FAQ
Mia Aligners · Lifestyle & Care
Find answers to frequently asked questions about Mia Aligners. Learn how our process works with clear aligner treatment at Mia Healthcare.
Questions and answers
- Can I play sports or musical instruments with aligners?
- Yes. For contact sports, wear a mouthguard instead of your aligners. If you play an instrument, you may want to remove them at first, until you're comfortable.
- What are attachments or buttons?
- Attachments are tiny, tooth-coloured dots that help your aligners grip your teeth better. They're safe, temporary, and barely noticeable.
- Will aligners affect my social life or kissing?
- Great question! The answer is — not at all. They're very discreet, and most people quickly forget they're even wearing them.
- What if I forget to wear them?
- It happens! Just wear that set for an extra day or two to catch up. If it becomes a regular issue, get in touch so we can adjust your plan if needed.
- Can I use cleaning tablets or aligner solutions?
- Yes! Aligner cleaning foams, tablets, or denture cleaners are all safe, just avoid hot water and always follow the product instructions. Your Mia dentist can guide you on which option is best.
- Can I use toothpaste to clean my aligners?
- Toothpaste can be abrasive and may scratch the aligners. If you do use it, choose a gentle, non-abrasive one. Otherwise, stick to mild soap or a cleaning solution.
- Why do I have attachments and my friend doesn't?
- Every smile is different! Attachments are only used if certain tooth movements need extra support. If your friend doesn't need them, that's simply based on their plan.
- What's the difference between refinements and retainers?
- Refinements are extra aligners used to fine-tune your results before treatment ends. Retainers are worn after treatment to keep your teeth in place long term.
- Can I smoke or vape with aligners in?
- We don't recommend it. Smoking or vaping can stain or warp the plastic. If you need to, take your aligners out and make sure to rinse with water before putting them back in. Ideally, try to limit it during treatment.
- Can I sleep with aligners in?
- Yes and you should be! Aligners are designed to work continuously, so wearing them overnight is important.
- Will I need a permanent retainer?
- This depends on your case. Some patients get a fixed (wire) retainer behind the teeth for extra support. Others just wear removable retainers at night. We'll advise what's best for you.
- What's the difference between braces and aligners?
- Braces use brackets and wires that stay fixed to your teeth. Aligners are removable and clear, offering a more discreet and flexible option, though both can be effective, depending on your needs.
- What if I need dental work during treatment?
- We'll always check this at the start. Any fillings or other work should usually be done before aligners begin — that way we're moving healthy teeth.
- What is the process to get started?
- First, we take a 3D scan, photos, and X-rays of your teeth and jaws. Then we send you an estimate. If you're happy, you'll pay a treatment planning fee and we'll create your customised plan. Once approved, we order your aligners and you're ready to begin.
- What is the treatment planning fee for?
- This fee covers the full digital design and orthodontic planning behind your treatment. It's non-refundable and separate from your aligner quote, but it ensures your smile plan is safe, personalised, and precise.