Answering the Most Frequently Asked Questions

Aligners are transparent plastic trays. They are snug-fitting, customized, and removable appliances that gradually move teeth into the desired alignment.

Clear aligners use a series of customized trays that apply precise pressure to shift your teeth step by step into their ideal positions.

ALIGNERCO Clear Aligners are made from medical-grade, BPA-free thermoplastic material that is safe, durable, and comfortable to wear.

Yes. ALIGNERCO Clear Aligners are made from safe, BPA-free materials, and every treatment plan is reviewed by licensed orthodontic professionals.

Yes. ALIGNERCO Clear Aligners are made from medical-grade, BPA-free thermoplastic, making them safe to use during pregnancy. However, we always recommend consulting your doctor or dentist before beginning treatment.

Our aligners are highly transparent, affordable, customized, handcrafted, and trimmed to the gum line for a snug and comfortable fit.

Both options straighten teeth effectively. All-Day Aligners are worn for 20–22 hours daily, while NightOnly Aligners are worn for 8–10 continuous hours during sleep. Treatment duration may vary depending on the option selected.

You may notice slight lisping during the first few days of treatment, but most users adjust in a week or so, as their mouth adapts.

You should remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. Hot or colored beverages may stain or damage the aligners. While eating with aligners in will break and deform them, it might even injure your gums.

No. Chewing gum while wearing aligners is not recommended because it may damage or crack the trays.

Yes. Most people can continue playing instruments like the flute, trumpet, or harmonica while wearing aligners, though it may take a few days to adjust.

We recommend removing aligners during high-impact sports to avoid injury or damage to the trays.

Rinse your aligners under room-temperature water and clean them with mild soap if needed. Avoid toothpaste, mouthwash, or harsh cleaners as they may scratch the trays.

Each aligner set is typically worn for around 10 days before switching to the next set.

All-Day Aligners should be worn for 20–22 hours daily, while NightOnly Aligners should be worn for 8–10 continuous nighttime hours.

If you lose a set of aligners, contact your assigned Smile Crew Member immediately for guidance on the next steps.

A slight tight feeling is normal when starting a new set of aligners, as they are designed to gently move your teeth.

If your aligners feel excessively tight or do not fit correctly, contact your Smile Crew Member for assistance and evaluation.

It may take a few days to get used to aligners. If difficulties continue, contact our support team for assistance.

ALIGNERCO Clear Aligners are designed to treat mild to moderate teeth alignment concerns. Our experts will review your case to determine eligibility. Take our free online smile assessment to see if you're a candidate.

Clear aligner treatment is generally suitable for individuals aged 13 and above.

Yes, single-arch treatment may be possible. However, impressions of both arches are required to ensure your bite remains properly aligned.

Yes, you can, but there are some limitations. When our experts review your impressions or dental scans, that's when they determine whether your wisdom teeth need removal before treatment or not.

Yes. Treatment may still be possible even if you have missing teeth. Our experts determine the eligibility when assessing your impressions or dental scans.

No, bridges cannot be moved with aligners and require more complex movement that at-home models cannot provide effectively.

Aligners cannot move dental implants.

Simply order an impression kit or visit a scan location. Once your impressions or scans are reviewed, you will receive your smile projection for approval.

The process includes taking impressions or scans, receiving your smile projection, approving the plan, and then receiving your custom aligners for treatment.

Yes. Accurate impressions or digital scans are necessary to create your custom treatment plan and aligners.

An impression kit includes everything needed to create molds of your teeth, including trays, putty, gloves, instructions, and a prepaid return label.

We send three major tray sizes: small, medium, and large. One of these 3 sizes will usually fit you without a problem.

In many cases, yes. Our support team can guide you through available options.

Smile projection is a 3D preview of your proposed treatment plan showing the expected before-and-after positions of your teeth.

Smile projections are usually ready within 10 business days after workable impressions or scans are received.

Yes. If you are not satisfied with the proposed results, you may request modifications before aligner production begins.

Treatment duration depends on the complexity of your case, but most mild to moderate cases are completed within 4–6 months.

You may feel mild pressure or discomfort during the first few days of each aligner set, but this is normal and temporary.

Each aligner is designed to apply controlled pressure to specific teeth, gradually guiding them into improved alignment over time.

Yes. Inconsistent wear time or more complex tooth movement can extend treatment duration.

Not wearing aligners for the recommended amount of time may delay treatment progress and affect your final results.

The complete process generally takes around 5 weeks from the time workable impressions are received.

After treatment, retainers must be worn consistently to maintain your new smile and prevent teeth from shifting back.

Retainers are typically worn 20–22 hours daily for the first six months, followed by nighttime wear afterward.

You may pay upfront or choose from available installment options. You can explore our plans here.

