Protocols that work
Named methods. Predictable timelines. Clear guidance for every stage of your treatment.
A service of Century Stone Dental · Hamilton, Ontario
The Century Align Promise: If our guides don’t answer your question, a real person will. That’s not common anymore, but we think it should be.
Your First Week
Your First 72 Hours
Hour 6-8: tightness peaks. Day 3: you stop noticing. Here’s exactly what to expect.
Your First 72 Hours The first six hours, initial tightness is normal. It’s the feeling of progress. Tightness typically peaks around hour 6 to 8, but drops significantly by morning. On day one, speech may sound different on ‘S’ and ‘TH’ sounds. This is temporary and resolves within 48 to 72 hours. By day 2 to 3, tightness fades, speech normalizes, and most patients stop noticing their aligners. Change to your next tray on day 7, ideally before bed to sleep through the adjustment period. Key rule: Follow your schedule. If unsure which tray, call Century Stone Dental at (905) 545-4833.
The Two-Sided Lift
Removing & Inserting Correctly
The technique that protects your trays from bending.
The Two-Sided Lift Never pull aligners from one side. This bends the plastic and causes fit problems. Start at your back molars. Lift gently on one side, then the other. Walk your fingers forward and lift evenly. For insertion: Place aligners over front teeth first, then press gently onto back teeth. Never bite aligners into place. Use chewies if force is needed. If a tray feels cracked or won’t stay seated, call Century Stone Dental at (905) 545-4833.
The Seating Protocol
How to Use Chewies
2-3 minutes, 30 seconds per zone. Focus on canines and first molars.
The Seating Protocol Use chewies for 2 to 3 minutes after every insertion. Front teeth: 30 seconds Left side: 30 seconds Right side: 30 seconds Back teeth: 30 seconds Pay extra attention to canines and first molars. They track off most often. The rule: Chewies after every insertion. After every meal. After every brushing. Every time. If a tray still won’t seat after 48 hours, call Century Stone Dental at (905) 545-4833.
What to Expect: Your First Week
Hour 6-8
Tightness typically peaks. By morning, it drops significantly.
Day 1-2
Speech affected on ‘S’ and ‘TH’ sounds. Resolves in 48-72 hours.
Day 3
Most patients stop noticing the aligners.
Day 7
Change trays, ideally before bed, so you sleep through the adjustment.
Week 3
Meal routine becomes automatic. What took 30 minutes now takes 15.
Solving Problems
The 48-Hour Protocol
Tray Won’t Seat Fully
Three steps. 48 hours. Resolves most seating issues without a visit.
The 48-Hour Protocol Sometimes a new tray doesn’t sit completely flush. Step 1: Chewies, 2 to 3 minutes after every insertion. Step 2: Maximize wear time, 20 to 22 hours per day. Step 3: Full 48 hours of consistent effort. If improved and snug, you’re back on track. If not, call Century Stone Dental at (905) 545-4833.
The 24-Hour Reset
New Tray Feels Too Tight
Go back one tray for 24 hours. One well-timed day saves weeks.
The 24-Hour Reset If a new tray feels significantly more uncomfortable than previous changes, your teeth may not be ready. Return to your previous tray for another 24 hours before retrying the new tray. Do not extend wear time on your own. If discomfort continues, call Century Stone Dental at (905) 545-4833.
The Flex-Back Fix
Aligners Lifting at the Back
Why it happens and how to correct mild rocking.
The Flex-Back Fix If aligners lift or rock at the back teeth, gently flex the tray in the opposite direction. Test it on a flat surface. If it lies flat, it’s corrected. Only for mild rocking. If cracked or split, stop immediately and call Century Stone Dental at (905) 545-4833.
The Lost Tray Rule
Lost or damaged a tray? Put your previous tray in immediately to prevent shifting. Then call us at (905) 545-4833.
Know the Difference
The Decision Tree
Normal vs. Call Us
Clear criteria: what’s expected during treatment, and what needs our attention.
The Decision Tree Normal: pressure, mild soreness, clicking sounds, small gaps improving with chewies. Call us for sharp pain, cracked trays, trays not seating after the 48-Hour Protocol, worsening gaps, or lost attachments. Lost tray rule: insert your previous tray immediately, then call Century Stone Dental at (905) 545-4833.
Daily Care
Cleaning & Preventing Cloudiness
Avoid The Cloudiness Culprits. Plan for The 30-Minute Meal Budget at first.
Daily Care Rinse with cool water after every removal. Clean using mild clear soap and a soft brush. Avoid hot water, toothpaste, and colored soaps. Plan 30 minutes per meal and always use your case. Questions? Call Century Stone Dental at (905) 545-4833.
Quick Reference
- Change trays: Day 7, before bed (you’ll sleep through the adjustment)
- The Seating Protocol: Chewies 2-3 min after every insertion, 30 sec per zone
- Wear time: 20-22 hours/day (remove only for meals + brushing)
- Problem zones: Canines and first molars track off most often, extra chewie time there
- Cool water only: Hot water warps the plastic
Call Us If:
- Sharp or shooting pain (not pressure or tightness)
- Tray cracked, split, or won’t stay in place
- The 48-Hour Protocol didn’t work
- Gap getting worse across two consecutive tray changes
- Attachment fell off and tray no longer fits
Century Stone Dental · Hamilton, Ontario · We answer the phone.