Facts Everyone Should Know Before Choosing a Clear Aligner

Choosing a clear aligner is a big decision, and you want facts to help you make it. Our Coquitlam dentists will take care of you. Before selecting a clear aligner, everyone should be aware of the following facts.

What should I know about clear aligners?

Clear aligners are removable orthodontic appliances that straighten your teeth in the same way that braces do, except without the metal and wires. Clear aligners are made of a transparent plastic material that, when worn, appears nearly 'invisible' to the untrained eye.

Before you make your final decision on which orthodontic option to choose, we’d like to share some things you might want to factor into this important choice. We love helping our patients make informed choices, so here are some things you should know about clear aligners.

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 clear and, to the untrained eye, virtually invisible on your teeth. As a result, they may be preferable to metal braces for people who are concerned about the appearance of their teeth while undergoing 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 have to fit all of your eating and drinking into a two-hour window. While this may appear intimidating at first, you may soon notice some side benefits. For example, you can put an end to mindless snacking (and the impact it can have on your waistline).

Don’t be surprised if your teeth feel loose.

Because your clear aligners will gradually straighten your misaligned teeth, they may feel loose when you remove them. Don't be concerned; this is normal as they move and realign in their new positions.

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 because food particles can become trapped between your teeth and the aligners, causing discomfort and harm to your teeth. It can also cause the aligners to turn yellow - yuck.

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 do your teeth. You should not clean them with toothpaste because it contains abrasive ingredients that can scratch your aligners. Instead, use clear aligner cleaning crystals, denture cleaner, or Retainer Brite to clean them.

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

Because your aligners are so precise, you may find it difficult to remove them and replace them when you're done eating or drinking. As a result, you may feel more at ease doing this in a restroom, especially 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.

Clear aligners can be used to treat a variety of issues, including gapped, crowded, or crooked teeth, as well as overbite and crossbite. We would be delighted to examine your smile and determine whether you are a candidate for clear aligner treatment.

You may need a retainer following treatment.

After wearing the entire series of clear aligners as prescribed by your dentist, your orthodontic treatment may not be completed. Wearing a retainer after your main course of treatment will help to keep your straight smile in place.

We’re here to support you.

Though selecting clear aligners can be difficult, we are here to help you with any questions or concerns you may have. Our dental team will be available by phone to provide answers or advice. Finally, you'll have a healthier, straighter smile.