Our Vancouver dentists love helping patients make well informed decisions, that's why they are sharing all the important facts you need to know before deciding on clear aligners.
What should I know about clear aligners?
Clear aligners are removable orthodontic appliances that straighten your teeth just like braces, only they don't have metal and wires. Clear aligners are made from a transparent plastic material, that makes them appear almost 'invisible' when being worn.
It's important to know all of the details before making a final decision on which orthodontic option you want to choose, our Granville Station Dental dentists want to share with you the details you need to know before making this critical choice. Here are some of the things you should know about clear aligners.
Clear aligners are a discreet option many patients enjoy.
Your clear aligners will be custom-made to fit your teeth precisely, gradually shifting them into their proper places over a set timeframe, prescribed by your dentist.
These aligners are clear and virtually invisible on your teeth to the casual observer. This is the reason why, they may be more preferable over metal braces for people that are concerned with how their teeth will look while undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Clear aligners typically treat dental issues quickly and efficiently.
Even though each case is different, patients generally begin to see results of their treatment within a few months as their teeth start to straighten and the treatment plan takes effect.
With your hard work to stay on track and excellent at-home oral hygiene, in addition to check-in visits to your dentist, you will be able to see and feel the difference in your mouth.
Do the math on how quickly you’ll need to eat and drink.
For your clear aligners to have the intended effect, you’ll need to wear them for about 22 hours per day.
That means all your eating and drinking will need to fit within an approximately two-hour time slot. While this may seem daunting at first, you may soon see some side benefits. For instance, you can say goodbye to mindless snacking (and the impact it can have on your waistline).
Don’t be surprised if your teeth feel loose.
Don't be alarmed if your teeth feel loose when you take your aligners out. This is happening because your clear aligners will be gradually straightening your misaligned teeth. Our dentists can assure you that this is to be expected as your teeth move and realign in their new spots.
You’ll level up on brushing.
Each time you take your aligners out to eat or drink, you should brush and floss before placing them back in your mouth.
That’s because food particles can become trapped between your teeth and the aligners, which would be uncomfortable – and bad for your teeth. It can also result in the aligners turning yellow – yuck.
Make sure to properly and thoroughly clean your aligners.
Just like your teeth need to be cleaned each time you eat or drink, you’ll need to clean your aligners as well. You shouldn’t use toothpaste to clean them, as it contains abrasive ingredients that can scratch your aligners. Instead, clean them with clear aligner cleaning crystals, denture cleaner, or Retainer Brite.
You may want to remove and place your aligners in private.
We recommend taking out/ putting in your aligners in a restroom where you will be more comfortable (especailly in the beginning). Because it can be challenging removing your aligners and popping them back in again, since they are designed fit your teeth so precisely.
Don’t count yourself out.
Patients who come to us asking about clear aligners often wonder whether they’d be a candidate. The only way to find out is to ask and visit your dentist for a consultation.
Depending on which clear aligners you’re considering, they can be used to fix a variety of issues, from gapped, crowded or crooked teeth to overbite and crossbite. We would be happy to assess your smile and help you find out if you’re a candidate for treatment with clear aligners.
You may need a retainer following treatment.
Your orthodontic treatment may not be quite finished after your wear the entire series of clear aligners as prescribed by your dentist. Wearing a retainer after the main course of your treatment will help to ensure your straight smile stays in its place.
We’re here to support you.
Though choosing clear aligners may come with its challenges, we’re here to support you 100% through any questions or concerns you may have. You’ll have our dental team just a phone call away to provide answers or advice. And in the end – you’ll have a healthier, straighter smile.