Clear Aligners Aftercare Checklist (Abu Dhabi)
1. How many hours a day should you wear your aligners?
Wear your clear aligners for at least 20–22 hours per day.
Remove them only for meals, drinks (other than water), and oral hygiene.
Every missed hour delays your results. The more consistently you wear your aligners, the faster and more precisely your teeth move.
2. How to put on and take off your aligners correctly
Putting on:
– Check that you’re using the correct aligner number.
– Place it gently with your fingers — don’t bite down to seat it.
– Make sure it fits snugly over every tooth, without gaps.
Removing:
– Start from the back teeth.
– Use both hands and remove slowly, without jerking.
– If it feels tight, gently wiggle it from side to side.
3. Can you eat or drink while wearing aligners?
No.
Always remove your clear aligners before eating or drinking anything except plain water.
Hot, sweet, or coloured drinks can stain or deform the material.
After meals, brush your teeth before putting the aligners back in.
If brushing isn’t possible, rinse both your mouth and aligners thoroughly.
4. How to care for your aligners
– Clean your aligners with a soft toothbrush under lukewarm (never hot!) water morning and night.
– You may use toothpaste, but avoid abrasive or whitening types.
– Once or twice a week, soak them in a cleaning solution recommended by your doctor.
– Always keep your aligners in a clean, dry case.
– Never wrap them in napkins — that’s how they most often get lost in cafés, offices, or during visits.
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5. What to do if an aligner is lost or cracked
– Stay calm. If you were close to switching, you can move on to the next aligner.
– If not, go back to the previous one temporarily.
– In any case, contact your orthodontist as soon as possible.
– Never leave your teeth without an aligner for more than 24 hours.
6. How often are check-ups?
Usually once every 6–8 weeks, unless your orthodontist recommends otherwise.
During these visits, your progress is reviewed and your next clear aligners are provided.
7. Comfort and adaptation
– Mild pressure is normal in the first few days — it means the aligners are working.
– A slight lisp or change in speech may occur at first; most patients adapt within 2–4 days.
– If an aligner hurts, doesn’t fit properly, or irritates your gums, contact your orthodontist.
8. Things to avoid
– Eating or drinking anything (except plain water) while wearing your aligners.
– Rinsing or cleaning aligners with hot water — it can warp them.
– Storing aligners in napkins, pockets, or open surfaces.
– Using abrasive or whitening toothpaste, alcohol, or antiseptics like chlorhexidine.
– Trying to bend, bite, or “adjust” aligners yourself.
– Forgetting to put them back in after meals.
9. Helpful reminders
– Change your aligners on schedule, exactly as instructed.
– Keep your previous set as a temporary backup.
– Carry your case everywhere — even if you’re “just stepping out.”
– Take progress photos every few weeks — you’ll be amazed by the results.
– If something feels off, always ask your doctor. It’s better to check than guess.
And finally
You’ve already taken the hardest step — starting your clear aligners journey.
Now it’s just one day at a time, one aligner after another.
We’re here for you through every stage.
If you have any concerns, reach out to us at TRUE SMILE Dental Centre Abu Dhabi or visit our clear aligners in Abu Dhabi page for guidance and support.
