Clear Aligner Wear & Care Guide

Starting your treatment? Here’s how to wear and care for your clear aligners without stress.

How to Use Your ALIGNERCO Clear Aligners

How to Use Your ALIGNERCO Clear Aligners

Your aligners are ready – now let's walk you through how to wear them, remove them, and care for them confidently.

If you have any questions, our experts are just a message away.

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Read Your Aligner Packets Correctly

Your ALIGNERCO box includes all the clear aligners you'll need for your complete treatment. (Plus, a free pair of retainers)

Each aligners packet is clearly labeled with your:

  • 1 Name
  • 2 Case Number
  • 3 Step Number (to show the correct order)
  • 4 Upper (U) or Lower (L) tray
Read Your Aligner Packets Correctly

Important Note:Ensure that you follow the steps in the correct order. Also, some steps may contain only one aligner. This is normal — certain teeth finish their movement earlier than others.

How to Insert Your Aligners

Wash Your Hands

Wash Your Hands

Always wash with clean, dry hands.

Rinse Your Aligners

Rinse Your Aligners

Give each tray a quick rinse with room temperature water.

Check Upper vs Lower

Check Upper vs Lower

Ensure you're holding the correct tray for the corresponding arch.

Insert Gently

Step 1
Step 1

Position the aligner over your front teeth

Step 2
Step 2

Press down/up gently using your fingertips

Step 3
Step 3

Work your way toward the back teeth

Step 4
Step 4

Never bite down to snap aligners into place

Use Your Chewies
Use Your Chewies

Bite down gently to help the aligner seat fully

If something feels off A little tightness is normal. If the aligner still won't seat, or the discomfort feels sharp, remove it and contact us.

How to Care for Your Aligners

Keep Them Safe

  • Always store aligners in their case
  • Keep future sets sealed until it's time to switch
  • Save worn aligners in labeled pouches
  • Protect aligners from heat, sunlight (including hot cars)

Keep Them Clean

  • Rinse under cool or lukewarm water
  • Clean gently using a soft-bristled brush + mild soap
  • Avoid toothpaste, mouthwash, hot water, denture cleaners
  • Cleaning the outside surface while wearing them can help
  • For deeper cleaning, you can also use our UV Aligner Cleaner or Cleaning Tablets

Keep Your Mouth Fresh

  • Remove aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water
  • Brush and floss after every meal before reinserting
  • If brushing isn't possible, rinse your mouth and the aligners well
How to Care for Your Aligners

How to Remove Your Aligners

Wash Your Hands

Wash Your Hands

Rinse Your Aligners

Rinse Your Aligners

Always Start From the Back

Gently lift from a back molar on one side, then the other

Gently lift from a back molar on one side, then the other

Once loosened, remove using both hands

Once loosened, remove using both hands

Rinse, pat dry, and store immediately in your case

Rinse, pat dry, and store immediately in your case

Avoid :

Pulling the aligner from the front
Using nails or sharp tools
Twisting or bending the aligner
Removing your aligners more than necessary

Your Wear Routine

Every ALIGNERCO treatment is unique — your routine depends entirely on your personalized plan.

Check Your Wear Time

Your plan will tell you whether you're using:

  • Day Aligners (around 20–22 hours/day), or
  • Night Aligners (around 8–10 hours/night)

Follow the hours listed in your treatment plan and on your pouches.

Switch Sets

Move to your next set according to the number printed on your aligner packets. This may be 7, 10, 12+ days, depending on your plan.

Your Wear Routine

Pro tip: Start New Sets at Night.
This helps you sleep through the initial tightness or pressure.

Compliance Made Simple with AlignerTracker

Compliance Made Simple with AlignerTracker

ALIGNERCO AlignerTracker app keeps teens on track with smart reminders and progress updates.

Learn More

How Your Aligners Should Feel

Totally Normal

  • A slight temporary lisp
  • More saliva or occasional dry mouth
  • Your bite feels “different” as teeth shift
  • Snug fit when switching to a new aligner set
  • Mild tightness or pressure during the first 24–48 hours

When to Contact Us

  • Sharp or severe pain
  • A tray feels unusually loose
  • Your aligner cracks or breaks
  • You lose an aligner and need guidance
  • Visible gaps between the aligner and your teeth
  • The aligner won’t seat fully, even after using chewies

We're Here for You

Have questions? Concerned about your fit? Need help deciding whether to move forward or step back?

Our team is always ready to support you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when to switch to my next aligner set?

Your aligner packets and treatment plan list exactly how long each set should be worn; this may be 7, 10, 12 or more days. Always follow the instructions printed on each packet.

What if my aligners feel too tight or hard to put on?

Mild tightness is normal during the first 24–48 hours. Use chewies to help seat them. If the aligner still doesn’t fit or feels painfully tight, contact us before continuing.

Can I eat or drink with my aligners in?

No. Remove your aligners for all food and drinks except water to prevent staining and damage.

What happens if I lose or crack an aligner?

Contact us before changing sets. We’ll guide you on whether to move forward, go back to your previous set, or request a replacement.

How do I clean my aligners properly?

Rinse with cool water and clean using a soft brush and mild soap. Avoid hot water, toothpaste, mouthwash, or denture cleaners, as they can warp or damage your aligners.

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