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Top Orthodontist: Braces, Clear Aligners

The Complete Guide to Your Clear Aligners Journey!

A lot of people have heard of “invisible braces,” but they might not be sure how they really work. Clear aligners are virtually invisible. These types of braces include no metal and are custom made for your teeth. They work in a series of trays that gradually shift your teeth into place. Each tray is manufactured so that the teeth are slightly straighter than the previous tray.

Invisible patients are just as satisfied with their results as patients with traditional braces. However, you have to make sure you’re wearing your aligners according to the recommendation from your orthodontist.

Clear aligners are known to treat mild to severe cases, including as follows: underbites, overbites, overcrowding, and gaps between teeth.

To guide you through the process, we will be talking about what makes clear aligners different from other braces, treatment time, what the expectations will be when you are wearing clear aligners, Helpful tips, and Orthodontic Experts clear aligners exclusive promotion.

Your Invisible Friend

Choosing clear aligners will build a confident smile without the wires and brackets. The main two benefits of clear aligners are that the aligners are almost completely invisible, and that they’re removable. They tend to be more comfortable than traditional metal braces, since the aligners are made of a smooth plastic that won’t irritate the gums or cheeks that some brackets and wires might do so.

Invisalign Clear Aligners

Benefits of Clear Aligners:

  • Clear aligners are removable and you have the flexibility to take them out to eat and drink what you want during the treatment.
  • There are no dietary restrictions.
  • When it is time to brush and floss your teeth, you can easily take the aligners out. This is a lot easier to maintain good oral hygiene during treatment with clear aligners as compared with traditional metal braces.
  • Your orthodontic visits will be shorter as there aren’t any wire adjustments and discomfort afterwards. Here is a pro, there is more flexibility when scheduling an appointment!
  • There are no restrictions when it comes to sports or physical activities with clear aligners. If you or your child plays contact sports, unlike traditional metal braces, Clear aligners can be removed for sport practices or games so that you or your child can wear a mouthguard for protection.
  • The greatest benefit of clear aligner is that the aligners are virtually invisible.

Small Shifts for Big Changes

One of the concerns you might have with clear aligners is if it hurts or causes discomfort. First, don’t let the word pain throw you off. Clear aligners don’t hurt typically, but some patients can experience slight tenderness or pressure. However, they are less painful than your regular traditional metal braces and like any type of orthodontic treatment, the pain tends to fade after the teeth start to adjust from wearing the aligners and to having new aligners swapped in and out.

There are few sources of pain when it comes to clear aligners. In most cases pain or discomfort will occur when the aligners are first fitted and when the aligner trays are changed about every 2 weeks. For most, discomfort is minor and will subside within a few days, while others may feel discomfort throughout treatment.

What happens within the first week of having clear aligners?

During the first week of clear aligners treatment, you can expect to feel some soreness and general discomfort as you get used to wearing your aligners. It may feel strange to have the aligners in your mouth at first, but after a day or so you will get used to them.

When you have clear aligners, always remember not to do these things during your treatment:

  • Don’t get them dirty. It’s important to drink nothing, but water when your aligners are in.
  • Don’t scratch them. Help your aligners last the length of your treatment by taking good care of them.
  • Make sure you don’t rush the treatment.
  • Don’t play with them.
  • Remember to brush!
Crown Point Invisalign

Talking with Clear Aligners

alking with clear aligners is just like any other orthodontic appliance that stays in your mouth may take a few days to get used to. During this time, your tongue may also need to get used to having clear aligners in your mouth. The chances of having speech impediments caused by aligner trays are very low. When you have your clear aligners appliances placed for the first time, it is quite common for the patient to notice slight changes in their speech while talking with aligners. For instance, when a patient notices any speech impediment while wearing aligners and it bothers them, there are ways to fix it within only a few days. Always remember the saying, practicing is key. Regular practice to pronounce and enunciate different words is the best way to get rid of a slight lisp and it makes talking with clear aligners much easier. So, don’t worry because you will be a master at talking with your aligner trays.

Talking with Invisalign

Eating with Clear aligners

Eating with aligners is easy and simple because all you have to do is just take your aligners out when you’re ready to eat or drink and then brush your teeth before putting them back in. Always wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours a day for the best results. Even certain foods that you couldn’t eat with traditional metal braces are similar to when you have clear aligners. In fact, not just gum, but rather all sticky foods and candies should be avoided with aligners. For example, foods like jelly beans, caramel, starbursts, etc. can pull and tug the aligners, possibly breaking or damaging them. Also, avoiding specific drinks like coffee, tea, and wine can easily stain your clear aligners.

Eating with Invisalign

What does a normal day look like for clear aligners care? If you haven’t gotten a clue, no worries! We have put together some tips and a healthy routine just for you!

Tips for Cleaning Your Aligners

  • Clean both teeth and aligner trays when you wake up:
    • Since you will be sleeping with your clear aligners on, the first thing to do each morning is remove them, clean your teeth, and clean your aligners before placing them back in your mouth. A lot of bacteria can build up while you sleep, so this step is especially important for proper care. It should be repeated before bed as well.
  • Rinse your aligners each time you remove them from your mouth:
    • For proper care it’s important to rinse your aligners with cold water every time you remove them to wash away dried saliva. Never leave your clear aligner trays out in the open if you’ve taken them out. Keeping your case handy is incredibly important to maintaining good oral hygiene. Never rinse your aligners with hot water.
  • Soak your trays daily:
    • The best way to have a clean set of aligners is to soak them daily in either clear aligners cleaning crystals or a denture cleaner. Never soak your aligners in mouthwash or hot water as they can damage your aligner trays. After soaking your aligners, use a spare toothbrush to rid the trays of lingering plaque or food particles.
  • Don’t eat or drink with your clear aligners in your mouth:
    • Whenever you eat or drink anything except water, don’t forget to remove your aligners first. This protects them from bacterial buildup and protects your teeth from trapped food particles, which can cause issues later on. These trays are not built for chewing, and the action can damage them or stain them.

You also might have noticed that cleanliness is very important to us here at Orthodontic Experts. Maintain good clear aligners hygiene with the following cleaning tips for clear aligners.

  • Cleaning aligners with soap and water.
  • Using Vinegar and water for cleaning. 
  • Mixing peroxide with water for cleaning. 
  • Cleaning aligners using baking soda and water.
Cleaning Invisalign

Quick tips for your Clear Aligners

  1. Clean your trays regularly
  2. Eat. Brush. Insert. Repeat
  3. Make a portable care kit for your aligners
  4. Save your nails and health and get a special tool to remove your aligners
  5. Track your success and set a reminder
Caring for Invisalign

Your Clear Aligners Specialists are at Orthodontic Experts!

At Orthodontic Experts, our top priority is ensuring that you have a positive orthodontic experience. You can also choose our limited treatment options at an affordable price. Call us today at (855) 720-2470 or schedule your next No Cost consultation! Start your journey with us at Orthodontic Experts!

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