Your Prince George & Vancouver Invisalign® Provider
If you are considering getting clear aligners, it is important to know all the facts before making that decision. Our Prince George dentists at Family Dental Care - River Point discuss some important facts that you should know before choosing clear aligners.
What do I need to know about wearing clear aligners?
Clear aligners are removable devices that are used to straighten your teeth just like braces do, the only difference is that clear aligners don't use metal and wires. Clear aligners are made of transparent plastic, making them less obvious to the casual observer when worn.
While you may have already had thoughts about which straightening appliances you'd like to use, 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 less obvious option.
Clear aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth while gradually moving them into their proper positions over a period of time, as prescribed by your dentist.
As they are aptly named, clear aligners are difficult to see on your teeth while you are wearing them. For this reason, they may be preferable to metal braces for people who are concerned with how their teeth will look while they undergo orthodontic treatment.
Clear aligners are a common and effective method of straightening teeth.
While the treatment varies from patient to patient, most typically begin to see results of treatment within a few months as their teeth begin to straighten and the treatment plan takes effect.
as long as you follow all directions given by your dental team and ensure at-home oral hygiene practices, in addition to check-in visits to your dentist, you will be able to see and feel the difference in your mouth.
There are only two hours a day that you won't wear them
It is important to wear you clear aligners for no less than 22 hours out of the day
That means all your eating and drinking will need to fit within an approximately two-hour time slot. While this may seem daunting at first, you may soon see some side benefits. For instance, you can say goodbye to mindless snacking (and the impact it can have on your waistline).
Clear aligners may give you the feeling of loose teeth.
Clear aligners are used to gradually straighten your misaligned teeth, because of this, your teeth may feel loose when you remove your aligners out. Don’t worry - we can assure you this is normal as they move and realign in their new positions.
You will need to improve on teeth brushing.
It is important that you brush and floss your teeth after each time that you remove your aligners to eat.
That’s because food particles can become trapped between your teeth and the aligners, which would be uncomfortable – and bad for your teeth. It can also result in the aligners turning yellow – yuck.
Be sure that you always clean your aligners well.
Just as much as you clean your teeth, you will also need to clean your aligners. You shouldn’t use toothpaste to clean them, as it contains abrasive ingredients that can scratch your aligners. Instead, clean them with clear aligner cleaning crystals, denture cleaner, or Retainer Brite.
Placing and removing aligners may be something you want to do discreetly.
Your clear aligners are made to fit snuggly on your teeth, because of this it may be slightly difficult to just simply pop them in and take them out. For this reason, you may be more comfortable doing this in a restroom, especially at first.
Have a dental consultation to know if clear aligners are right for you.
Patients often come in asking us if clear aligners would be a good fit for them. The only way to find out is to ask and visit your dentist for a consultation.
Depending on which clear aligners you’re considering, they can be used to fix a variety of issues, from gapped, crowded or crooked teeth to overbite and crossbite. We would be happy to assess your smile and help you find out if you’re a candidate for treatment with clear aligners.
Once treatment with clear aligners is complete you may still need a retainer.
Your orthodontic treatment may not be quite finished after your wear the entire series of clear aligners as prescribed by your dentist. Wearing a retainer after the main course of your treatment will help to ensure your straight smile stays in its place.
Our dental team will support you every step of the way.
Though choosing clear aligners may come with its challenges, we’re here to support you 100% through any questions or concerns you may have. You’ll have our dental team just a phone call away to provide answers or advice. And in the end – you’ll have a healthier, straighter smile.