The most distinctive feature of clear aligner treatment is that the system is removable. This provides a great advantage in terms of comfort; however, it also transfers a significant part of the responsibility to the patient. When the rules of clear aligner use are followed, treatment progresses as planned; when they are not, the duration is prolonged and the plan has to be updated. As DijiDent Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic, in Türkiye we share these rules in detail from the start.
Wearing Time
This is the most basic rule. The aligners should be worn for most of the day; they are only removed while eating, drinking and brushing. Your dentist tells you the daily target time, and compliance with this time is the basic condition of the treatment.
There is a common miscalculation here: the thought “I took them out for a few hours, I’ll make up for it.” Tooth movement requires continuity; when the aligner is removed, the teeth tend to move back towards their old positions. Lost time cannot be fully made up.
The Change Schedule
Each aligner is replaced with the next after being used for a certain period. This schedule is not set randomly; it is planned according to the biological time needed for the tooth to move within the bone.
Bringing the change forward does not speed up movement. On the contrary, the aligner does not fully grip the tooth and treatment may deviate from the plan. Changing the aligner late delays progress. Following the schedule is necessary for both speed and accuracy. We recommend setting a reminder on your phone.
Eating and Drinking
- Do not eat with your aligners: There is a risk of breakage and deformation.
- Remove them for drinks other than plain water: Sugary and acidic drinks remain under the aligner and increase the risk of caries.
- Hot drinks: They can deform the aligner material; removing them is recommended.
- Colored drinks: Coffee, tea and red wine can stain the aligners.
- Do not chew gum: It sticks to the aligner and makes cleaning difficult.
Oral Care
Since the aligners cover the teeth, in a mouth where they are put in without brushing, food residue and sugar remain in contact with the tooth surface for a long time. This significantly increases the risk of caries. For this reason, you need to brush your teeth after every meal and then put the aligner in. If this is not possible when you are out, at least rinse your mouth with plenty of water.
Aligner Cleaning
The aligners should be rinsed with cold or lukewarm water every time they are removed and cleaned with a soft brush at least once a day. Do not use hot water; it deforms the material. Since regular toothpaste may be abrasive, it can dull the aligner surface; prefer the products your dentist recommends. Colored or scented mouthwashes can also affect the aligners.
Insertion and Removal Technique
When removing the aligner, it is easier to start from the back and move forward, and this prevents deformation. Pulling it forcibly from the front may cause the aligner to crack. When inserting it, it is recommended to seat it first at the front and press towards the back. To avoid damaging your nails, removal aids available on the market can be used.
Attachments
To achieve some movements, small composite bumps are bonded onto the teeth. These allow the aligner to grip the tooth and are part of the treatment. If one of the attachments falls off, the aligner cannot fully grip that tooth; report it to the clinic without waiting.
In Case of Problems
- The aligner broke or was lost: Do not switch to the next aligner on your own. Call your clinic; you will usually be asked to go back to the previous aligner or a new one will be produced. For this reason, do not throw away the previous aligner; keep it.
- The aligner does not fit fully: This may show that the teeth are not moving according to the plan. Do not force it; come for a check-up.
- Pain or poking: A feeling of pressure in the first days with a new aligner is normal. If a sharp edge is bothering your tongue, a check-up is needed.
When Traveling
Carry your current aligner as well as the previous one and, if available, the next one, your cleaning brush and your storage case. Wrapping aligners in a napkin and leaving them on the table is the most common cause of loss; always put them in their case.
Frequently Asked Questions
The treatment regresses somewhat. Continuity is the most important condition.
Plain, lukewarm water can be drunk; for other drinks, removing them is recommended.
Colored drinks and insufficient cleaning may be the cause; your cleaning habits should be reviewed.
No. The schedule is planned according to the biological process; switching early may lead to deviation from the plan.
Yes. As with fixed treatment, retention is mandatory.
The success of your treatment is largely in your hands.
If you are having difficulty with wear or a problem with your aligner, do not wait. Contact us to book an appointment; let us bring your treatment back on plan at DijiDent Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic.
This content is for general information purposes. The wearing time and change schedule are determined individually by your dentist.
