Guiding Patients on Clear Aligners & Retainers

Use gentle pressure: Push the aligner over your front teeth first, then press it over your back teeth.

Avoid biting them into place: Do not use your teeth to snap them on, they can crack.

Example: “Slide the aligner over your front teeth, then press gently on the back molars with your fingertips, not your teeth.”

Remove from back teeth first: Start at one molar, then gently work around the mouth.

Do not pull from the front only: This can warp or crack the tray.

Example: “Lift the back of the retainer off your molars with your fingers, then carefully ease it off the front teeth.”

Rinse daily: Rinse under lukewarm water after removal to remove saliva and bacteria.

Brush gently: Use a soft toothbrush (no toothpaste with harsh abrasives) to clean.

Avoid hot water: High heat can warp plastic.

Example: “Use cool or lukewarm water and a soft brush to clean your aligners every time you take them out.”

Always use a case: Never leave trays on a table or in a pocket; they can break or be lost.

Keep away from pets: Dogs often chew retainers!

Example: “Whenever you remove your aligner or retainer, put it immediately in its case, it protects it from damage.”

Follow your prescribed hours: Typically 20–22 hours/day for aligners; retainers often nightly.

Avoid skipping wear: Teeth can shift quickly, making the tray tight or ineffective.

Example: “Take your aligners out only to eat or drink anything other than water, and always wear your retainers every night to keep your smile in place.”

Clean hands first: Always wash hands before touching trays.

Avoid bending: Don’t twist or force trays, they can crack.

Example: “Think of your aligners like a delicate glass, they’re flexible but can break if bent sharply.”

Check for wear: This will depend on usage, case and situation

Replace if cracked or warped: A damaged retainer won’t hold teeth properly.

Example: “If you notice cracks, discoloration, or the retainer feels tight in the wrong places, contact us for a replacement immediately.”

Using retainers like aligners. If you’re wearing them during the day, especially with attachments still on, frequent insertion and removal for meals, snacks, and brushing creates extra stress. This can cause your retainers to wear out faster than normal nighttime use.

Wearing retainers before your teeth are fully stable. If retainers are delivered before the case is fully resolved or if slight relapse has already occurred, they’ll need to work harder to hold or move the teeth. That added pressure can lead to premature wear.