Clear aligners are a comfortable, discreet way to straighten your smile—but getting the best possible results depends on wearing and caring for them correctly. At Morgan Orthodontics, we want your treatment to go as smoothly and efficiently as possible, so please review the guidelines below carefully. Following these simple instructions will keep your treatment on track and help protect your teeth throughout your clear aligner journey.
Instructions for Aligner Wear
- Wear your aligners for at least 20–22 hours every day.
- Wear each set of aligners exactly as instructed by your orthodontist, or follow the schedule provided through the Dental Monitoring App.
- Use "Movemints" to help seat your aligners for a better fit when inserting them, or whenever you'd like to freshen your breath. These are available online.
- An alternative to Movemints are reusable, BPA-free aligner chewies (such as Clenchy). Bite and squeeze in different areas for one to two minutes whenever you're at home inserting your aligners. Chewies are available online.
- Each aligner indicates its "number" and whether it is for the Upper or Lower arch.
- Keep all previously worn aligners in their original bag for safekeeping.
How to Care for Your Aligners
- NEVER eat or drink anything but WATER while wearing your aligners.
- NEVER drink anything HOT while your aligners are in your mouth, as heat can warp them.
- When eating or drinking, remove your aligners and place them in the provided case for safekeeping. DO NOT put your aligners in your pocket or wrap them in napkins, as this leads to accidental damage or discarding.
- Brush your teeth and the inside of your aligners after every meal. Aligners should always be clear—if they become cloudy, it indicates plaque accumulation, which can be extremely damaging to your teeth (causing white spots, decalcification, and cavities).
- Brush your aligners with toothpaste and COOL water, or with a mixture of baking soda and water.
Aligner Fit
- Your aligners should have no visible space between the edge of your teeth and the aligner itself. If an "air gap" appears, use Movemints, Clenchy, or chewies in the area with the gap until the aligner seats properly and fits snugly.
Other Tips
- If you notice a rough spot on your aligner, gently use an emery board to smooth out the area.
- If you have trouble removing your aligners, try an aligner removal tool such as the Clenchy or PUL removal tool, both available online.
If you ever have questions about wearing or caring for your aligners, or if a set doesn't seem to fit correctly, don't hesitate to reach out. Our team is here to support you every step of the way. Contact the office nearest you for help, or explore our full range of orthodontic treatments to learn more about your smile journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours a day should I wear my aligners?
You should wear your clear aligners at least 20 to 22 hours every day, removing them only to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush your teeth. Consistent wear is essential to keep your treatment on schedule. Skipping hours or leaving your aligners out too long can slow your progress and affect how well each set fits.
Can I eat or drink with my aligners in?
No. You should never eat or drink anything but water while wearing your aligners, and you should never drink anything hot, as heat can warp the material. Always remove your aligners before eating or drinking and store them in their case. Eating with aligners in can damage them and trap food and sugar against your teeth.
How do I clean my aligners?
Brush your teeth and the inside of your aligners after every meal, then brush the aligners themselves with toothpaste and cool water or a mixture of baking soda and water. Aligners should always look clear—cloudiness signals plaque buildup, which can cause white spots, decalcification, and cavities. Never use hot water, which can warp them.
What should I do if my aligner doesn't fit properly?
If you notice an "air gap" between your teeth and the aligner, use Movemints, Clenchy, or chewies by biting and squeezing in the area with the gap until the aligner seats properly. Proper seating is important for effective treatment. If the fit still seems off after several days, contact your orthodontist for guidance.
How do I keep track of my aligners?
Each aligner is labeled with its number and whether it's for the upper or lower arch, so always check before inserting. Wear each set in the correct order as instructed, and keep all previously worn aligners in their original bag. Saving old aligners can be helpful if a current set is lost or damaged before your next arrives.
What can I do if my aligner has a rough edge or is hard to remove?
If an aligner has a rough spot, gently smooth it with an emery board. If you're having trouble removing your aligners, an aligner removal tool such as the Clenchy or PUL tool—available online—can make the process much easier. If discomfort or difficulty continues, reach out to our team and we'll be happy to help.