Aligner wear & care instructions
Congratulations on starting your aligner journey! Aligners are a fantastic way to straighten your teeth discreetly — but getting the best results comes down to how well you wear and care for them. Here's everything you need to know.
Wearing your aligners
Wear your aligners for 22 hours a day — this is non-negotiable. The more consistently you wear them, the more predictably your teeth will move
Only remove them for eating, drinking anything other than plain water, and brushing and flossing
Never eat or drink hot beverages with your aligners in — heat can warp the plastic and affect the fit
Always brush your teeth before reinserting your aligners after a meal — food and bacteria trapped under aligners can cause cavities and bad breath
Follow the wear schedule prescribed by your dentist
Inserting and removing your aligners
use an aligner removal tool if needed to avoid nail breakage or discomfort
alternatively, you may use your fingers too
Always remove from both sides evenly to avoid warping
Cleaning your aligners
Rinse your aligners with cold water every time you remove them
Clean them at least once a day using a soft toothbrush and clear, unscented soap — toothpaste is too abrasive and will scratch the surface, making them cloudy
Use aligner cleaning tablets or crystals for a deeper clean — soak as directed on the packaging
Never soak in mouthwash — most mouthwashes contain colour pigments that will stain your aligners
Never use hot water — it will warp the plastic
Storing your aligners
Always store your aligners in their case when not in your mouth — never wrap them in tissue or leave them on a tray (they will get thrown away — it happens more than you'd think! 😄)
Air dry your aligner container / box to prevent mould build up
Keep a spare case in your bag, at work, and at school
Keep away from pets — dogs in particular love the smell of aligners!
What to expect
Soreness for 2–3 days when starting each new set is completely normal — your teeth are moving!
Excess saliva or a slight lisp in the first few days is normal and will resolve as your mouth adjusts
Aligners may feel tight at first — this is expected and means they are working
If an aligner feels completely unwearable or does not seat properly, contact your dentist
💡 Dr Watt's tip: Set a daily alarm to remind yourself to put your aligners back in after meals — it's surprisingly easy to leave them out for longer than you realise! Consistency is everything with aligner treatment. 😊
What should I bring for my dental appointment?
Always bring along your old trays and new unworn trays. If you have not been wearing your trays, we may have to backtrack and go back to an older tray. New unworn trays are required as modifications may be made to your trays :)
Other things to take note of:
If your aligners do not fit, do NOT force it in. Please get an appointment asap!
Do NOT drink carbonated or acidic drinks with your aligners. If you do, remove your aligners and wait for 30 minutes before brushing and flossing.
Do NOT drink hot coffee with aligners as it may cause tooth/aligner stains
Do NOT clean the aligner trays with boiling hot water.
how to remove your aligners
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how to remove your aligners 〰️
WIth your hands or with aligner removal tools
how to use chewies
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how to use chewies 〰️
Aligner chewies, also known as aligner tray seaters, are small, soft, cylindrical devices used with clear aligners to improve their fit. They help eliminate air gaps and bubbles between the aligners and teeth, ensuring a snug fit and proper pressure for effective tooth movement. Essentially, you bite down on them to help the aligners conform to your teeth.
