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Clear dental aligners are a great treatment option that can effectively straighten teeth and correct bite issues, leaving you with a much improved smile.
But clear aligners require a team effort. Here are some tips on how to do your part, and maximize your clear dental aligner experience…
1. Wear your aligners as instructed.
When you want to achieve a goal, it often requires discipline to get the best results. In the case of straightening your teeth, it’s crucial to wear your aligners for the recommended 20-22 hours per day. Consistency is key to successful treatment — don’t cut yourself short. If you’re having issues with compliance let us know why, and we’ll try to help!
2. Keep your aligners clean.
It may seem counterintuitive that something made out of plastic requires cleaning so often, but to prevent bacterial growth and maintain good oral hygiene, it’s a good idea to brush and rinse your aligners every time you remove them from your mouth. In addition, avoid using hot water or toothpaste, as they can permanently damage the aligners.
3. Follow the recommended schedule.
As you progress through your treatment plan, you will receive a new set of aligners every few weeks. It’s important to follow the recommended schedule and switch to the new set on time to keep the treatment on track. That means making sure you monitor receipt of your new aligners when you know they’re due.
4. Watch what you eat and drink.
Sure, clear dental aligners can be removed while eating, but make sure your teeth are clean before reinserting them. Placing a cover over dirty teeth can cause all kinds of decay and discoloration. Taking it a step further, it’s important to avoid consuming sugary or acidic foods and beverages during treatment with clear aligners — why take chances.
5. Stay in touch.
One of the advantages of seeing a dentist for clear aligner therapy is that we proactively monitor your progress and make adjustments to your treatment plan as needed. So please be sure to get to every one of your scheduled appointments and communicate any concerns you may have!
6. Be patient.
In the scheme of things, treatment with clear aligners doesn’t take all that long, but it may take longer than we expect, depending on your mouth’s particular physical structure and condition. It’s important to stay patient, stay compliant and stay proactive — after all, the results can be so worth it!
In sum…
