Eusebio Dental
ALAMEDA, CALIFORNIA
Clear Aligners
Daily Wear and Care
What to Do Today
• Wear the aligners 22 hours each day.
• Remove them to eat or drink anything except water.
• Brush and floss before putting them back in.
• Store them in the case when they are out.
• Follow the tray-change schedule we gave you.
What to Expect Next
Tomorrow
• Clean the aligners each day with an ultrasonic cleaner and cool or lukewarm water.
• Avoid brushing the trays because brushing can make small scratches.
• Do not use hot water, bleach, or toothpaste.
• Rinse the case and let it dry.
Days 2-3
• Mild pressure or tenderness can be normal after a new tray.
• A small lisp can happen and usually improves.
• Keep wearing the tray. More wear usually helps it settle.
Days 4-7
• The tray should feel easier to wear.
• Check that it fits fully over every tooth.
• Use aligner chewies if we gave them to you.
Later Healing
• Change trays only on the schedule we gave you.
• Bring your current and next trays to appointments.
• Keep all old trays until treatment is complete unless we tell you otherwise.
Pain Medicine
Mild pressure is normal. If you need pain medicine and it is safe for you, use ONE adult medicine from the office pain guide. Call us for sharp pain, a tray that cuts the gum, or pain that does not improve.
Adult doses only. Use these medicines only if they are safe for you.
• Mild or moderate pain: Take ONE — ibuprofen up to 600 mg OR acetaminophen up to 1,000 mg.
• More pain: Take BOTH together.
• Wait at least 6 hours before the next dose. Do not take more than 4 doses in 24 hours.
• Do not take more than 2,400 mg of ibuprofen or 4,000 mg of acetaminophen in 24 hours.
• Check all medicine labels for acetaminophen. Ask us, your doctor, or a pharmacist if you are not sure.
• Do not take either medicine if a doctor has told you to avoid it.
Normal Healing
• Mild pressure with a new tray
• Mild tooth tenderness
• A small lisp
• Extra saliva or a dry mouth at first
• The tray feeling tighter on the first day
• Slow improvement
Call Eusebio Dental
Call or text Eusebio Dental for:
• A lost or broken aligner
• An attachment that comes off
• A tray that will not fit fully
• A sharp edge that cuts your mouth
• Strong pain or swelling
• A tray-change schedule you are unsure about
Emergency -
Call 911
Call 911 now for:
• Trouble breathing
• Severe swelling that makes it hard to breathe or swallow
• Bleeding you cannot control
You Might Be Wondering
How long do I wear aligners?
Wear them 22 hours each day.
Can I drink coffee with them in?
No. Remove them for all food and drinks except water.
How do I clean them?
Use an ultrasonic cleaner and cool or lukewarm water. Avoid brushing the trays.
What if I lose a tray?
Call us. Wear the last tray unless we tell you something different.
What if an attachment breaks?
Call us. Keep wearing the aligner unless it no longer fits.
Helpful Tips
Why This Matters
• Put the case on the table before you take the trays out.
• Never wrap aligners in a napkin.
• Keep them away from pets.
• Brush and floss before putting them back in.
• Keep the last tray as a backup.
• Use a timer or phone reminder if you forget to put them back in.
• Wearing aligners 22 hours a day keeps tooth movement on schedule.
• Removing them for food and drinks helps prevent stains and cavities.
• Clean teeth and trays lower odor and plaque.
• Calling early for a lost tray or broken attachment helps prevent delays.
Reviewed by:
Dr. Joseph Eusebio, DMD, MBA
Last Reviewed:
July 2026
Sources:
https://aaoinfo.org/treatments/aligners/ | https://aaoinfo.org/whats-trending/life-during-treatment/
Clear Aligners