Every tray you wear brings you a step closer to a smile you can’t wait to show. This guide has everything you need to get there, from your first set to your last.
1 to 2 daysPressure with each new set, then it settles
6 to 8 weeksBetween check-ups with your dentist
Water onlyAnything else, aligners out first
Welcome to Mia
Thank you for choosing Mia to bring out the best in you.
You’ve taken the first step, and that’s the biggest one. We’re excited to walk this journey with you, every tray of the way. Wear them, care for them, and before long you’ll be smiling in every photo.
This is your go-to guide for wearing, caring for, and living your best life with aligners. Let’s keep it simple, smooth, and on track.
Getting started with Mia Aligners
Your journey to a straighter smile begins here
Starting your Mia Aligners treatment is an exciting step toward achieving your dream smile. Here’s everything you need to know to get started on the right foot.
Day one
What to expect on day one
Initial fitting: your first aligners will be fitted by your dentist, who will show you how to insert and remove them properly.
Pressure sensation: you may feel some pressure or tightness. This is normal and means your aligners are working.
Speech adjustment: you might notice a slight lisp initially, but this usually disappears within a few days.
Wear time: start with 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only for eating, drinking and oral hygiene.
In the box
Your treatment kit
Aligner case: always store your aligners in their case when you are not wearing them.
Chewies: soft foam tools that help seat your aligners properly and improve tracking.
Cleaning supplies: a soft toothbrush and gentle soap for cleaning your aligners.
Treatment schedule: your personalised timeline showing when to change to new aligners.
Week one
First week tips
Use chewies for 5 to 10 minutes when inserting new aligners to help them fit snugly.
Switch to new aligners at night to give your teeth time to adjust while you sleep.
Keep your previous set of aligners as a backup in case something happens to your current ones.
Remember: every smile journey is unique. Your dentist and the Mia team are here to support you every step of the way.
Life with aligners
Your new smile starts here
Wear
Wearing your aligners
Wear your aligners for 22 hours a day. Only take them out to eat, drink (anything besides water) or brush your teeth.
Change to your next set as instructed, usually every 2 weeks.
Missed some wear time? No worries. Just wear that set an extra day before switching to the next.
Chewies
Your secret weapon
Chewies are soft foam rollers you gently bite down on to help your aligners fit snugly over your teeth. They’re small, but mighty.
They help “seat” your aligners properly when you start a new set, so they engage with the right areas to move your teeth.
They help maintain good tracking. The gentle bite-and-release motion moves your teeth slightly in the socket, increasing blood flow and encouraging healthy movement.
We recommend using chewies for a few minutes a day.
Food and drink
Eating and drinking
Always remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything besides water.
Hot drinks can warp the aligners, and food can stain or damage them.
Rinse your mouth and aligners before putting them back in. Fresh is best.
Cleaning
Cleaning your aligners
Rinse them every time you take them out.
Use a soft toothbrush and gentle soap (not toothpaste) to keep them clean.
Avoid soaking them in mouthwash or coloured liquids, which can cause staining.
Normal
What to expect
You might feel some pressure when switching to a new set. That’s a good sign.
A small lisp is normal at first but usually disappears within a few days.
If your aligners aren’t fitting snugly, don’t skip ahead. Check in with us.
Hygiene
Oral hygiene
Good oral hygiene is always important, but it’s especially key when wearing aligners.
Brush and floss after every meal before putting your aligners back in.
Can’t brush? At the very least, rinse your mouth and aligners with water to reduce staining and keep things fresh.
Clean aligners plus clean teeth equals happy gums and a smoother journey.
Out and about
Lifestyle and social
Social events: you can remove aligners for special occasions, photos or important meetings. Just put them back in as soon as possible.
Sports and activities: most sports are fine with aligners, but consider a mouthguard for contact sports to protect both your teeth and aligners.
Travel: always bring your aligner case, cleaning supplies and an extra set when travelling.
Work and school: keep a small travel kit with a toothbrush, toothpaste and aligner case for on-the-go care.
Comfort
Managing discomfort
New aligner discomfort: some pressure and tightness is normal for the first 1 to 2 days with each new set.
Pain relief: over-the-counter pain relievers like Panado (paracetamol) can help with initial discomfort.
Soft foods: stick to softer foods for the first day or two after changing aligners.
Cold relief: cold foods and drinks can help soothe any discomfort.
Progress
Tracking your progress
Take photos: regular selfies help you see the changes happening. You’ll be amazed at the progress.
