SmileStones - Aligners

Only ONE aligner at a time.
Clean your aligners prior to each insertion. You can use the Aligner Cleaning system or a normal tooth brush. Rinse under running water and brush until clean.
Never use denture cleaner or soak in alcohol or bleach, as they will be damaged.
Do not place aligners in boiling or hot water to clean, as they will be damaged.
Aligners should only be removed when brushing, flossing or eating.
Do not use any sharp object to remove your aligners.

Always place the aligners in the cases provided. Never place aligners in napkins or any other case. Never place in a pocket that can be sat on.
NEVER discard any old aligners.
If you lose an aligner, call your doctor right away.
There will be a charge for damage or lost aligners.

Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss normally with the aligners out. Try to brush after eating and before re-inserting aligners. Large food particles may prevent proper insertion.
Eating: There are no food restrictions with Aligners. However aligners must ALWAYS be removed when eating.
Drinking: Except for cold or room temp water, always remove aligners while drinking anything. Any fluid will get inside the aligner and be held against your teeth possibly for hours and can cause staining or damage the teeth and aligners.
Chewing Gum: Do NOT chew gum while wearing aligners.
Smoking: It is advised NOT to smoke while wearing the aligners. It will stain the aligners and teeth.

Prior to placing them in your mouth, it is important to clean both your teeth and aligners.
Ensure that your hands are clean before handling the aligners.
The recommended duration for wearing aligners is 22 hours per day.
Each pair of aligners should be worn for period of two weeks, after which the subsequent pair must be used in the correct sequential order.
Each step of your aligners is individually packed and labelled clearly for your convenience

Determine which set of aligners are to be worn: Aligners come in pairs, you have to wear them one by one. As per correct sequential order only.Make sure you have the proper aligner—the upper for your top teeth and the lower for your bottom teeth.
Fitting of the aligners: Gently insert the aligners one at a time and push the aligner softly onto your teeth. Apply equal pressure, using your fingertips, to the top of your left and right molars (back teeth) until the aligner snap into place.
Securing the aligners : If the aligner is not seated completely then use the provided chewie from the starter kit to snap-fit them in place. You will hear a snap or click sound indicating the aligner is seated completely.

From the Molars (Back): Using either your fingertips or the aligner removal tool, exert pressure on the inner side of your molars to retract the aligners. You will perceive the aligners separating from your teeth. Prior to proceeding, remove both the left and right sides.
Move forward: It is important to avoid moving the aligners from side to side to prevent them from breaking. After lifting the back of the aligners off your teeth, proceed gradually towards the front toremove them. If you encounter difficulty removing the aligners when starting a new set, remain patient and try removing them slowly. Avoid forcibly removing the aligners to prevent any potential damage

Firmly grip the loop end of the removal tool with your fingers.
Position the hook end of the tool between your tooth and the aligner, either on the tongue side or cheek side, at the back molar.
Apply gentle downward pressure to dislodge the aligner. Be careful not to use excessive force to avoid damaging the aligner or your teeth.

In general, you will utilize chewies in the following scenarios.
When beginning with a new aligner.
When replacing an aligner after eating or cleaning your teeth.
When you observe an ill-fitting area in your mouth where the aligner doesn't fit properly.

Position your aligner in your mouth as instructed by your orthodontist, aiming fora snug fit.
Place a chewie between the teeth of your upper and lower jaw.
Apply gentle but firm pressure by biting down on the chewie and hold for at least 5 seconds before releasing.
Move the chewie to a different area of your mouth and repeat step 3. To ensure that all teeth bite the chewie, start on one side of your mouth and gradually move to the other side.
Aim to use a chewie for about 5 minutes twice aday.
If there is a particular area where the aligner doesn't fit well, you can use the chewie at that location. You can identify poor fit when there is a visible "air gap" between your teeth and the aligner.
Note: Chewies are reusable but not edible

Guidelines