What Is the First Week with Clear Aligners Like? A Guide to the Adjustment Period

Short answer: In the first week with clear aligners, slight pressure on the teeth, a small change in speech and increased saliva may be noticed. In most people these symptoms decrease after the first few days. Wearing the aligners for the set time, settling into a cleaning routine and acquiring new habits make adjustment easier.

What can be felt in the first days?

• A feeling of pressure: Because the teeth have started to move, the aligner may feel tight. It is usually most noticeable in the first few days.
• A difference in speech: Until the tongue gets used to the aligner, there may be a slight change in some sounds. For details you can look at our article do clear aligners affect speech.
• Increased saliva: While getting used to a foreign object, the mouth may temporarily produce more saliva.
• Dryness or sensitivity: Some people may notice tooth and gum sensitivity.
• Friction at the edges: The aligner edge can touch the tongue, cheek or gums and cause irritation.

For the causes and limits of the pressure felt, you can read our article do clear aligners hurt.

Tips that make adjustment easier

1. Wear the aligner for the time the dentist recommends: Wearing it continuously speeds up adjustment; taking it out and putting it in often can prolong the discomfort. For the duration you can look at our article how many hours a day should they be worn.
2. Put in a new aligner in the evening: Some people find it easier when the first pressure coincides with sleep; you can discuss the most suitable time with your dentist.
3. Read aloud: Reading out loud for a few days can help the tongue get used to the aligner.
4. Drink plenty of water: This helps with the feeling of dryness. Do not drink anything other than water while the aligner is in.
5. Prefer soft foods: Especially when the teeth are sensitive, soft food can be more comfortable.
6. Watch the aligner edge: If there is friction, let the dentist know. For details you can look at the article on what to do if an aligner cuts the gums or tongue.

Adjusting psychologically

When getting used to something new, it is natural in the first days to take the aligner out often to check it or to keep probing it with your tongue. After a few days the aligner gradually becomes unnoticeable. The image in the mirror, seeing the attachments for the first time, or the different feeling the aligner creates in the mouth may stand out at first; these fade over time. Being patient during this period and keeping up the routine speeds up adjustment. Using your fingertip on the back teeth when putting the aligner in and taking it out prevents too much load on the front teeth.

A sample daily routine for the first week

• Morning: Brush the teeth after breakfast and put the aligners in
• During the day: Drink water, do not take the aligners out unnecessarily, and cut down on snacking between meals
• Lunch: Put the aligners in their case, brush after the meal and put them back in
• Evening: Clean the aligners and the teeth, and put the aligners back in
• Night: Sleep with the aligners in, and keep the aligner case next to the bed

Eating and cleaning routine

The aligners are taken out while eating. After the meal the teeth are brushed and the aligners are put back in. Aligners that have been taken out should be kept in a case and not wrapped in a napkin. For diet, you can look at our article what you can eat and drink with clear aligners, and for daily care our usage and care guide.

The first week in social life

It is normal to feel slightly uneasy in the first days when putting in the aligners at work, in class or in a meeting. Clear aligners are mostly not noticed unless someone looks closely. If needed, telling those close to you that you use aligners can also be a relief. Carrying an aligner case and a small toothbrush with you makes cleaning after lunch easier. Before an important event, you can look at our page on planning before an important date.

When should you see the dentist in the first week?

• If the aligner does not seat on the teeth at all or a noticeable gap remains somewhere
• If the aligner has cracked or broken
• If a sore has formed on the gums or cheek
• If the pressure does not decrease after a few days but increases
• If you have swelling or marked pain in your mouth

For common problems and their solutions, you can also look at the page on clear aligner problems and solutions.

Will I experience the same with later aligners?

When you move on to a new aligner, the teeth make a small movement again, so mild pressure may be felt again; however, this feeling is mostly lighter than with the first aligner. How often aligners are changed depends on the dentist’s plan; for information you can look at our article how often are aligners changed.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the adjustment period last?

In most people it eases within a few days to a week; the time varies from person to person.

Do I have to wear the aligners all day in the first week?

Yes, apart from eating and cleaning, wearing them for the time the dentist specifies is recommended; regular wear makes adjustment easier.

Will my speech go back to normal?

In most people speech becomes natural after the first days; if a noticeable problem continues, consult the dentist.

How do you find out what suits you?

The information here is general; the right plan for you is determined by an examination and the dentist’s assessment. At our clinic in Oran, Çankaya, Ankara, we go through your questions together during the first orthodontic examination.