Follow your schedule: stick to your aligner change schedule for the best results.
Regular check-ups: attend all scheduled appointments so we can monitor your progress.
Ask questions: don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns or questions.
Quick tips
Four habits that save your treatment
Always store your aligners in their case, never in a napkin (trust us on this one).
Keep your previous set of aligners just in case something happens to your current one.
If an aligner cracks, feels wrong or goes missing, message us right away. We’ve got your back.
Switch to your new aligners at night. It gives your teeth time to settle while you sleep, and can make the first day feel a little easier.
Check-ins
Follow-up appointments matter
Your aligners are doing the work, but we’re here to guide the process. Regular check-ins help us monitor your progress, make any needed adjustments and keep everything on track. We’ll let you know when you’re due for a follow-up, but if anything ever feels off, don’t wait. Reach out and we’ll happily take a look.
Oral hygiene with Mia Aligners
Essential care for your smile journey
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial during your Mia Aligners treatment. Here’s your complete guide to keeping your teeth and gums healthy while wearing clear aligners.
Every day
Daily routine with aligners
Brush after every meal before putting your aligners back in. This prevents food particles from being trapped.
Floss daily using interdental brushes or floss threaders to clean between teeth.
Rinse your mouth with water after eating if you can’t brush immediately.
Clean your aligners every time you remove them using a soft toothbrush and gentle soap.
Aligner habits
Aligner-specific tips
Always remove aligners before eating or drinking anything except water.
Store aligners in their case when not wearing them. Never wrap them in napkins.
Use chewies for 5 to 10 minutes daily to help aligners fit properly.
Switch to new aligners at night to give your teeth time to adjust while you sleep.
Avoid
What to avoid
Don’t eat, or drink hot beverages, with aligners in. Heat can warp the plastic.
Avoid using toothpaste to clean aligners. It can be abrasive and scratch them.
Don’t soak aligners in mouthwash or coloured liquids. They can stain.
Never use hot water to clean aligners. Room temperature water only.
Mia Aligner care and maintenance
Keep your aligners clean, clear and effective
Proper care of your Mia Aligners ensures they work effectively and stay comfortable throughout your treatment. Follow these guidelines to keep your aligners in perfect condition.
Cleaning
Daily cleaning routine
Rinse every time: always rinse your aligners with cool water when you remove them to prevent bacteria buildup.
Gentle brushing: use a soft toothbrush and mild, unscented soap to clean your aligners daily.
Deep cleaning: soak aligners in cleaning tablets or denture cleaner once a week for thorough sanitisation.
Air dry: let your aligners air dry completely before storing them in their case.
Never
What not to use
Toothpaste: it can be abrasive and scratch the aligner surface.
Hot water: it can warp or damage the aligner material.
Coloured mouthwash: avoid soaking aligners in coloured liquids that can stain them.
Harsh chemicals: don’t use bleach, alcohol or other harsh cleaning agents.
Storage
Storage and handling
Always use the case: store aligners in their case when not wearing them. Never wrap them in napkins or tissues.
Keep your previous set: hold onto it as a backup in case something happens to your current ones.
Handle gently: insert and remove aligners carefully to avoid cracking or damaging them.
Keep away from pets: store aligners safely away from pets who might mistake them for toys.
Contact us
When to contact your dentist
Contact your dentist immediately if you experience any of the following:
Cracked or broken aligners
Lost or misplaced aligners
Severe pain or discomfort that doesn’t improve
Aligners that don’t fit properly or feel loose
Any concerns about your treatment progress
Remember: well-cared-for aligners lead to better results and a more comfortable treatment experience.
Mia Aligners for children and teens
Setting your child up for orthodontic success
Mia Aligners can be an excellent choice for children and teenagers who need orthodontic treatment. Here’s what parents need to know about clear aligner treatment for young patients.
For parents
What to know
Age considerations: clear aligners work best for children who have lost most of their baby teeth and have good oral hygiene habits.
Compliance is key: children need to wear aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily and follow all care instructions for successful treatment.
Parental supervision: parents play a crucial role in making sure their child follows the treatment plan and maintains good oral hygiene.
Social benefits: clear aligners are nearly invisible, which can boost confidence during the important teenage years.
At home
Tips for parents
Help your child establish a routine for wearing and caring for their aligners.
Monitor their oral hygiene to make sure they’re brushing and flossing properly.
Keep track of their aligner changes and follow-up appointments.
Encourage them to use chewies regularly to help aligners fit properly.
