and stain-free.
Always brush and floss after meals before placing your aligners back in. This keeps bacteria from getting trapped and reduces your risk of cavities or bad breath.
Cleaning Your Aligners
Keep your aligners clean and clear with these easy steps:
- Rinse your aligners with lukewarm water (never hot!) each time you take them out.
- Use a soft toothbrush and clear, unscented soap to gently clean them daily.
- Avoid toothpaste or coloured soaps—they can scratch or cloud the plastic.
- For a deeper clean, consider soaking them in a retainer or aligner-safe solution once a day.
Oral Hygiene Tips
Since aligners fit snugly over your teeth, it’s extra important to keep up with a strong oral hygiene routine:
- Brush at least twice daily, ideally after every meal.
- Floss once daily to remove debris between your teeth.
- Use a fluoride toothpaste to protect your enamel.
- Mouthwash can be helpful to freshen breath—just be sure it’s alcohol-free.
What to Expect During Treatment
It’s normal to feel a bit of pressure or tightness when starting a new set of aligners. This means your aligners are working! Any discomfort usually fades after a day or two and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief if needed.
You might notice a slight lisp when you first begin wearing your aligners—don’t worry, your speech will adjust within a few days.
Lost or Damaged Aligners
If you lose or damage your aligners, contact our office right away. Do not skip ahead to the next set unless advised by your orthodontist. We’ll guide you on what to do to stay on track with your treatment.
Staying on Track
Your treatment is most successful when you:
- Follow your wear schedule closely
- Keep all check-in appointments (in-person or virtual)
- Stay in communication with us for any questions or issues
We’ll monitor your progress and ensure everything is going according to plan. You’re never alone in this journey—we’re here for you every step of the way.