Clear aligners should be rinsed with lukewarm water every time they’re removed and brushed gently with a soft toothbrush, using a small amount of clear, unscented soap or a manufacturer-approved cleaning solution rather than toothpaste, which can be too abrasive and cause cloudiness. Soaking them briefly in a denture or aligner cleaning solution a few times a week helps remove buildup that causes odor and yellowing. Hot water should be avoided since it can warp the plastic. Aligners should also be removed before eating or drinking anything besides water to prevent staining and bacterial buildup.

If less than the recommended 20 to 22 hours a day are spent wearing the aligners, tooth movement will be slowed or halted, since the trays need continuous and steady pressure in order to move the teeth into place. Inconsistent wear may also cause the following aligner in the sequence to fit poorly, occasionally calling for a new impression or leading to a longer treatment period. In more serious instances, the teeth can shift back towards their original position, reversing previous advances. Adhering to the prescribed wear schedule is the most important factor in completing treatment on time and reaching the intended result.

When you start using a new aligner tray, it is normal to experience a little pressure or pain for one or two days, as each tray is meant to move the teeth a small amount beyond the position of the previous one. This kind of discomfort is generally much less severe than the kind of pain caused by tightening traditional braces and usually goes away on its own. The adjustment can be made easier by taking over-the-counter pain relievers, eating softer foods on the first day, and putting the new tray in right after a meal. If the discomfort continues for more than a few days or is sharp rather than a dull ache, it should be reported to the dental office.

Teenagers are generally able to begin treatment with clear aligners when their permanent teeth have mostly come in. This usually occurs between the ages of 12 and 14, although the precise time will vary from person to person according to their individual dental development rather than their age. Certain clear aligner systems are in fact designed for teenagers and have features such as compliance indicators and replacement trays for those that are lost, since it is even more important for patients who are still growing to wear the aligners consistently. A dentist or orthodontist can determine if a patient is ready by examining how many adult teeth have come through and by assessing whether the bite and jaw have developed sufficiently for aligner treatment.

For most patients, a removable retainer—usually a clear plastic tray just like the aligners—is worn continuously during the first few months following treatment and then only at night for the long term. In some cases, dentists also attach a thin wire retainer behind the front teeth to increase stability, and this may be used in combination with a removable one. The main reason why teeth move back after aligner treatment is failure to wear the retainer, which is why continuous nightly use is generally advised. A dentist can determine the precise type of retainer and the schedule for wearing it according to the individual case.

Teeth whitening can often be done during clear aligner treatment, and some patients even use their aligner trays as custom whitening trays by adding a dentist-approved whitening gel for short periods each day. This should only be done under a dentist’s guidance, since whitening gel isn’t designed for extended wear, and improper use can irritate the gums or cause uneven results. Whitening is usually most effective once aligner treatment is finished and the teeth are in their final position, ensuring even color across all visible surfaces. A dentist can advise on timing and the safest whitening method for a specific case.

For mild to moderate alignment issues, clear aligners can be just as effective as traditional braces, since both work by applying steady pressure to gradually move teeth into position. Braces still tend to be the better option for more complex bite problems or significant tooth rotation, since they offer more control over certain tooth movements. Success with aligners depends heavily on wearing them as directed, since they’re removable and rely on patient discipline in a way fixed braces don’t. A dental evaluation can determine whether a specific case is better suited to aligners or braces.

Colonialtown Dental, located at 602 N Thornton Ave in Orlando’s Colonialtown neighborhood, offers clear aligner treatment for teens and adults under the care of Dr. Dhruv Patel. The practice has served downtown Orlando and the surrounding community for more than 28 years and offers online scheduling for new patients. Office hours run Monday through Thursday from 7am to 3pm and Friday from 7am to noon. Patients can call 407-422-3811 or book online to start a consultation.