Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
One of my attachments is missing. What should I do?
Don’t worry! Just let us know via email, and we will check with our team whether you will need to come back soon to the practice or if that can be fixed during your next appointment.
Is it normal to feel pain on the first day wearing a new aligner?
Yes, it is expected to feel some pain or discomfort during the first day of wearing a new aligner. This is typically due to the aligners applying pressure to your teeth as they shift into new positions. Use pain medications as needed to get the discomfort under control. You will not need to do this for the entire treatment duration, so this strategy has no long-term risk. It simply helps keep you comfortable while your mouth adjusts. If the pain persists or is severe, please let us know.
I lost my aligner, or my aligner is broken! And now?
Please get in contact with us immediately! If you have a previous aligner, you may be advised to wear it until you can get instruction from our team. There will be two options: we will ask you to go further to the next aligners, or we will order a replacement aligner for you.
Are there any restrictions on what I can eat while in treatment?
No, your clear aligners are removable, so you can remove them, leave your everyday life and eat what you want.
What should I do if I notice a gap between my aligner and my teeth?
If your teeth didn’t move as expected during the week, your aligners will not fit perfectly. This can be due to a lack of wearing hours for your aligners and /or elastics, or some teeth are not moving as expected for biological reasons. If you notice a gap between your aligner and teeth, it’s essential to ensure that the aligner is seated correctly. Try gently using your chewie to try to get it into place. If the gap persists, contact us for guidance.
What are refinements? Is it always needed?
Typically, after the initial treatment phase, we will evaluate the progress and determine if any further adjustments are necessary. If so, they will design a new set of aligners based on the current tooth positioning to refine the alignment and ensure that the outcome meets the desired aesthetic and functional goals. This process helps achieve precise tooth movements and can enhance the overall effectiveness of the treatment.
How long should I wear my night retainers?
You should wear your night retainers 12 hours per day for the first year following orthodontic treatment, after which we may advise you to wear them a few times a week. It’s essential to follow our team-specific instructions regarding duration and frequency.
Why should I wear my aligners 22 hours per day and not only when sleeping?
Wearing your aligners for 22 hours daily is essential because it ensures that the teeth are consistently under the gentle pressure to shift them into the desired positions.
This continuous wear helps maintain the treatment’s effectiveness and can lead to shorter treatment times. If aligners are not worn for the recommended duration, it may result in slower progress or even setbacks in your treatment.