Clear aligners are an incredible orthodontic tool. They’re so widely used these days that we often forget how amazing they are. Our team at Facing the Future Orthodontics uses them every day to create new smiles for our patients, so let’s discuss some tips for clear aligner treatment.
A Customized Process
Every patient who gets clear aligner treatment from us has a completely bespoke approach. Since every smile is special, the way we treat it needs to be too. Our office uses Angel, Spark, and uLab aligners, depending on patient preferences. We also proudly offer night-wear only aligners called OrthoFX, which you’ll only wear for 9-12 hours a day.
Here’s how we go about initiating this treatment process:
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Comprehensive Assessment:
- During your initial appointment, Dr. Vic or Dr. Hailey evaluates your state of misalignment using advanced digital imaging to make a 3D image of your mouth.
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Personalized Treatment Design:
- Specialized 3D imaging technology maps out the gradual movement of your teeth over months or years. We’ll compose a detailed sequence of aligners tailored specifically to your smile goals.
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Crafting the Aligners:
- Each aligner is carefully molded in a lab from durable, BPA-free thermoplastic material to ensure comfort and effectiveness. These aligners apply gentle pressure to shift teeth over time.
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Fitting and Guidance:
- Once your aligners are ready, we’ll check for a precise fit and provide comprehensive instructions on wearing and maintaining them for optimal results.
Age-Specific Solutions
Clear aligners are suitable for lots of our patients of different ages—with one exception. We generally don’t use clear aligners for children, simply because their teeth are very different. They usually benefit more from traditional braces. For teens and adults, though clear aligners have many benefit:
- Teens:
- Teens particularly benefit from the aligners’ discreet appearance and removable design, making it easier to maintain their lifestyle. Teenagers usually have a lot of social and extracurricular commitments that demand flexibility from their orthodontic treatment.
- Adults:
- For adults, clear aligners are also a popular choice for their aesthetic appeal and ability to fit seamlessly into professional and social settings. Clear aligners provide a flexible and effective solution for correcting minor and moderate alignment issues.
A Guide to Clear Aligners
Everyone needs a helping hand. Facing the Future Orthodontics wants to let you in on some secrets about how to make your experience with your clear aligners the very best it can be:
- Commit to the Schedule: Wearing your aligners for at least 20–22 hours per day is non-negotiable for treatment. You should take them out only for meals, drinking anything other than water, and your oral hygiene routine. Skipping wear time can prolong your treatment long-term and reduce its effectiveness.
- Maintain Hygiene: Clean aligners daily using a soft-bristle toothbrush and non-abrasive soap. Avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic. A consistent cleaning routine is the only way to make sure your aligners stay clear and odor-free.
- Follow Transition Timelines: Stick to the timeline provided by our team for switching aligners. Each set is designed to move teeth incrementally, so delays can disrupt progress.
- Keep a Kit: Carry a travel case, cleaning supplies, and an extra aligner tray when you’re on the go. This ensures you’re prepared for unexpected situations like misplacing an aligner or needing a quick clean on the go.
- Monitor Progress: Tracking your teeth’s movement is a great way to encourage yourself when motivation flags. Take weekly photos of your smile to compare changes. Seeing the extent of your transformation can keep you committed to wearing your aligners and following your orthodontist’s guidance.
- Protect Against Damage: Keep your aligners away from heat sources and out of reach of pets. Store them safely in their carrying case when not in use to prevent accidental damage or loss.
- Use Aligner Chewies: Aligner chewies are small, soft cylinders you bite down on to help your aligners fit more snugly against your teeth. They enhance contact between the aligners and teeth, and help treatment move along as planned.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water keeps your mouth hydrated and reduces the risk of bacteria buildup under your aligners. Dehydration can lead to dry mouth and discomfort, so always have a water bottle handy.
- Avoid Staining: Dark beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine can stain your aligners. If you drink in these beverages, remove your aligners first, and brush your teeth before reinserting them to prevent discoloration.
A Fine Line
Bear in mind that you’re never alone for a single step of your orthodontic treatment. Our team is here to help you along the way—whether that means giving you specialized advice, helping you secure a replacement set of aligners, or tackling any other obstacles that may arise. Come see us in East Hampton or Riverhead soon!
