Clear Aligner Instructions

Wearing your aligners

• Please change to the next stage every 2 weeks (22 hours a day) only if you are wearing your aligners full-time
• Any less than full time wear may mean; additional time may be added to your overall treatment time, your treatment may not work and additional impressions/scans and cost may be required to get your treatment back on-track
• If the aligners feel loose prior to the of the 2-week wear cycle do not move to the next set of aligners unless advised by your provider. If this is common practice it will eventuate in cumulative aligner lag and eventually the aligners will no longer fit
• Change to new aligners just before going to sleep. This means that you will sleep through the first eight hours of wear, the period when the aligners will be at their tightest and most uncomfortable. Your aligners will settle overnight and feel more comfortable in the morning
• Do not take the number of aligners on your packaging as finite – 75% of cases require Case Refinement to achieve a perfect result

Aligner fit

• If the aligners do not fit – call the practicewithout delay and do not move on to the next aligner
• If the aligners are feeling rough in the mouth you may trim the area lightlywith a nail file/emery board
• If you crack, break or lose an aligner – contact the practice without delay
• Use the aligner chewie provided after insertion (especially for the first 2 days after the insertionof a new aligner) to ensure the aligners are seated correctly – no gaps between the aligners and your teeth.

Aligner storage

• You will receive an Patient Starter Kit from your treating Doctor. Be sure to thoroughly read the Care Instructions included in your starter kit.
• Do not discard any old aligners. Keep them in their original packaging and store in safe location

Care instructions

• Clean your aligners prior to each insertion. Use a soft bristle toothbrush with lukewarm water with a small amount of toothpaste.
• Rinse each aligner thoroughly with water after each cleaning.
• DO NOT use denture cleaners to clean aligners or soak them in mouthwash.
• DO NOT PLACE ALIGNERS IN HOT/BOILING WATER!
• One of the most effective ways to keepyour aligners clear, clean and odour-free is to soak them in a 1⁄2 white vinegar, 1⁄2 tap water solution while you are brushing your teeth.

Oral hygiene

• There are no dietary limitations whilst wearing your aligners as they must be removed prior to eating.
• You can drink with your aligners in place, however if you drink a lot of dark staining substances (tea, coffee, redwine), the aligners will discolour more rapidly.
• In order to maintain your oral hygiene throughout treatment, it is important to brush and floss your teeth after each meal or snack before reinserting your aligners.

Regular check-up and cleans are recommended to maintain your oral health throughout your treatment.