Last Reviewed 12th February 2026
Authored by Dr Agata Kijowska, Founder & Principal Dentist, Calm Dental
Table of Contents
Clear Aligner Aftercare:
Quick Guide for New Users
Congratulations on starting your clear aligner journey! 😊 To help you adjust smoothly, here’s a friendly, bite-sized guide with the most important aftercare tips.
Adjusting to Your New Aligners
It’s normal to feel some pressure or mild soreness when you first start wearing aligners – this means they’re working, and the discomfort typically fades after a few days as your teeth adjust. You might also notice a slight lisp at first, but don’t worry – as your tongue gets used to the aligners, any minor speech changes usually disappear quickly. Keep in mind that these initial quirks are temporary, and each day will get easier as you adapt.
Wear Your Aligners ~22 Hours a Day
For the best results, wear your aligners for about 22 hours per day. Essentially, only remove them for meals, drinks other than water, and when brushing or flossing your teeth. Consistent wear is crucial – if you leave your aligners out for too long, it can slow or even pause your tooth movement and delay your treatment. (Yes, you should sleep with them in – that counts toward your wear time and is perfectly fine! 😴)
Eating, Drinking & Oral Hygiene
Always remove your aligners to eat or drink anything except plain water. Eating with the trays in can damage or stain them, and even clear drinks like soda or tea can seep under the aligner and cause tooth decay. (Water is the only safe thing to have while aligners are on.)
Brush and floss after every meal before putting your aligners back in. Keeping your teeth clean prevents trapping food or sugar under the aligners, which could lead to cavities or gum irritation. If you’re not near a toothbrush, at least rinse your mouth (and your aligners) with water before re-inserting them.
Maintain good oral hygiene overall – continue to brush twice a day and floss once daily at minimum. A healthy, clean mouth helps your aligners do their job and keeps your breath fresh.
Don’t chew gum or smoke with aligners in. Gum can stick to your aligners, and smoking can stain them. It’s best to remove the trays for anything that isn’t water, and always clean your teeth before putting them back.
Inserting & Removing Your Aligners
Putting aligners in: Aligners are designed to “snap” snugly over your teeth. Gently press them into place with your fingertips – do not bite down on the aligners to force them on (this could crack them). You should feel them sit securely on your teeth with slight pressure.
Taking aligners out: To remove your trays, start at the back teeth on one side. Use your fingertip or fingernail to hook under the edge of the aligner on a back molar and lift it off the tooth, then repeat on the other side. Once both back corners are free, you can gradually work forward, gently wiggling the aligner off your front teeth. Always use your fingers (never yank them out with your teeth) and avoid bending or twisting the aligner as you remove it – slow and steady wins here. If the aligner feels tight, relax and try again; it will get easier as you get the hang of it.
Cleaning Your Aligners
Keeping your aligners clean is easy and important. Rinse your aligners with lukewarm water and gently brush them with a soft toothbrush every day (for example, each morning and before bed). Use a clear, mild soap if needed to help remove plaque, then rinse well. Avoid hot water or harsh products when cleaning – heat can warp the plastic, and abrasive toothpaste or mouthwash can scratch or damage the aligners. There are also special aligner cleaning crystals/tablets you can use occasionally for a deeper clean (ask us for recommendations). With regular care, your aligners will stay clear and odor-free.
Use Your Case & Protect Your Aligners
Always use the case: Whenever your aligners aren’t in your mouth, put them in the protective case we provided. It’s very easy to accidentally lose or break them if you don’t! For example, never wrap aligners in a napkin or leave them loose in a pocket – they could get thrown out or crushed. Keeping them in the case also keeps them safe from damage (and away from curious pets who might think they’re a chew toy). If an aligner is ever lost, damaged, or badly warped, contact our office immediately for guidance on what to do next. We can advise you whether to use your previous tray, move to the next one, or order a replacement, so you stay on track.
When to Contact Calm Dental
We’re here to help you every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or if something doesn’t feel right. You should reach out if you experience severe or persistent pain, if an aligner cracks or no longer fits properly, or if you’re unsure about any instructions. Our team can offer advice and schedule a check if needed. We want your treatment to be as comfortable and successful as possible!
Call 020 7870 2702 for support or to schedule an appointment. We’re always happy to assist you and keep your smile journey on track. Enjoy your new smile adventure with confidence! 😃