Scan and plan
An intraoral scan records the teeth. Dr. Julian Restrepo reviews the bite, plans the movements, and orders a custom series of trays.
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Patient guide
Aligner Care
Daily wear, tray changes, tracking, and the right next step when an attachment or aligner has a problem.
What to expect
Treatment phases
Aligner treatment may be a little shorter than braces, but timing depends on the bite, tooth movement, tracking, and daily wear.
First series
Each tray moves the teeth a small step. Wear the trays 20 to 22 hours a day. Most patients change every 7 days and some every 14 days. Follow the case-specific instructions from the doctor.
Progress checks
The doctor checks tray fit, attachments, bite, and tracking. Bring the current tray so the fit can be checked in the mouth.
Possible refinements
A refinement is a new set of trays made after the first series to fine-tune teeth that need more movement. Refinements are a normal opportunity to improve the result, not a sign that treatment failed.
Retainers
When active movement is complete, retainers help hold the result. One pair of retainers is included with aligner treatment. Follow the wear schedule provided.
Daily care
Wear and clean
Aligners only move teeth while they are worn.
20 to 22 hours
Take the trays out only for meals, snacks, drinks other than plain cool water, brushing, flossing, and cleaning the trays. Do not change early. If wear time is missed, stay in the current tray and call if you are unsure whether the change day should move.
Clean and store
Rinse with cool or lukewarm water. Brush gently with a separate soft toothbrush and clear mild liquid soap. Toothpaste can scratch the trays. Never use hot water. Store aligners in their protective case whenever they are out.
Enjoy with trays out
- Meals and snacks without the trays
- Drinks other than plain water only while trays are out
- Brushing and flossing before trays go back in
- A mouth rinse with water if brushing must wait briefly
Avoid with trays in
- Food or chewing gum
- Coffee, tea, soda, juice, and alcohol
- Hot water or hot drinks that can distort the plastic
- Leaving trays loose, wrapped in a napkin, or within reach of pets
Tracking
Check the fit every day
Tracking means each tooth is moving into the space built into the tray. Look from the front and both sides, especially at the biting edges of the front teeth.
A thin line can appear when a new tray is first inserted, but it should improve as the tray seats. Do not move to the next tray while a visible gap remains.
Good tracking
Fully seated
The plastic follows every tooth closely, with no visible air space at the biting edges.
Photo reference: Wired Orthodontics
Mild off-tracking
Small edge gap
Stay in the current tray longer until it seats fully. Use chewies as instructed and keep checking the gap. Call if it does not close.
Photo reference: Himeji Invisalign
Off-track
Visible gaps remain
Do not advance. Keep the current and previous trays, and call the office for instructions.
Photo reference: Wired Orthodontics
Use chewies to help the tray seat
With the aligner in place, bite gently on the chewie over each area that is not fully seated. Move it from tooth to tooth rather than chewing in one spot. Use it exactly as instructed, clean it after use, and replace it when it starts to break down.
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
Keep the current and previous trays. Do not skip ahead or attempt a home repair.
Attachment falls off
If the tray still seats fully and feels comfortable, keep wearing it. Call and identify the tooth and current tray. Do not use glue or reshape the tray.
Tray is lost
Do not skip ahead. Keep your previous trays and call. The doctor will tell you whether to wear the previous tray, move forward, or wait for a replacement.
Small crack
If the tray remains in one piece, has no sharp edge, and still fits, keep wearing it and call for instructions. Do not bend, glue, or cut it.
Split, sharp, or warped tray
Stop forcing it into place. Keep the damaged tray and the previous tray, then call before changing anything.
New tray will not seat
Confirm that it is the correct tray and facing the right direction. Press it in with clean fingers and use a seating aid if instructed. If a gap remains, return to the last tray that fits comfortably and call. Do not jump ahead.
Missed wear time
Stay in the current tray. Call if you are unsure whether the change day should move or whether more time is needed.
When to call us
Call now or wait
Call or leave a message at (562) 904-6930. Walk-ins are welcome, but call first to confirm the office is open.
Call the office
- An attachment falls off or feels damaged
- A tray is lost, split, sharp, or warped
- A tray does not seat or a gap does not improve
- Pain is severe, getting worse, or comes with swelling
- You are unsure whether to move forward or back
Usually can wait
- Expected pressure when a new tray is inserted
- A thin gap that improves as a new tray seats
- A small crack when the tray stays in one piece, has no sharp edge, and still fits, after you have left a message
For uncontrolled bleeding, major facial trauma, or trouble breathing or swallowing, call 911.