How aligners work
Your dentist scans or takes impressions of your teeth and plans each small movement. You then wear a series of trays, and each one moves your teeth a little further.
The rule that decides your result
Plan to wear them 20 to 22 hours a day. Take them out to eat and drink anything except water.
If you leave them in a drawer, your teeth stop moving. Be honest with yourself about this before you choose them.
Cases they suit
Aligners handle mild crowding and small gaps well. Severe bites or rotated teeth may need fixed braces.
Your dentist will tell you at the first exam.
Daily care
- Rinse your trays when you take them out
- Brush your teeth before you put them back
- Keep them in their case at meals
- Keep them away from hot water, which can warp them
Aligners during Ramadan
You keep them in through the fasting hours, which makes wear time easy. After iftar, brush before you put them back.
Ask your dentist if you want to adjust your schedule for the month.
After treatment
You wear a retainer at the end. Teeth drift without one, so keep it in as your dentist advises.
Attachments and small adjustments
Many aligner plans use small tooth-coloured bumps bonded to some teeth. They give the trays something to grip.
Your orthodontist may also polish a tiny amount between some teeth to make space. This is planned before treatment starts.
Extra trays at the end
Teeth do not always move exactly as planned. Many people need a short set of extra trays to finish.
This is normal and does not mean treatment failed.
Keeping your trays clear
- Brush your teeth before you put the trays back in
- Rinse the trays in cool water, never hot
- Clean them with a soft brush
- Take them out for anything except water
Coffee, karak and coloured drinks stain trays fast.
Check-ups during treatment
You still come in for reviews. Your orthodontist checks that each tray fits and that your teeth are moving as planned.
Who plans your aligners
Aligner treatment at our clinic is planned by our consultant orthodontist, Dr J Ashok. Dr Ashok has 33 years of experience.
Travelling with aligners
Pack your case, a travel toothbrush and your next tray. Tell us before a long trip so we can plan your trays and check-ups around it.
If you lose a tray while away, call us before you change to another one.