Virtual Support for SmileDirectClub

Yikes! Accidents happen - we get it! Breaking a set of aligners is never a fun experience! Fortunately, there are steps you can take to get back on track:

• Use Your Previous Set of Aligners - or Advance to Your Next Set: To maintain tooth movement/positioning - moving forward to your next set of aligners (and using your chewies diligently!) is often just fine! If the next set is too difficult to insert, or causes pain/discomfort, you can insert your previous set of aligners, and reach out to our team for additional support.

• Contact Our Team: Schedule a free virtual visit with our team, to determine the appropriate next steps for your care! We have options to get you back on track.

Losing a set of aligners is never a fun experience! Fortunately, there are steps you can take!

• Use Your Previous Set of Aligners - or Advance to Your Next Set: To maintain tooth movement/positioning - moving forward to your next set of aligners (and using your chewies diligently!) is often just fine! If the next set is too difficult to insert, or causes pain/discomfort, you can insert your previous set of aligners, and reach out to our team for additional support.

• Contact Our Team: Schedule a free virtual visit with our team, to determine the appropriate next steps for your care! We have options to get you back on track.

Proper cleaning and maintenance are essential for the success of your aligner treatment. Follow these steps:

• Daily Cleaning: Clean your aligners daily using a soft toothbrush and a mild, clear, anti-bacterial soap. Gently brush both the inside and outside surfaces to remove any plaque or debris.

• Avoid Hot Water: Do not use hot water to clean your aligners, as it can cause them to warp. Stick to lukewarm water for rinsing.

• Remove Before Eating: Always remove your aligners before eating. This prevents food particles from getting trapped and helps maintain the clarity of your aligners.

• Brush Before Reinserting: Brush your teeth before reinserting aligners to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent staining.

If you notice that your aligners are not fitting properly, follow these steps:

• Gently Reseat or Reinsert: Try gently reinserting the aligners, and using “chewies” to ensure the aligners are fitting well over your teeth. Don’t have chews? Roll some paper towel as thick as your pinky finger. Now you can bite down on it so that there are no air gaps between your aligners and teeth. Discard the paper towel roll after use.

• Wear Your Aligners for 22 Hours Daily - The best way to keep your treatment “on track” is by wearing your aligners consistently!

• Contact Our Team: If you’ve been using your chewies, and wearing your aligners, but they’re still not fitting well, it’s important to get some support. Schedule a free virtual visit with our team, to determine the appropriate next steps for your care! We have options to get you back on track.

If you notice sharp edges on your aligners, follow these steps to manage the situation:

• Smooth Edges Gently: Use a soft emery board or nail file to gently smooth any rough or sharp edges on your aligners. Be cautious not to overdo it, and focus only on the problematic areas. Carefully use a new, clean nail file to shave down these edges just a little bit at a time. Put your aligners back in to check your progress, and shave down more as needed if you still feel irritation. Make sure to use caution when filing down these spots. Shaving down too much has the potential to distort or warp the shape of your aligners and affect the accuracy of your treatment plan.

• Orthodontic Wax: Apply orthodontic wax (this can often be picked up at Shoppers Drug Mart - or may have been included in your initial welcome package from SDC) to any rough edges on your aligners that may be causing irritation. This can create a protective barrier between the aligner and your gums.

• Saltwater Rinse: Rinse your mouth with a solution of warm water and salt. This can help soothe irritated gums. Mix about half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and swish it around your mouth.

If the edges remain uncomfortable or if you're unsure about filing them yourself, please consider scheduling a free virtual visit with our team! We would be happy to advise you on the best course of action and address any concerns you may have.

If you're experiencing gum irritation due to your aligners, try these steps to find relief:

• Orthodontic Wax: Apply orthodontic wax (this can often be picked up at Shoppers Drug Mart - or may have been included in your initial welcome package from SDC) to any rough edges on your aligners that may be causing irritation. This can create a protective barrier between the aligner and your gums.

• Saltwater Rinse: Rinse your mouth with a solution of warm water and salt. This can help soothe irritated gums. Mix about half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and swish it around your mouth.

It's not uncommon to experience some discomfort with new aligners. To ease any discomfort, give these a try:

• Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce inflammation and numb the discomfort.

• Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage pain. Follow the recommended dosage on the packaging.

• Soft Diet: Stick to a soft diet, especially during the initial days of each new aligner set. Avoid hard or crunchy foods that may exacerbate discomfort.

Remember, mild discomfort is expected as your teeth adjust to the new aligners. However, if the pain is persistent or severe, please consider scheduling a free virtual visit with our team, to determine the appropriate next steps for your care!