Clear Aligners FAQ

QUESTIONS WE GET ASKED MOST OFTEN

Here you can find some tips about good practices when using clear aligners. Below that are some basic FAQ’s that we get asked most. There is also a section farther down that may have the answer you’re looking for. Please feel free to give us a call if you have any other questions.

Storing Your Clear Aligners

Keep your aligners in their case whenever they’re not in the mouth. This will keep the dog from eating them! And save you from accidentally throwing them away, and the subsequent digs through the trash can!

How to Clean Your Clear Aligners

We recommend using an old toothbrush with dish soap (such as Dial or Dawn) to clean the aligners. Do not use toothpaste since it is abrasive and will scratch the aligners, making them cloudy. Never boil the aligners! You may also use denture cleaning agents or retainer cleaning solutions to keep them fresh.

Dealing with Discomfort

You will likely have a dull, achy soreness for a coule of days after changing your clear aligners. You may take ibuprofen, Tylenol, Motrin, or any preferred OTC pain medication for relief.

Cleanings with Your Dentist During Treatment

Please see your dentist at your usual cleaning interval (at least every 6 months) throughout orthodontic treatment with clear aligners. It is even more crucial to get these cleanings during orthodontic therapy than it was before, since tartar that builds up on teeth can inhibit tooth movement.

Reminders to Change Your Clear Aligners and Wear Them Consistently

Various iPhone and Android apps exist to remind you when it’s time to change your aligners. They will even send you notifications that you should be wearing your aligners. One app that we recommend is called Align Remind.

Chewies (Bite Sticks)

It is critical that your teeth seat completely into the aligner trays in order for them to move/track properly. If you notice that there is ever a gap between the edge of your tooth and the aligner, then we recommend biting on a chewie for several seconds to help seat the tooth into the bottom of the aligner. Repeat this process every time you insert your aligner for any area that you notice incomplete seating.