Facts Everyone Should Know Before Choosing a Clear Aligner

Choosing a clear aligner is a significant decision, and you'll want facts to guide you. Our dentists in Toronto have you covered. The following are critical facts that everyone should be aware of before selecting a clear aligner.

What should I know about clear aligners?

Clear aligners are removable orthodontic appliances that work similarly to braces but without metal and wires. When worn, clear aligners are made of a transparent plastic material that makes them nearly 'invisible' to the untrained eye.

Before you make your final decision on which orthodontic option to pursue, we'd like to share some factors to consider. We believe in educating our patients, so here are some things you should know about clear aligners.

Clear aligners are a discreet option many patients appreciate.

Your clear aligners will be custom-made to precisely fit your teeth, gradually moving them into their proper positions over some time, as prescribed by your dentist.

As the name implies, these aligners are transparent and virtually invisible on the teeth to the untrained eye. As a result, they may be preferable to metal braces for individuals concerned about the appearance of their teeth during orthodontic treatment.

Clear aligners typically treat dental issues quickly and efficiently.

Though each case is unique, patients typically start to see results of treatment within a few months as their teeth begin to straighten and the treatment plan takes effect.

With your hard work to stay on track and excellent at-home oral hygiene, in addition to check-in visits to your dentist, you should be able to see and feel the difference in your mouth.

Do the math on how quickly you’ll need to eat and drink.

For your clear aligners to have the intended effect, you’ll need to wear them for about 22 hours per day.

This means that all of your eating and drinking must take place within a two-hour time frame. While this may appear to be a daunting task at first, you may quickly notice some unexpected benefits. For example, you can bid farewell to mindless snacking (and the impact it can have on your waistline).

Don’t be surprised if your teeth feel loose.

Because your clear aligners will gradually straighten your misaligned teeth, you may notice that your teeth feel loose when you remove them. Do not be alarmed - this is completely normal as they adjust to their new positions.

You’ll level up your brushing.

Each time you take your aligners out to eat or drink, you should brush and floss them before placing them back in your mouth.

This is because food particles can become trapped between your teeth and the aligners, causing discomfort – and potentially damaging your teeth. Additionally, the aligners can turn yellow.

Make sure to properly and thoroughly clean your aligners.

Just as your teeth require cleaning after each meal or drink, your aligners will require cleaning as well. You should avoid cleaning them with toothpaste because it contains abrasive ingredients that could scratch your aligners. Rather than that, clean them with crystal clear aligner cleaner, denture cleaner, or Retainer Brite.

You may want to remove and place your aligners in private.

Because your aligners fit your teeth so precisely, you may have difficulty removing them and re-inserting them after eating or drinking. As a result, you may feel more at ease performing this task in a restroom, particularly at first.

Don’t count yourself out.

Patients who come to us asking about clear aligners often wonder whether they’d be a candidate. The only way to find out is to ask and visit your dentist for a consultation.

Clear aligners can be used to correct a variety of dental issues, including gapped, crowded, or crooked teeth, as well as overbite and crossbite. We would be happy to assess your smile and determine if you are a candidate for clear aligner treatment.

You may need a retainer following treatment.

After wearing the entire series of clear aligners prescribed by your dentist, your orthodontic treatment may not be complete. Wearing a retainer following the primary course of your treatment will assist in maintaining your straight smile's position.

We’re here to support you.

While selecting clear aligners may present some challenges, we are here to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. Our dental team will be available to answer any questions or offer advice.