For many patients, clear aligners are a welcome relief. They offer all the benefits of braces without all the hassle of brackets and wires! However, there’s still a learning curve, so Clauss Orthodontics wants you to know what to expect when you begin treatment with clear aligners.
How Your Aligners Work
We use Invisalign in our office, which uses a special material that is free from substances like latex, parabens, phthalates, epoxy, or BPA, making it safe for the vast majority of patients. Here’s a summary of what this journey looks like from start to finish:
- Initial Consultation: You’ll meet with Dr. Clauss to discuss clear aligners as a treatment option and discuss your personal goals and concerns. If they are a good fit, we’ll begin the process.
- Digital Scanning: We’ll take a detailed 3D scan of your teeth to create a precise model.
- Treatment Plan: Using this model, we’ll develop a treatment plan that outlines the desired tooth movements and the number of aligners needed.
- Fabrication: Based on the treatment plan, a series of custom-made aligners will be created for you. Each aligner is slightly different, allowing for gradual adjustment of your teeth.
- Fitting: Dr. Clauss will provide you with your first set of aligners and ensure they fit properly. You’ll also receive instructions on how to care for and wear them.
- Wearing the Aligners: Each set of aligners will be worn for about 1-2 weeks, according to your treatment plan.
- Progress Checkups: You’ll have periodic checkup appointments to monitor your progress and receive additional aligners as needed.
- Refinements: In some cases, additional aligners may be required to fine-tune the results and address any remaining tooth movements.
- Retention: After completing your treatment, you’ll transition to wearing retainers to maintain the new position of your teeth and prevent any shifting.
Tips of the Trade
Here are some great guidelines to follow to effectively use your aligners, especially in the very beginning! Using them properly is the key to having a beautiful smile, and starting out strong is essential to your treatment progress.
- Follow the Treatment Plan: Adhere to the treatment plan we provide at Clauss Orthodontics, including wearing each set of aligners for the designated time before moving on to the next set. Avoid skipping wear time, as this can delay progress and impact your overall treatment outcome.
- Wear Them Consistently: To ensure effective treatment, it’s crucial to wear your aligners for the entire daily duration, which is 20-22 hours a day.
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is essential. Brush your teeth after meals and snacks and before reinserting your aligners. Daily flossing is also important to prevent plaque buildup and tooth decay.
- Clean Your Aligners Regularly: Clean your aligners daily with a cleaning solution or mild soap and water. Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the aligners. Also, refrain from eating or drinking anything other than water while wearing the aligners to prevent staining and bacterial growth.
- Store Them Properly: When not in use, keep your aligners in their case to protect them from damage or loss. Avoid wrapping them in tissues or napkins, as they can easily be mistaken for trash.
- Attend Appointments: Make sure to attend your follow-up appointments so we can monitor your progress and adjust the treatment as needed to stay on track.
- Be Patient: Orthodontic treatments take time, so be patient and trust the process. Staying committed to wearing your aligners will help you achieve the best possible results.
Habits to Avoid
Now that we’ve covered all of the best practices for your clear aligners, here are some things to avoid:
- Don’t Ignore Pain or Discomfort: While some initial discomfort is normal, persistent pain should never be ignored. If you experience ongoing soreness, schedule an appointment with our team so we can examine and address the issue. This also applies to any orthodontic emergency you may experience.
- Avoid Eating with Aligners In: Eating with your aligners can feel uncomfortable and increase the risk of cavities, gum disease, and staining from certain beverages. Always remove them before eating.
- Keep Track of Your Aligners: To avoid losing your aligners, keep them in a specific, easily noticeable container. While replacements are available, keeping track of your current aligners is more cost-effective and convenient. Consider decorating your container to make it easier to find.
Correcting the Course
Even if you struggle with it at moments, remember that our patients successfully complete this treatment all the time! You can do it, too, and part of our job is to make sure that our team sets you up to be successful. Please visit our Watertown or Middlebury offices so we can kick off your treatment!