Tips for Taking Care of Your Clear Aligners
Quick Navigation
Tips for Taking Care of Your Clear Aligners
Wear them right, care for them well, and stay on track for a confident smile
Clear aligners are a popular orthodontic option today because they straighten teeth discreetly and fit easily into everyday life. However, to achieve the best results and keep your treatment on schedule, proper care and consistent wear are essential.
This article shares simple, practical tips on how to take care of your clear aligners—from daily wear time and using chewies correctly to cleaning and storing your aligners—so your treatment stays smooth from start to finish.
Wear your clear aligners long enough each day
Clear aligners should be worn for at least 22 hours per day. Remove them only when brushing your teeth, eating meals, or drinking beverages. (Plain water is fine to drink without removing your aligners.)
Not wearing aligners long enough may slow tooth movement and extend your overall treatment time.
A new aligner may feel loose at first—this is normal
When switching to a new aligner, it’s common to feel that it doesn’t fit perfectly right away. This usually improves as your teeth begin to move. Using chewies daily helps the aligner sit more closely against your teeth.
First 2 days of a new aligner:
Bite on chewies for about 5–10 minutes per dayAfter that:
Bite for 15–30 seconds each time you put your aligners back in
If your aligner still doesn’t fit well after using chewies, do not move on to the next aligner. Go back to the previous one and contact the clinic via LINE @bigmouthten for further guidance.
Change to a new aligner the right way
Always rinse a new aligner with clean water before wearing it.
We recommend switching to a new aligner before bedtime, as wearing it continuously while sleeping helps your teeth adjust more smoothly. This often makes removal easier the next morning and can reduce soreness during the first day.
Check your attachments regularly
Attachments are small tooth-colored buttons bonded to your teeth to help guide tooth movement. Check them daily.
If you notice that an attachment has chipped or fallen off, contact the clinic to schedule an appointment. In the meantime, continue wearing your current aligner.
If your clear aligner is lost
If the aligner you are currently wearing is lost, you may move on to the next aligner even if it’s earlier than planned.
However, if you do not have a next aligner available, go back to the previous one and contact the clinic as soon as possible to arrange a replacement.
How to clean your clear aligners
Clean your aligners every day to keep them clear and odor-free.
Brush them gently using mild soap or regular toothpaste without whitening or abrasive particles
Retainer cleaning tablets may be used occasionally
Avoid mouthwash, as it can stain or discolor the aligners
Store your aligners properly
Whenever you remove your aligners, always place them in their case to prevent damage or loss.
If you have pets at home, be especially careful—pets are often attracted to the smell and may chew on aligners if left out.
It’s also helpful to keep chewies inside your aligner case so they’re always available when needed.
Do not throw away old aligners. Keep at least the previous three sets and bring them with you to every appointment.
If you have reached your final aligner but your follow-up visit hasn’t arrived yet, continue wearing the last aligner until your appointment.
Minor adjustments you can do at home
Occasionally, an aligner may have a sharp edge. You can gently smooth it with a nail file or fine sandpaper. If irritation persists, contact the clinic for advice.
Final thoughts
Taking proper care of your clear aligners helps keep your treatment on track, reduces unexpected issues, and leads to a more comfortable experience overall. If you’d like to learn more about clear aligner treatment, explore related orthodontic topics, or get to know our dental team, you can continue reading through the relevant pages on the Bigmouthten website to support your decision with confidence 💙