Enjoying life with a straighter smile is the ultimate goal of clear aligner treatment. Until results are achieved, however, knowing how to wear these appliances and what to avoid is essential. Whether you are already wearing clear aligners to fix your misaligned teeth or you are preparing to start your orthodontic journey, here are some dos and don’ts to remember.
Clear Aligners: What You Shouldn’t Do During Treatment
Although you may have good intentions and plan to follow the rules according to your orthodontist’s instructions, there are certain clear aligner “don’ts” that you should follow:
- Don’t eat while wearing your aligners. Remember to remove them before mealtime to avoid accidentally damaging your trays.
- Don’t drink anything but water while wearing your trays. Hot beverages can warp the plastic.
- Don’t use abrasive toothpaste to clean your trays. This can scratch the plastic, making it more visible. Instead, use clear soap.
- Don’t forget to reinsert your clear aligners after eating, drinking, and cleaning them. Inconsistent wear will only delay your treatment.
- Don’t smoke or use tobacco while wearing your aligners. This will cause them to discolor and increase your risk of gum irritation.
- Don’t keep your trays out in the open. This increases the risk of loss or damage. Instead, keep them in a protective case.
Clear Aligners: What You Should Do to Stay On Track
On average, clear aligner treatment may only last 12-18 months, so if you want your smile to appear realigned within the expected timeframe, make sure you do the following:
- Keep your aligners clean by rinsing them before and after you eat, using clear soap and a soft-bristle brush in the morning and at night, and soaking them in a denture solution daily.
- Rinse or clean your mouth before reinserting your trays to keep any bacteria or plaque from transferring to your aligners.
- Wear your trays for the designated 20-22 hours a day to avoid delaying treatment.
- Keep a protective case on the counter and in your bag to place your aligners in when you’re not wearing them.
- Practice good oral hygiene each day to avoid cavities, decay, gum disease, and infection. It also reduces the amount of plaque and bacteria building up on your trays.
Keeping these do’s and don’ts in mind while wearing clear aligners will help you achieve the results you want. If you have questions about your orthodontic journey, do not hesitate to ask your dental team during your next visit.
About Grand Dental – Aurora
At Grand Dental – Aurora, clear aligner treatment lets you enjoy a more discreet, comfortable form of orthodontic treatment. Our team and in-house orthodontist are here to ensure your smile stays on track by providing helpful tips to minimize complications or delays from start to finish. If you want more information about clear aligners or are ready to schedule a consultation, visit our website or call (630) 538-8302.