Facts Everyone Should Know Before Choosing a Clear Aligner

Choosing a clear aligner is an important decision, and you want facts to help you make your choice. Our Lethbridge dentists have you covered. Here are important facts everyone should know before choosing a clear aligner.

What should I know about clear aligners?

Clear aligners are removable orthodontic appliances that straighten your teeth just like braces do, only without the metal and wires. Clear aligners are made of transparent plastic material, making them look nearly 'invisible' to the casual observer when worn.

We'd like to share some information with you before you make your final decision regarding which orthodontic option to go with. Here are some facts about clear aligners that you should be aware of because we love empowering our patients to make informed decisions.

Clear aligners are a discreet option many patients appreciate.

Your clear aligners will be custom-made to precisely fit your teeth, gradually moving them into their proper positions over a period of time, as prescribed by your dentist.

As the name implies, these aligners are transparent and, to the untrained eye, appear to be invisible on your teeth. They may therefore be preferable to metal braces for those who are worried about the appearance of their teeth during orthodontic treatment.

Clear aligners typically treat dental issues quickly and efficiently.

Though each case is unique, patients typically start to see results of treatment within a few months as their teeth begin 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 you'll need to schedule all of your eating and drinking into a two-hour window. Although at first, it might seem difficult, you might soon notice some advantages. For example, you can stop mindless snacking (and the impact it can have on your waistline).

Don’t be surprised if your teeth feel loose.

Your teeth may feel loose when you remove your clear aligners because they will gradually straighten your crooked teeth. We can reassure you that this is normal as they move and realign in their new positions, so don't be alarmed.

You’ll level up on brushing.

Each time you take your aligners out to eat or drink, you should brush and floss them before placing them back in your mouth.

This is due to the possibility of food particles getting stuck between your teeth and the aligners, which would be uncomfortable and bad for your teeth. Additionally, it may cause the aligners to turn yellow; gross.

Make sure to properly and thoroughly clean your aligners.

You'll need to clean your aligners every time you eat or drink, just like you should with your teeth. Since toothpaste has abrasive ingredients that could scratch your aligners, you shouldn't use it to clean them. Instead, clean them with Retainer Brite, clear aligner cleaning crystals, or denture cleaner.

You may want to remove and place your aligners in private.

You might find it difficult to take out your aligners when you're done eating or drinking because of how precisely they fit your teeth. Because of this, you might feel more at ease performing this in a bathroom at first.

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 the type of clear aligners you're thinking about, they can be used to correct a number of problems, including overbites and crossbites as well as gapped, crowded, or crooked teeth. We'd be happy to examine your smile and determine whether clear aligner treatment is right for you.

You may need a retainer following treatment.

Even if you wear the entire set of clear aligners that your dentist advised you to wear, your orthodontic treatment might not be completely finished. After the primary phase of your treatment, wearing a retainer will help to keep your straight smile in place.

We’re here to support you.

Although selecting clear aligners may present some difficulties, we are always available to answer any questions or address any worries you may have. You can reach our dental team by phone for responses or recommendations. Finally, you'll have a straighter, healthier smile.