Our team works closely with both parents and young patients to make sure the treatment experience is positive and successful. We’re here to support your family every step of the way.
Mia Aligners troubleshooting
Common issues and quick solutions
Don’t worry if you run into issues with your Mia Aligners. Most problems have simple solutions. Here’s how to handle common situations.
Fit
Aligner not fitting properly
Use chewies: bite down on chewies for 5 to 10 minutes to help seat the aligners properly.
Wear extra time: if an aligner doesn’t fit well, wear it for an extra day before switching to the next set.
Check for damage: look for cracks or warping that might prevent proper fitting.
Contact us: if the problem persists, don’t skip ahead. Contact your dentist for guidance.
Lost or broken
Lost or broken aligners
Use your previous set: if you lose an aligner, put in your previous set to maintain progress.
Contact us immediately: call your dentist as soon as possible to discuss next steps.
Don’t skip ahead: never jump to the next set without consulting your dentist first.
Replacement options: we may need to reorder the lost aligner or adjust your treatment plan.
Pain
Discomfort and pain
Normal pressure: some pressure when starting new aligners is normal and usually subsides within 1 to 2 days.
Over-the-counter relief: use Panado (paracetamol) or Nurofen (ibuprofen) if needed for discomfort.
Sharp edges: if aligners have sharp edges, contact us for adjustment or replacement.
Persistent pain: if pain is severe or doesn’t improve, contact your dentist immediately.
Speech
Speech issues
Practise speaking: read aloud to help your mouth adjust to the aligners.
Be patient: most speech issues resolve within a few days to a week.
Remove for important events: you can temporarily remove aligners for important presentations or events.
Contact us: if speech problems persist beyond a week, let us know.
Contact us
When to contact your dentist
Lost or broken aligners
Severe pain that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter medication
Aligners that don’t fit properly after trying chewies
Any concerns about your treatment progress
Questions about your treatment timeline or next steps
Urgent
Emergency contact
For urgent issues outside office hours, WhatsApp us.
Include photos of any damaged aligners when you contact us.
Everything you need to know about your treatment journey
Aligners are very thin, clear films of plastic that fit closely around your teeth. Using gradual pressure, they move your teeth into the desired position.
This is specific to each person and the number of teeth that need to move. Each set of aligners is worn for an average of 2 weeks, and treatment can be anywhere from 10 weeks to a year.
No, it is not painful. The aligners are designed to be comfortable and are made of a smooth plastic. You may feel some pressure for a day or two with each new set, which means they are working.
It is crucial that the new position of your teeth is maintained with each new set of aligners, so the aligners must be worn for 22 hours of every day. Take them out only when eating, drinking or brushing your teeth.
No, your aligners must be taken out when eating, drinking (anything besides water) or brushing your teeth.
Mia Aligners are unlikely to affect your speech. Our aligners are made from a very thin PET-G plastic, so there should be minimal impact. Studies on other leading aligner brands show that 93% of patients have no effect on their speech. If you have a big presentation coming up, stress less: you can take your aligners out, as long as you put them straight back in after.
Rinse them when you remove them and use a soft toothbrush with gentle, unscented soap. You can also use aligner foams, cleaning tablets or denture cleaner. Avoid hot water and coloured mouthwashes, as they can damage or stain the plastic.
Chewies are soft foam tools you gently bite on to help your aligners fit snugly against your teeth. This improves the fit and helps apply consistent pressure where it’s needed most. The chewing action creates gentle up-and-down forces, encouraging your teeth to move within the socket. Use them daily to keep your aligners tracking properly and make your treatment more efficient.
Pop in your previous set to hold things in place and contact us as soon as possible. We’ll let you know whether you can move forward or if we need to reorder or repeat that stage. Don’t skip ahead to the next set without consulting us first.
Yes, we recommend seeing you every 6 to 8 weeks to make sure everything is on track and to make any small adjustments if needed. Regular check-ins help us monitor your progress and keep your treatment moving forward smoothly.
Once your teeth are aligned, you’ll move into retainers to help keep them in place. Most retainers are worn at night. We’ll advise which type of retainer is best for your case.
3D printed aligners that straighten your teeth quickly and discreetly
Our state-of-the-art, 3D-printed aligners are designed to straighten your teeth quickly and discreetly. Made from high-quality, plant-based resins, Mia Aligners are not only effective but also environmentally friendly.
Help us make more people smileEssential cookies keep the site working and are always on. Analytics shows us which pages help, so we can make them better. Nothing personal is sold. Read how cookies work.