Yes. ALIGNERCO offers flexible monthly installment plans, including options with soft credit checks or no credit checks. Learn more about plans here

Yes. Early payment arrangements can be made by contacting your Smile Crew Member.

Yes, the impression kit is included at no additional cost when you pay upfront for treatment.

No. Treatment pricing and payment details are clearly shared before you begin treatment.

If our experts determine that you are not a suitable candidate for treatment after reviewing your impressions or scans, you will receive a full refund.

Absolutely. Non-candidates are entitled to a full refund. Read our refund policy for more details.

Impression kits are typically delivered within 3 to 4 business days after purchase.

Once your smile projection is approved and payment is completed, aligners are typically delivered within about 3 weeks.

Your aligners are shipped directly to your doorstep in clearly labeled treatment stages.

Yes. ALIGNERCO ships internationally and can provide purchase receipts for customs purposes if required.

Shipping across the mainland USA is completely free. The costs vary for other regions.

A clear retainer is a transparent, removable retainer designed to maintain your teeth alignment after braces or clear aligner treatment.

Clear retainers are discreet, comfortable, removable, and effective at maintaining straight teeth after orthodontic treatment.

Most people should wear retainers full-time initially, then transition to nighttime wear as instructed by their dental professional.

Your teeth may gradually shift back toward their original positions if retainers are not worn consistently.

With proper care, clear retainers typically last from around a year, but it is recommended to change them every 6 months.

No, you should remove your retainers before eating or drinking anything other than water.

Rinse them with normal tap water and clean gently with mild soap or a retainer cleaner. Avoid hot water and toothpaste. For deeper cleaning, you can use special devices like an Ultrasonic UV Cleaner.

Yes, retainers can crack, warp, or lose shape if exposed to heat or excessive force.

A tight retainer may indicate tooth movement from inconsistent wear. Resume regular wear and contact support if discomfort continues.

In many cases, replacement retainers can be made from your existing records if they are still available and accurate.

A night guard is a dental appliance worn during sleep to protect teeth from grinding and clenching, also known as bruxism.

Common signs include jaw pain, headaches, worn teeth, tooth sensitivity, and grinding noises during sleep.

Teeth grinding can be caused by stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, bite issues, or certain lifestyle habits.

Night guards are designed for teeth grinding during sleep, while mouth guards are intended to protect teeth during sports and physical activities.

Yes, night guards may help reduce pressure on the jaw joints and muscles caused by clenching and grinding.

Yes, custom night guards provide a more accurate fit, improved comfort, better durability, and enhanced protection.

Rinse it daily with cool water and clean it gently with mild soap or a non-abrasive cleaner. Store it in a ventilated case.

Depending on grinding severity and maintenance, a night guard can last anywhere from several months to a few years.

Yes, custom night guards can usually be designed to fit around crowns, bridges, veneers, or implants.

Without a night guard, teeth grinding may continue to damage your teeth, enamel, dental work, and jaw over time.

You can reach our support team anytime at support@alignerco.com.

Yes. ALIGNERCO offers 24/7 live chat support through the website.

You will be assigned a dedicated Smile Crew Member who will assist you throughout your treatment journey.

Yes. Your Smile Crew Member can coordinate communication with your assigned dental professional whenever needed.

Contact your Smile Crew Member immediately for guidance on replacement or next steps.

Our support team remains available to assist with retainers, aftercare, and post-treatment concerns.

We always value customer feedback. You can send your suggestions or comments to support@alignerco.com.

Our team is always happy to help. Reach out through live chat or email support@alignerco.com for assistance.

A mouth guard is a protective dental appliance worn over the teeth to help prevent injuries during sports or physical activities.

Anyone participating in contact or high-impact sports such as football, boxing, basketball, hockey, or martial arts should wear a mouth guard.

Custom mouth guards are professionally made using impressions or scans of your teeth for a precise, comfortable fit and better protection than boil-and-bite options.

Custom mouth guards fit more securely, feel more comfortable, allow easier breathing and speaking, and offer improved protection compared to generic mouth guards.

Yes, specially designed mouth guards can be worn with braces or during orthodontic treatment to protect your teeth and appliances.

Rinse it with cool or room-temperature water after every use and clean it regularly with mild soap or a specialized cleaner. Avoid hot water.

The lifespan depends on usage and wear, but most custom mouth guards last between 6 months and to a year with proper care.

Yes, mouth guards help reduce the risk of chipped teeth, broken teeth, lip injuries, and jaw trauma during sports activities.

If your mouth guard cracks, tears, or no longer fits properly, it should be replaced to ensure continued protection.

You can order a custom mouth guard by completing an impression kit or digital scan process, after which a personalized guard is fabricated for your teeth.