• Clear aligners move teeth through controlled, incremental forces. Expect tightness or mild pressure each time you switch to a new set of trays. This pressure is normal and indicates that the aligners are engaging correctly. Wear your aligners 22 hours per day. Remove them only to eat, drink liquids other than water, or brush and floss your teeth. Inconsistent wear slows or stops tooth movement and can cause trays to no longer fit.
• Place and remove aligners using your fingers, not your teeth. Avoid bending or twisting the material. Clean aligners with clear antibacterial soap and cold water. Avoid using toothpaste, mouthwash, or hot water, as these can damage or warp the aligners. Keep aligners away from heat and pets, as aligners are frequently chewed or distorted when left out.
• If attachments or buttons break, call the office. Continue wearing your current tray until evaluated, but do not advance to the next tray. If the aligner feels extremely tight or will not fully seat, use chewies as directed. If the tray still does not seat properly, stop and schedule an evaluation.
• Mild speech changes may occur during the first few days, but these typically resolve as you adapt. Slight increases in saliva flow are normal during initial wear. If you experience gingival irritation, clean the borders of the aligner with a soft toothbrush and ensure the aligners are fully seated.
• Maintain strict home care. Brush and floss after every meal before reinserting aligners to prevent trapping food and bacteria. Skipping home care increases the risk of decay or gingival inflammation during treatment.
• Do not store aligners in napkins or leave them loose in pockets; always use the case when they are not being worn. If an aligner is lost, damaged, or warped, contact the office immediately for guidance on which tray to wear next.
• Attend all scheduled progress checks. Tooth movement is closely monitored to ensure predictable outcomes. Failure to monitor movement can lead to mid-treatment stalls or loss of tracking.