If the aligner cuts your tongue or cheek
The edge of an aligner can feel sharp in some places, especially on the inner surfaces the tongue touches and around the back teeth. This is more common with new aligners.
- Applying orthodontic wax to the irritated area can give short-term relief.
- Rinsing with warm salt water helps small sores heal.
- Do not cut or file the edge of the aligner yourself. Trimming in the wrong place can spoil the aligner's grip and the way it transmits force.
- If the discomfort does not pass within a few days, let the clinic know; the edge of the aligner can be adjusted properly at the clinic.
If the aligner cuts your gums or the gums look red
If the edge of the aligner presses on the gum, the gum can become red and tender. Another cause is gum inflammation due to food trapped between the aligner and the teeth. Cleaning your teeth and aligners after every meal and flossing reduce this risk. If redness, bleeding or swelling lasts more than a few days, contact the clinic.
Our detailed article on this: What to do if your clear aligners cut your gums
If the aligner does not fit fully
An aligner that does not sit fully on the teeth can be a sign that the teeth are not moving according to plan. If you see a clear gap between the aligner and the tip of a tooth:
- Make sure you press the aligner onto all the teeth with your fingers every time you put it in.
- If your orthodontist recommended them, use chewies (aligner seaters) a few times a day for a few minutes.
- Check that you are wearing the aligners for the recommended time.
- If the gap does not close within a few days, ask the clinic before moving to the next aligner; moving on too early can make the problem worse.
The aligner is very hard to put in or take out
A new aligner can be tight in the first days. When putting it in, press from the front teeth towards the back; when taking it out, start from the inner side of one of the back teeth. Do not use metal or sharp tools; they can scratch both the aligner and your teeth. If the difficulty continues, ask the clinic; an adjustment around the attachments may be needed.
The aligner is broken or cracked
A cracked or broken aligner cannot apply the right force to the teeth and can irritate the mouth. Let the clinic know. Your orthodontist may advise you to go back to the previous aligner, move on to the next one or have a new aligner made.
The aligner is lost
Contact the clinic as soon as possible. Until a decision is made, wear your previous aligner if you can; leaving the teeth without an aligner can let them drift back.
An attachment has come off
An attachment coming off is not an emergency, but it can affect the movement of that tooth. Let the clinic know; the attachment is usually re-bonded at the next check-up or at an earlier appointment.
Speech changes
A slight lisp on some sounds in the first days is normal and usually passes within a few days as the tongue gets used to the aligner. Reading aloud speeds this up. If the change in your speech lasts more than two weeks, ask your orthodontist.
Staining and odour on the aligners
Drinking anything other than water with the aligners in, smoking and poor cleaning can cause yellowing and bad odour. Clean the aligners morning and evening with lukewarm water and a soft brush, and do not put them back in after a meal without brushing your teeth.
When should you contact the clinic without waiting?
- Severe or increasing pain
- Facial swelling, fever or signs of gum infection
- A broken, lost or completely ill-fitting aligner
- A broken tooth or filling