All About Clear Aligners

Why am I experiencing soreness with aligners?

Many patients feel mild soreness during the first couple of days after starting a new set of aligners. This is a normal part of clear aligner treatment and usually means the aligners are gently moving your teeth into their planned positions. The pressure is light, safe, and designed to improve your smile over time. In most cases, the soreness fades after a few days of regular wear.

Are there food restrictions with clear aligners?

In most cases, no. One of the biggest benefits of clear aligners compared to traditional braces is that you remove them when eating. This means you can usually continue enjoying your favorite foods and snacks without the same dietary restrictions that come with braces, unless Dr. Lin gives you specific instructions based on your treatment.

Can I drink hot or cold beverages while wearing aligners?

It is best to drink only cool water while wearing your aligners. Hot drinks can warp the plastic, and sugary, colored, or alcoholic beverages can stain the aligners and increase the risk of tooth decay or white spot lesions. To protect both your aligners and your teeth, remove them before drinking anything other than water.

Will clear aligners affect my speech?

Some patients notice a small change in speech for the first 1 to 2 days after starting aligner treatment. This is temporary and usually improves quickly as your mouth adjusts to wearing the aligners. Most patients return to normal speech after a short adjustment period.

Are clear plastic aligners easy to damage?

Angel Aligners are made from clear, durable, medical-grade plastic designed for everyday orthodontic use. They are strong and flexible, but they still need to be handled properly. Following Dr. Lin’s instructions and storing them safely when not in use helps keep them in good condition throughout treatment.

What should I do if I lose or damage an aligner?

If you lose or damage an aligner, contact SoWA Orthodontics as soon as possible. Depending on your treatment stage, Dr. Lin may advise you to move to the next aligner or go back to your previous set. That is why it is important to keep at least your last set of aligners on hand during treatment.

Why do some aligners have bumps or ridges?

Some aligners include small bumps, ridges, or wells to help create more precise tooth movement. These features work with attachments, which are small tooth-colored pieces temporarily placed on certain teeth. The aligners grip these attachments to guide specific movements more effectively. In some cases, slim ridges built into the aligners also help improve control during treatment.

What happens if I lose or break an attachment?

If an attachment comes off or breaks, let our office know. Dr. Lin will evaluate your treatment progress and determine whether it needs to be replaced right away or addressed at your next appointment.

Why do some aligners have blocks on the sides?

For younger patients receiving mandibular advancement treatment, some aligners include side “blocks” called precision wings. These features are designed to help guide the lower jaw forward and improve bite alignment as part of the orthodontic treatment plan.

What should I do with my old aligners?

Keep your old aligners dry in their bag and bring them to our office. At SoWA Orthodontics, we can help dispose of and recycle them through a special TerraCycle program. This helps reduce waste and supports a more environmentally friendly approach to orthodontic care.

Clear Aligner Care and Support at SoWA Orthodontics

If you have questions about clear aligners, aligner care, or what to expect during treatment, SoWA Orthodontics is here to help. Dr. Esther Lin and our team are committed to making your orthodontic experience comfortable, convenient, and personalized from start to finish.