TAKE CARE OF YOUR CLEAR ALIGNERS
Maintenance
Learn how to correctly clean and maintain your clear aligners.
The Basics of Clear Aligner Maintenance
Remove the aligners before eating or drinking anything other than cool water.
Do not wear aligners while drinking alcohol and hot, sweet or coloured liquids.
Do not wear aligners while chewing gum or smoking.
Keep pets and children away from your aligners.
Do not use toothpaste to clean aligners.
How Should I Clean My Aligners?
Cleaning Tablets
Dental appliance tablets can easily be found at your local chemist. They remove odour caused by bacteria, lift stains and remove discolouration.
Ultrasonic Bath
An ultrasonic bath, commonly used in dental clinics, is an excellent way to clean dental appliances. It effectively removes plaque, gunk, and other build-up from your aligners or retainers while ensuring their structure remains undamaged.
Antibacterial Liquid Soap
Using an antibacterial liquid soap (such as Dettol) with a soft toothbrush is an economical and effective way to clean your aligners. After cleaning, make sure to rinse your aligners thoroughly with cold or lukewarm water to remove any soap residue.
Toothpaste
While it might be tempting to use a nice-scented toothpaste to clean your aligners, it’s not recommended. Toothpaste is abrasive and can cause the aligner material to become "cloudy," reducing its clarity. Stick to non-abrasive cleaning methods to keep your aligners crystal clear.
Hot Water
Clear aligners are made of plastic, and exposure to boiling or very hot water can distort their shape and cause them to shrink.To protect your aligners, always avoid using hot water.
What happens if I break or lose my aligner?
Contact your dental clinic as soon as possible and inform them of the specific aligner stage and whether it is the upper, lower, or both that require remaking.
Smile Academy can swiftly manufacture a replacement for you in our Brisbane-based lab. Typically, new aligners are remade within 48 hours, plus shipping time.
There is no charge for remaking broken aligners.
How to Wear Clear Aligners
Before inserting your new aligners, rinse them with cool or lukewarm water. (Never use boiling water or very hot water)
Insert your aligners by placing them over your front teeth first, then work backwards applying gentle even pressure over your molars until the aligner click in place.
Tips
Inserting a new aligner can be tricky at first. Start by pushing firmly with your two thumbs on your front teeth, then gradually work your way toward the back.
The first few times might feel challenging, but with a bit of practice, you’ll master the process and be able to insert your aligners in seconds!
Smile Academy recommends to move into your new set of aligners at night just before going to bed (e.g from stage 1 to 2). This will help to alleviate the maximum pressure that fresh aligners apply in their initial stage.
The pressure should lessen after a few days (usually 48 hours) as you wear each new stage. Call your dental practitioner if you have any fitting issues.
Make sure you are wearing the correct set of aligners. Aligner stage number is not only labelled on its bag but also imprinted one of the molar side.
How to Remove Clear Aligners
To remove your aligners, start by using your hook or fingertip on the buccal side of the rear molar on one side first. Carefully pull the aligner away from the teeth.
Repeat this process on the other side of your mouth before trying to completely remove the aligner.
Once both sides are free, you should be able to begin working your way forward to gently pry the aligner away from your front teeth.
Note
Do not use excessive force to bend or twist an aligner while removing it. If you find that your aligners are extremely difficult to remove, consult your dental practitioner.
Note: the first few times you are removing your aligners can be a little difficult, but within a few days you will master it and do it within seconds.
Chewies and Hooks
Don’t forget to use the soft seaters!
Also known as "Chewies," you’ll find two of them in your aligner box. These are much more essential for your treatment than they may seem, especially if you have significant teeth crowding issues. To ensure your aligner fits properly, gently bite on the Chewies to adjust the aligner into position. Smile Academy recommends using the soft seaters for 1-2 minutes each time you switch to a new aligner.
Need extra help removing your aligners?
Try using one of our hooks! Your aligner box includes two plastic hooks designed to make aligner removal easier. While most patients can remove their aligners using their fingers, some may find it a bit challenging. That’s why Smile Academy provides these handy hooks to assist with the process.
Tips
Always unhook your aligner from one side first, then the other, and gently pull it forward to remove.
It’s best to unhook from the lingual side (tongue side) rather than the cheek side for easier and safer removal.
Are you noticing a slight lisp when you talk with your aligners?
This is quite normal and it usually goes away after a couple days as your tongue is getting used to the aligners.
Do you experience a dryer mouth while wearing aligners?
This is quite common too. Simply drink a little more water. The dryness in the mouth often disappears after a couple of days.