Support from Express Your Smile

Congratulations on starting your Express Your Smile Treatment.

Enclosed are the upper and lower trial aligners; the upper one is the larger aligner ( Photo A).

The purpose of the trial aligners is to introduce you to the feel of the aligners and confirm the fit. Although the trial aligners are not designed to cause any tooth movement, you may feel tightness when you insert and remove them. Any such sensation should subside shortly after. In addition, it is not unusual to notice a temporary difference in your bite.

PLACING THE ALIGNERS (to be done one at a time): Fit the aligner over the correct arch, lining up each tooth impression with the corresponding tooth. Gently push up (upper) or down (lower) on the aligner with your fingers until it is fully seated against your teeth. Do not bite on the aligner to push it into place. Using a mirror, inspect the aligners and confirm that there is minimal space between the biting edge of the teeth and the inner surface of the aligner ( Photo B). Photo C depicts an improperly fitting aligner; note the excess space between the aligner and the teeth.

Although the edge of the aligner at your gum line has been smoothed for your comfort, it can sometimes cause temporary irritation to the gums and lips. You can rub Orajel (enclosed) on the affected area. To smooth the rubbing surface of the aligner, you can use an emery board as shown in photo D and photo E. If the condition persists, contact Express Your Smile to arrange for an appointment with the doctor to check/smooth the edge.

You may notice that your bite does not fully close when you are wearing the aligners. This is normal and might feel different/strange, but should not be painful. If it does cause pain or jaw clicking, discontinue wearing and call Express Your Smile.

At the end of the two week trial period, you will receive an email from Express Your Smile to fill out a questionnaire titled "Trial Aligner Questionnaire".

WEAR THE ALIGNERS FOR 12 HOURS PER DAY FOR TWO WEEKS. Wearing them while sleeping is an excellent way to reach the necessary 12 hours.

DO NOT EAT, CHEW GUM OR DRINK ANYTHING OTHER THAN COLD WATER WHILE WEARING THE ALIGNERS.

ALWAYS PLACE THE ALIGNERS IN THE CASE WHEN NOT WEARING.

CLEANING THE ALIGNERS: Brush with a small amount of toothpaste inside and out with cold water.

You are now moving into active treatment.

Enclosed are the first 5 sets of upper and lower aligners. Each set is packaged and numbered in the order you should wear them over the next 10 weeks. The upper one is the larger aligner ( Photo A).

Unlike the trial aligners, these aligners are designed to move your teeth into a more favorable position. Therefore, you will most likely feel tightness when you insert and remove them. Over the next few days, the tightness should lessen as the teeth move into their new position.

PLACING THE ALIGNERS (to be done one at a time): As previously instructed, fit the aligner over the correct arch, lining up each tooth impression with the corresponding tooth. Gently push up (upper) or down (lower) on the aligner with your fingers until it is fully seated against your teeth. Do not bite on the aligner to push it into place. Using a mirror, inspect the aligners and confirm that there is minimal space between the biting edge of the teeth and the inner surface of the aligner ( Photo B). Photo C depicts an improperly fitting aligner; note the excess space between the aligner and the teeth.

During the course of each day, push up/down on the aligners to insure that the teeth are properly engaged.

Although the edge of the aligner at your gum line has been smoothed for your comfort, it can sometimes cause temporary irritation to the gums and lips. You can rub Orajel (enclosed) on the affected area. To smooth the rubbing surface of the aligner, you can use an emery board as shown in photo D and photo E. If the condition persists, contact Express Your Smile to arrange for an appointment with the doctor to check/smooth the edge.

You may notice that your bite does not fully close when you are wearing the aligners. This is normal and might feel different/strange, but should not be painful. If it does cause pain or jaw clicking, discontinue wearing and call Express Your Smile.

At the end of the 10 week period, you will receive an email from Express Your Smile to fill out a questionnaire titled "First 5 Sets of Aligners Questionnaire".

** Your teeth might feel slightly mobile during the next 10 weeks. Some mobility is normal/necessary because this is what allows the teeth to move. Contact Express Your Smile if you are concerned the teeth are too loose.

WEAR EACH SET OF ALIGNERS FOR 21 HOURS PER DAY FOR TWO WEEKS. At the end of two weeks, move onto the next numbered set of upper and lower aligners.

DO NOT EAT, CHEW GUM OR DRINK ANYTHING OTHER THAN COLD WATER WHILE WEARING THE ALIGNERS. ALWAYS PLACE THE ALIGNERS IN THE CASE WHEN NOT WEARING. CLEANING THE ALIGNERS: Brush with a small amount of toothpaste inside and out with cold water.

If you have any questions about the feel/fit of the aligners or the tooth movement, contact Express Your Smile.

Congratulations on completing the first half of the treatment.

Enclosed are the second 5 sets of upper and lower aligners. Each set is packaged and numbered in the order you should wear them over the next 10 weeks. The upper one is the larger aligner ( Photo A).

PLACING THE ALIGNERS (to be done one at a time): As previously instructed, fit the aligner over the correct arch, lining up each tooth impression with the corresponding tooth. Gently push up (upper) or down (lower) on the aligner with your fingers until it is fully seated against your teeth. Do not bite on the aligner to push it into place. Using a mirror, inspect the aligners and confirm that there is minimal space between the biting edge of the teeth and the inner surface of the aligner ( Photo B). Photo C depicts an improperly fitting aligner; note the excess space between the aligner and the teeth

During the course of each day, push up/down on the aligners to insure that the teeth are properly engaged.

Although the edge of the aligner at your gum line has been smoothed for your comfort, it can sometimes cause temporary irritation to the gums and lips. You can rub Orajel (enclosed) on the affected area. To smooth the rubbing surface of the aligner, you can use an emery board as shown in photo D and photo E. If the condition persists, contact Express Your Smile to arrange for an appointment with the doctor to check/smooth the edge.

You may notice that your bite does not fully close when you are wearing the aligners. This is normal and might feel different/strange, but should not be painful. If it does cause pain or jaw clicking, discontinue wearing and call Express Your Smile.

At the end of the 10 week period, you will receive an email from Express Your Smile to fill out a questionnaire titled "Second 5 Sets of Aligners Questionnaire".

** Your teeth might feel slightly mobile during the next 10 weeks. Some mobility is normal/necessary because this is what allows the teeth to move. Contact Express Your Smile if you are concerned the teeth are too loose.

WEAR EACH SET OF ALIGNERS FOR 21 HOURS PER DAY FOR TWO WEEKS. At the end of two weeks, move onto the next numbered set of upper and lower aligners.

DO NOT EAT, CHEW GUM OR DRINK ANYTHING OTHER THAN COLD WATER WHILE WEARING THE ALIGNERS. ALWAYS PLACE THE ALIGNERS IN THE CASE WHEN NOT WEARING.

CLEANING THE ALIGNERS: Brush with a small amount of toothpaste inside and out with cold water. If you have any questions about the feel/fit of the aligners or the tooth movement, contact Express Your Smile.