Living With Clear Aligners: A Guide

Clear aligner treatment works by wearing a series of custom trays for about 22 hours a day, changing to a new set at set intervals. You take them out to eat, clean them twice a day and come in for regular reviews. At our Kenilworth and Stratford-upon-Avon practices, treatment starts with a free consultation.

This guide takes you through each stage and the daily routine.

What are the steps of aligner treatment?

1. Free consultation. We talk about your goals and check whether aligners suit you.
2. Assessment and 3D scan. Your teeth and gums are checked, and a digital scan is used to plan treatment.
3. Fitting your first aligners. Small tooth-coloured attachments may be bonded to some teeth to help the aligners grip.
4. Changing aligners. You move to each new set as instructed.
5. Reviews. We check progress and may order refinement aligners if needed.
6. Retainers. Once your teeth are in position, retainers help hold them there.

How many hours a day should I wear aligners?

About 22 hours a day. Take them out only to eat, drink anything other than plain water, and clean your teeth. Leaving them out for longer can slow treatment or stop teeth moving as planned.

How do I clean my aligners?

• Rinse them in cool water each time you take them out.
• Brush them gently twice a day with a soft toothbrush. Avoid hot water, which can warp them.
• Brush and clean between your teeth before putting them back, so food is not trapped against your teeth.
• Keep them in their case when they are out, away from pets and hot places.

Does wearing aligners hurt?

Most people feel pressure or tightness for a day or two with each new set. This usually settles quickly. Tell us if an edge rubs, an aligner cracks or you have pain that does not settle.

Why do I need retainers?

Teeth can move back towards their old positions, particularly in the first months after treatment. Wearing retainers as instructed protects your result. Removable retainers start from £150 each and fixed retainers from £160.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drink with aligners in?

Plain water is fine. Take aligners out for other drinks, especially hot, sugary or coloured drinks, and rinse or brush before putting them back.

What happens if I lose an aligner?

Call us. Depending on where you are in treatment, we may ask you to move to the next set, go back to the previous one or order a replacement.

Do I still need check-ups during aligner treatment?

Yes. Keep up your usual check-ups and hygiene visits, because cleaning well is especially important while you wear aligners.

What should I read next?

• Invisalign cost in Kenilworth and Stratford
• Invisalign, Angel Aligner or braces?

How do I book in Kenilworth or Stratford-upon-Avon?

Find out more about Invisalign and Angel Aligner. Your first appointment is a free consultation: book a free consultation. Patients can’t book the hygienist directly: book a check-up first.

Call Kenilworth on 01926 863 236 or Stratford-upon-Avon on 01789 205 254, or book an appointment online. Find directions for our Kenilworth practice and our Stratford-upon-Avon practice.

New to us? See our new patient information and the full list of fees on our treatment costs page. To spread the cost of check-ups and hygiene visits, see the Pennington plan.

Further reading: NHS: braces and orthodontics.

Prices correct at time of publishing (9 November 2026).

Reviewed by Dr Fuz, BDS, BSc, MSc (Restorative Dentistry), GDC 76311. Last reviewed 9 November 2026.

This article is general information and is not a substitute for advice from your own dentist or doctor.