Clear Aligner Fit Day Instructions

Wear time

Wear your aligners 22 hours a day. Take them out only to eat, to drink anything other than water, and to brush and clean. Aligners only move teeth while they’re in, so consistent wear matters more than anything else. Out for a long dinner? Leave them out only if you’ll be eating or drinking for most of it.

Changing aligners: single material

Change to your next aligner each week, usually starting on a Monday.

Changing aligners: dual material

• Stage A: 7 days for each aligner
• Stage B: 3 days for each aligner

Chewies

• Use them every time your aligners go in. They seat the aligners fully against the teeth, which keeps treatment on track
• For better movement, bite firmly on them for 5 to 10 minutes, two or three times a day. In front of the TV or at your desk works well
• Not using chewies is one of the most common reasons aligners stop fitting

Taking them out

• They’ll feel tight at first. That’s normal
• With your fingers: start at the back teeth on the tongue side. Pull gently down for the top aligner, or up for the bottom, then work forward until it comes free. Don’t pull from the front teeth
• With the removal hook: hook the back inside edge and pull gently, working forward if needed. Useful in the first few days
• If they won’t come out, don’t force them. Call us

Cleaning

• At least once a day, with a soft toothbrush and cold or lukewarm water. Cleaning tablets are optional
• No hot water, as it can warp them. No toothpaste, as it scratches and clouds them
• You don’t have to brush every time before putting them back in, though some people keep a toothbrush at work. Floss sticks or Piksters are handy to carry

Eating and drinking

• Aligners out for anything except water
• Sugary or acidic drinks pool inside the aligner, so avoid them while it’s in
• Can’t brush? Rinse before putting them back in
• Coffee, red wine, turmeric and even sugar-free lollies will stain them. If it stains a white shirt, it stains aligners
• When you’re out, put them in the case, not a napkin. Napkins end up in the bin

Soreness

Pressure or tenderness for the first few days of each new aligner is normal and means they’re working. It usually settles in 1 to 3 days. Nurofen before bed for the first few nights can help if needed. It gets easier: after a while most people just notice tightness with each new set.

Reviews and refinements

Review appointments let us check progress, make sure the aligners are tracking and adjust if needed. Some patients need refinements, a few extra aligners at the end. This is common and part of getting the best result, and we’ve covered it in your plan.

Call us if

• An aligner isn’t fitting or is lifting off the teeth
• An attachment comes off
• You have significant pain
• You’re not sure when to change aligners