Patient Instructions (Clear Aligners)

Clear Aligner Therapy Instructions

Clinic: [CLINIC NAME] | Phone: [CLINIC PHONE]

After-Hours: [AFTER-HOURS INSTRUCTIONS] (Include only if applicable)

Date: [date] | Patient: [patient name]

Your Treatment Plan

• Daily wear target: [hours]/day — aligners should only be out for meals and oral hygiene (If wear hours are not documented, insert: "Confirm wear hours with the clinic before changing trays.")
• Change aligners every: [number] days (If not specified, insert: "Confirm change interval with the clinic before changing trays.")
• Current tray: [Upper #__ / Lower #__ or Set #__]
• Next change date: [date]
• Accessories: [attachments / elastics / chewies and wear schedule] (Include only if applicable; otherwise omit this line)

Daily Care

• Wear aligners for your full daily target above.
• Remove aligners for all food and drinks except plain water.
• Brush and floss before reinserting aligners. If brushing isn't possible right away, rinse your mouth thoroughly and brush as soon as feasible.
• Clean aligners daily with [soft brush + mild soap / soft brush + non-abrasive toothpaste] and cool or lukewarm water.
• Store aligners in the case whenever they're out of your mouth—never wrap in a napkin or leave loose.
• Avoid hot water, dishwashers, and hot cars; heat can warp aligners.
• [Soaking/deep-clean product and schedule] (Include only if explicitly prescribed; otherwise omit this line)

What to Expect

Mild pressure or tenderness is common for the first few days with a new tray and usually improves with continued wear. You may notice slight speech changes or increased saliva at first; this typically resolves as you adapt. For discomfort, soft foods and cold compresses may help. Ask us if you need guidance on pain relief.

If Something Goes Wrong

Tray doesn't feel like it fits

• Confirm you have the correct tray number and arch.
• Press firmly with fingers (or use a chewie if provided) to fully seat. Do not force. Do not advance to the next tray.
• If it still won't seat after a day of wear, call the clinic.

Missed significant wear time

• Put aligners back in as soon as possible. Expect tightness.
• Do not advance on schedule if trays were under-worn—extend wear or call for guidance.

Lost or broken tray

• Contact the clinic for instructions.
• Wear your previous tray in the meantime. (Include only if clinic policy permits; otherwise omit this line)

Attachment came off

• Continue wearing aligners if they still seat.
• Call to schedule rebonding.

When to Call Us

Call soon (during office hours):

• Tray won't seat after troubleshooting
• Attachment or button came off
• Tray cracked, lost, or damaged
• Persistent sore spots or sharp edges causing irritation
• Pain not improving after several days

Call right away or seek urgent care:

• Facial swelling, fever, or spreading redness
• Suspected allergic reaction
• Significant jaw pain or inability to open/close mouth normally

Questions? We're here to help—contact us at [CLINIC PHONE].

Next appointment: [date/time] (Include if known; otherwise omit this line)