Aligner Post Placement Information

Thank you for choosing our practice for your aligner therapy.

Since starting your journey, you have been given some aligners and have had some attachments placed on your teeth. Here are some things you will need to know about in using and taking care of your aligners.

Changing aligners

We would like you to wear your first two aligners for 10 days each. The consecutive aligners after those are to be replaced weekly. We recommend changing them at night time. We also recommend setting an alarm so you don’t forget! Before changing your aligner make sure you check for these three points:

• Has it been at least 7 days

• If the current aligner is no longer tight

• Are there any visible gaps

 

After changing your aligner

When you change your aligners, your teeth may be uncomfortable for a couple of days. Throughout the week they will become more comfortable, however when you change to your next aligner you may find they will be uncomfortable again for some days.

Chewies

Chewies are required for inserting aligners. We recommend biting down on the chewies on and off throughout the day for approximately 5 to 10 minutes. When using your chewies, bite down firmly and move the chewie around to squeeze the aligners into place. They can be hand washed with water to be re-used.

Speech

Your speech should be largely unaffected when wearing the aligners but you may find that some words may need to be pronounced slower.

Cleaning your teeth and aligners

There won’t be many changes to your brushing technique but make sure you are brushing well around attachments. Brush your teeth and aligners after meals. If it is not convenient, at least drink and rinse with water. There will be no disturbance to flossing. You can use retainer cleaning tablets if necessary.

Keeping on track

Make sure your aligners are changed weekly to keep treatment on track and to avoid any delays or further costs. You need to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. They must be in all the time except for when something else goes in.

My aligner doesn’t fit

If there is an aligner that does not fit correctly and you notice a gap between the tooth and the edge of the aligner, make sure you use your chewie in this area. If when you’re getting to the time of the week to change your aligner and you still see that gap, please continue wearing the current aligner for a few more days.

Keep your prior aligner

For example if you are on aligner 3, make sure you keep aligner 2. Keeping your prior aligner is very important for when things may go wrong, for example if you lose your current aligner or if your current aligner breaks. In these situations, we recommend you wear your prior aligner and make sure to give the clinic a call so we can fabricate a new one.

What can I eat?

The foods you eat are largely unaffected however you should not eat or drink with your aligners in. The only exception is cold or room temperature water. You may find yourself preferring softer foods on the first few days after a new aligner.

What if an attachment comes loose?

Please call the practice if an attachment comes loose. We will book you in as soon as possible to have it replaced. This is important for keeping your aligners tracking and your treatment as quick as possible.

How often do I need to see you?

On average we will see you every 8 to 10 weeks. In these visits we will check how your treatment is progressing and we may do some polishing between your teeth to allow them to move. We will also check your aligner fitment and provide you with your next set of aligners.

Contact sports and Mouthguards

Do not wear your clear aligner during contact sports as they are not strong enough to withstand any of the shocks. We recommend playing contact sports with a mouthguard. We recommend a chemist mouthguard during your aligner treatment.

Contacting Us

If you have any queries or emergencies regarding your clear aligner, please do not hesitate to contact us.