Clear braces are an alternative for straightening teeth that is more discreet compared to traditional braces. The transparent materials used to make aligners provide a subtle solution to orthodontic problems. Knowing about clear braces helps you choose the most ideal treatment option for you. Here are seven things to know when getting clear braces:
1. Suitability
Before you get clear braces, start by assessing your eligibility. Aligners might be fitting for people experiencing mild to moderate dental issues. A consultation with an experienced orthodontist helps determine whether you are eligible. Get a personalized orthodontic treatment solution aligning with your unique condition and associated needs.
2. Treatment Times
Clear aligners may offer treatment times similar to traditional braces. Aligners gradually pull your teeth to a well-aligned position as the orthodontist makes occasional adjustments. Timelines will vary depending on how out of place the teeth are and what adjustments are needed.
The time taken for treatment may be affected by the malocclusion severity and how well a client adheres to the treatment plan. Measures like making sure you have your aligners on for most of the time during the treatment could shorten the time taken to achieve desirable outcomes. Other approaches to incorporate include brushing and flossing before putting on aligners and avoiding sugary beverages.
3. Clean Aligners
Keeping your aligners clean helps you achieve the targeted outcomes. You can make sure they are clean by using warm water and antibacterial soap when washing. Avoid using a stiff toothbrush and abrasive toothpaste. These materials might scratch your aligners’ plastic resin and disrupt their transparency.
Start using toothbrushes with soft bristles that scrub plaque away from the aligners without causing scratches. One alternative solution calls for water mixed with baking soda when cleaning aligners. You only need to soak the aligners for a few minutes to make sure they are clean and ready for use.
4. Oral Hygiene
Brushing and flossing on a regular basis is necessary when you are using clear aligners. Doing so blocks food particles from accumulating under the aligners that press against your teeth. When these particles accumulate and get covered by aligners, they can cause the development of cavities and gum infections as you receive treatment.
Making sure your teeth are clean before you wear aligners keeps them transparent and speeds up the treatment process. When putting on the aligners, patients should drink water and avoid sugary beverages. Such sugary beverages might stain the aligners and lower their transparency.
5. Additional Dental Processes
Before you fit aligners you may require additional processes such as extractions and interproximal attachments. An experienced orthodontist can analyze the severity of your misalignment to determine whether other dental processes are necessary. Proper dental preparation will affect the level of efficiency of the aligners.
It might be necessary to use aftercare retainers after you complete the Invisalign treatment. This way, you can make sure the desirable outcomes you achieved after treatment are maintained in the long term. Aftercare retainers help prevent potential tooth shifting after you have achieved your targeted outcomes.
6. Potential Challenges
As you adjust to the treatment, you may face a slight difference in speech. You may struggle to pronounce certain words when wearing the aligners. This is a normal process of adaptation that improves as you get more used to putting on clear aligners. Practice speaking with your retainers in to regain your normal speech pattern more quickly.
7. Safe Storage
Storing your aligner trays in safe places helps prevent children and pets from tampering with the aligners. Make sure the aligners are in their case to lower the risk of breaking which could disrupt your treatment plan. When storing the aligners, prioritize cool places to prevent effects such as warping that distorts the shape of your clear aligners. Leaving your aligners in a hot car during a summer day may cause some distortion from the heat.
Use Clear Braces Today
Understanding the various aspects of clear braces will help you plan effectively for treatment. Practices such as removing the aligners during meals and observing strict oral hygiene processes could make you achieve desirable outcomes sooner. Experienced orthodontists can help you through the treatment process. Contact a specialist today to help you learn more about clear braces for teeth straightening.
