Clear Aligner Patient Instructions
At Life Orthodontics, we want to make sure you get the best results from your clear aligner treatment. Proper care and consistent wear are key to staying on track and achieving the smile you deserve. In this post, our Tustin orthodontists, Dr. Robert Lee and Dr. Sarah Pi, share their top tips and instructions to help you get the most out of your clear aligners.
How and When to Wear Your Clear Aligners
Wear Your Aligners Full Time: Full time aligner wear means that they should be worn for at least 20-22 hours per day, only removing them for eating, drinking (anything other than water), brushing, and flossing.
Make Sure Your Aligners Are Fully Seated: It’s important that your aligners are fully seated where there are no visible gaps of air between the aligner and your teeth. To help with the seating, use aligner chewies at least 5 minutes per day. Every time you put your aligners in, you should spend 1-2 minutes fully seating your aligners with the chewies.
Progressive Changes: Change to the next set of aligners as instructed by Dr. Lee and Dr. Pi, typically every 10 days. Do not switch to a new set earlier than recommended unless instructed by your orthodontist, as this may interfere with your treatment.
Care and Maintenance of Your Clear Aligners
Rinse and Clean Regularly: Wash your hands with soap and water before handling your aligners. Rinse aligner trays under room temperature water every time you remove them, and use a soft toothbrush to gently brush them. Antibacterial hand or dish soap can be used to disinfect them. Avoid using toothpaste and soaking your clear aligners in denture cleaners or mouthwash which can damage your clear aligners.
Heat Sensitive: High temperatures can warp the plastic, altering the fit and effectiveness of your aligners. Avoid placing your aligners in hot water or leaving them in the car on a hot day.
Staining: To prevent staining and to keep your aligners clear, avoid smoking and colored beverages like coffee, tea, wine, and colored juices. If you do drink these, make sure to remove your aligners and rinse your mouth and aligners with water before putting them back in.
Oral Hygiene
Remove Before Eating or Drinking: Always take out your aligners when eating, snacking, or drinking anything other than water. This helps prevent staining and cavities from forming.
Rinse After Meals: Always rinse your mouth out with water before putting your aligners back in after eating or drinking. When possible, brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back in.
Regular dental checkups: Continue to see your general dentist for your regular cleanings.
Managing Discomfort
Mild Soreness is Normal: It's common to feel some discomfort when you start wearing new aligners. This is a sign that the aligners are working and gradually moving your teeth.
Pain Relief: If the soreness is significant, takeover-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (e.g., Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) as needed, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
File Any Sharp Areas: If your aligners are causing irritation on the inside of your gums or cheeks, use a nail file to smoothen any sharp areas.
Storing Aligners Properly
Use a Case: Always store your aligners in their case when not in use to protect them from damage and loss.
Avoid Using Napkins: Never wrap your aligners in a napkin or tissue when you remove them, as they can easily be thrown away by mistake.
Keep Your Last 5 Aligners: Always keep at least the last 5 aligners you have used. In some cases, it may be necessary to backtrack to your old aligners.
Handling Emergencies
Lost or Broken Attachments: If you lose or damage an attachment, contact your orthodontist immediately. It may be necessary to see your orthodontist to have the attachment repaired.
Lost or Broken Aligners: If you lose or damage an aligner, contact your orthodontist immediately. Your orthodontist may advise you to switch to the next set or to use your previous aligner until a replacement arrives.
Regular Check-up Appointments
Appointments: Keep all adjustment appointments as scheduled, typically every 8-12 weeks or as recommended by your orthodontist. These regular check-up visits ensure your treatment stays on track.
Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask your orthodontist about anything! At Life Orthodontics, we're here to help with any concerns about your care.
Final Tips
Stay Committed: Consistency is key for successful treatment. Wear your aligners as directed, and resist the temptation to remove them frequently or for long periods.
Keep Your Orthodontist Informed: If you experience significant pain or notice that your aligners do not fit properly, inform your orthodontist as soon as possible.
Following these guidelines will help ensure a smooth treatment process and the best results from your aligner treatment. For our Life Orthodontics family, if you have any questions or experience persistent or severe discomfort, please contact our office.
Serving patients in Tustin, Irvine, Santa Ana, Costa Mesa, Orange, Anaheim, and beyond, we take pride in delivering exceptional care and an unparalleled orthodontic experience. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about clear aligner treatment at Life Orthodontics!
