Expert Tips for a Smooth & Successful Treatment

Clear aligners offer a discreet, comfortable, and effective way to straighten your teeth, but to get the best results, you need to wear and care for them properly.

In this guide, we’ll cover the best practices for wearing, cleaning, and maintaining your aligners so you can achieve a beautiful, straight smile in the shortest time possible!

1. Wear Your Aligners Consistently

Clear aligners are designed to be worn 20-22 hours per day to ensure optimal results. The more consistently you wear them, the more effective the treatment will be.

Tips for Staying on Track:

✔ Only remove them for eating, drinking (except water), and brushing
✔ Keep them in while sleeping – this is when they work the most!
✔ Set reminders or phone alarms to avoid forgetting to put them back in
✔ Use an aligner case to prevent loss or accidental damage

Skipping aligner wear can delay your progress and lead to a longer treatment time, so consistency is key!

2. Keep Your Aligners Clean & Hygienic

Since aligners sit on your teeth for most of the day, keeping them clean is essential for good oral hygiene and fresh breath.

How to Clean Your Aligners Properly:

✔ Rinse them with lukewarm water (never hot, as it can warp the plastic)
✔ Use a soft toothbrush to gently clean them – no toothpaste, as it can be abrasive
✔ Soak them in aligner cleaning tablets or mild soap for a deeper clean
✔ Avoid colored or sugary drinks while wearing aligners to prevent staining

🔴 What to Avoid:
✖ Using mouthwash with alcohol or whitening agents (can damage aligners)
✖ Eating with aligners in (can trap bacteria and cause discoloration)
✖ Leaving them in open air (bacteria can build up quickly)

By following these hygiene tips, you’ll keep your aligners clear, odor-free, and bacteria-free throughout your treatment!

3. Switch Aligners on Time & Follow Your Plan

Aligners are designed to gradually move your teeth, so switching them on time is crucial to staying on schedule.

✔ Follow your orthodontist’s instructions – typically, you’ll switch to a new aligner every 10-14 days
✔ Keep your previous aligners as a backup in case of damage or loss
✔ If an aligner feels too tight or loose, contact support before switching

Delaying or switching too soon can affect your progress and require additional refinements, so it’s best to stay on track!

4. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Wearing aligners means your teeth are covered most of the day, so maintaining proper oral hygiene is more important than ever.

✔ Brush after every meal before putting aligners back in
✔ Use floss or a water flosser to remove food particles between teeth
✔ Rinse with alcohol-free mouthwash to keep your breath fresh

Skipping these steps can lead to plaque buildup, staining, or bad breath, so make oral hygiene a priority!

5. Store Your Aligners Properly

Losing or damaging an aligner can set your treatment back, so proper storage is essential.

✔ Use a protective aligner case whenever you remove them
✔ Keep them away from pets – dogs love to chew on aligners!
✔ Never wrap them in napkins – they can easily get thrown away

If you do lose or damage an aligner, contact Public Aligner support for guidance on your next steps.

6. Wear Your Retainer After Treatment

Once you complete your aligner treatment, your teeth can shift back if you don’t wear a retainer.

✔ Wear your retainer every night to maintain your results
✔ Replace it every 6-12 months to keep it fresh
✔ Store it in a case to prevent damage

Retainers are just as important as aligners, so don’t skip this step if you want a lifetime of perfect smiles!

Final Thoughts: Stay Consistent & Follow the Plan

Getting the best results from your clear aligners is all about commitment, consistency, and proper care. By following these expert tips, you’ll stay on track and achieve a straight, confident smile in no time!

📍 Ready to start your journey? Take our free assessment today!