Patient Instruction Card

The patient’s wear and home care instruction card is also returned with each case. This information includes suggested wearing times, aligner cleaning instructions, and general guidelines for optimum compliance.

 

Patient Instruction, Motivation and Compliance

Aligners are removed while eating and brushing teeth, and may be cleaned by using a soft toothbrush with non-abrasive toothpaste and rinsing it in warm water. The patient should always start to loosen the aligner near the molars by simultaneously pushing up or down in a rocking motion on the right and left gingival edges. As the aligner loosens, move the pressure towards the anterior section until the aligner slides off.

 

Wear and Care Instruction Card with each Case

Aligners should fit like a tight glove with no irritation to the surrounding gingival tissues.

As the teeth move into position the aligner will begin to feel loose indicating it is time to place the next aligner in the series.

Patients generally wear each aligner in the series for 3-4 weeks. There will be some slight discomfort when teeth begin to move just as there is with braces.

 

Motivating Your Patient at Each Appointment

Every appointment should include conversation that strengthens your patient’s resolve to be compliant. Find something to praise your patient for. Review before photos or models noting changes accomplished to date. When discussing issues that may arise during treatment, it is important to choose your words carefully and keep the dialogue on the positive side. Staff and doctor should create a glossary of phrases that everyone can build upon when talking to patients during all phases of their treatment.

 

 

 

 

 

Download Patient Wear Chart