Text (541) 485-0272
Many people would love to straighten out their smiles, but some are hesitant to commit to wearing conspicuous and irremovable metal braces that require a long list of dietary restrictions. Fortunately, many people have realigned their teeth using removable and discreet clear aligners that allow patients to eat whatever they like. However, straightening your smile with clear aligners will still require a lot of discipline and care on your part. Here’s what you should know if you are considering clear aligners.
You Must Wear Clear Aligners for at Least 20 Hours a Day
One of the most convenient things about clear aligners is that they are removable, but you’ll need to wear them for a sufficient amount of time each day to achieve the desired results. Each of your aligners will be specially designed to exert the constant pressure necessary to gradually shift your teeth into better positions, but your teeth will immediately begin shifting back to their former places when the appliances are removed. To keep your treatment on track, make sure you wear your aligners for at least twenty hours daily.
You Can’t Chew When Wearing Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are made from tough and durable plastic, but they are not designed to withstand the pressure of chewing. Neglecting to remove your aligners before eating will lead to them cracking, which can ruin their ability to realign your teeth and cause treatment delays. Similarly, colorful or sugary beverages can leave residues that can cause stains or decay beneath your aligners. Always remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything but water.
You Must Keep Your Teeth Clean
Clear aligners work by consistently exerting the slight pressure necessary to realign teeth, and they are designed to fit tightly over the teeth to do this. Unfortunately, this snug fit means that it will be virtually impossible for your teeth to undergo your mouth’s natural cleaning process while the aligners are worn. Any plaque or food debris caught between the aligners and your teeth will be protected, which can make it easy for dental stains or even treatment-delaying infections to develop.
To keep your teeth in great shape during clear aligner treatment, it will be necessary to thoroughly brush and floss your teeth and clean your aligners each time before you wear them. This will ensure that your teeth are not exposed to harmful germs and stain-causing agents, which will help your treatment go smoothly so you can achieve magnificent results.
Maintaining excellent habits during clear aligner treatment will help ensure that the process remains complication-free and as brief as possible. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best way to achieve your ideal smile.
About the Author
Dr. Ivan Paskalev earned his dental degree at Tufts University in Boston, where he graduated third in his class. He is proud to be a member of the Oregon Dental Association and the American Dental Association. His office in Eugene offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as clear aligner treatments. To schedule your clear aligner consultation, contact his office online or dial (541) 485-0272.