Have you been considering orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth and provide you with a smile you have dreamed of? If you answered yes, then you are most likely excited by the concept of clear aligners. This form of orthodontic treatment consists of a series of plastic trays to gently shift the teeth into their new positions. When they are worn and cared for adequately, their appearance is imperceptible to the casual observer, making them a popular choice for adults. With that said, here are six things you may not know about this treatment method:
Not Everyone is a Candidate
Clear aligners may sound like the magical option for adults wanting to straighten their teeth without drawing attention to their mouth, however they are not always the best option. Whether you are eligible for clear aligners will depend on your case and the type of movement you need to undertake, as more complex cases will require a fixed orthodontic appliance such as braces in NE Calgary to complete. To determine if you are suited for clear aligners, schedule a consultation with your nearby dentist. If you are not likely to wear your clear aligners consistently for a minimum of 22 hours, then they may not be the best option for you.
There May Be a Refinement Period
In some cases, you may have a few smaller teeth that are resistant to shifting during the normal course of treatment. Following your planned course of treatment, your dentist in NE Calgary may provide you with refinement trays to encourage the last couple of stubborn teeth to move into their new positions. Ultimately, this is all dependent on your teeth’s response to treatment. Despite the number of trays, you use throughout your treatment, you will be given a final clear tray and encouraged by your orthodontist in NE Calgary to continue regularly wearing it for short periods of time to assist your teeth in maintaining their new positions.
You Will Need to Brush More Often Than Before
Professionals will recommend brushing your teeth after every meal you consume, but for the most part people stick to a brushing schedule that involves brushing once in the morning and in the night. When you are receiving orthodontic treatment, it is exceptionally crucial to brush your teeth after each meal. When you wear clear aligners, plaque and food particles can become trapped in them, which leads to cavities and of course, bad breath. If you take your aligners out of your mouth to eat, be sure to brush before you pop them back in. As a result of this habit, you will notice that you will not only brush your teeth more throughout the day, but cut back on some of the mindless snacking we are all guilty of.
You Should Only Drink Cold Beverages
Do you love to sip on a hot mug of tea throughout the day? Then we have some bad news… Given that clear aligners are made of plastic, when they come into contact with hot liquids, they can become warped. When you are undergoing treatment, we suggest you limit your intake of hot coffee, tea and anything that could affect the shape of your aligners and cause stains. If you need to cave into your coffee craving, be sure to remove your aligners and drink the coffee quickly. If you are unable to brush your teeth afterwards, at least drink some cold water before you place your trays back in your mouth. Otherwise, try sticking to plain cold water throughout the day. You will feel hydrated, plus you will not have to risk negatively affecting your treatment and progress.
You May Need to Acquire Attachments
For many, the fact that clear aligners are removable unlike traditional braces, is the most appealing aspect of this treatment. Unfortunately, for some patients remembering to wear their aligners when they can be removed at your leisure may not come naturally. It is recommended that you wear your aligners for at least 22 hours per day and only remove them when you eat and brush your teeth. For some tooth movements, you may require the use of additional attachments to complete your treatment. These small “buttons” are clear or tooth-coloured, and they are adhered to your teeth using dental adhesive. If your treatment requires the use of attachments, your dentist in NE Calgary will add or remove them at your regular visits. They may be slightly visible when your clear aligners are removed, but they are certainly not as visible as metallic braces in NE Calgary…