Transparent braces or aligners have become a trend in aesthetic dentistry in recent years. They are especially popular among the patients because they are almost entirely invisible, allowing the process of teeth straightening to proceed without affecting your daily life or forcing you to hide your smile.
However, for aligner therapy to go smoothly and achieve the best possible results, it’s essential to know how to wear and maintain your transparent braces correctly. In our latest blog, read everything you need to know about this simple and comfortable way to straighten your teeth!
Do transparent braces really work?
According to research conducted in the U.S., as many as 96% of patients are satisfied with the results of wearing aligners!
There’s no doubt that this method of straightening teeth is revolutionary, especially considering the comfort that soft, invisible trays provide to patients.
Transparent aligner therapy consists of several phases, requiring a certain number of aligners that need to be changed over the period of few weeks. Their effectiveness comes from gentle forces that move the teeth into optimal positions. Each new set of aligners shifts the teeth slightly more than the previous set. Thus, patients can notice progress on their journey to a perfect smile within just a few months!
What does the process of wearing transparent braces look like?
After your dentist assesses whether you are a candidate for aligners, impressions of your teeth are taken, and irregularities are analyzed to create a therapy plan. The aligners you wear during therapy are fully customized to your teeth’s needs.
Before therapy begins, the dentist will perform certain preparations. These may include attaching metal “buttons” to your teeth with composite material to help the aligners apply pressure to specific teeth and bring them into the correct position. Another preparatory procedure may involve “interproximal stripping,” which entails minimally removing interproximal substance with an abrasive metal strip to create space for ideal tooth positioning.
After that, applying the aligner to your teeth is very simple: you place it in your mouth and gently press it onto your teeth. Since they are custom-made for your teeth, aligners should fit firmly but gently until removed.
How many hours a day should I wear my aligner for a successful therapy?
We must note that aligners are intended only for the most dedicated patients! To be effective and achieve the best results, they must be worn for at least 20 hours a day (ideally 22 hours), during the day and while sleeping. Aligners are removed during meals, oral hygiene routines, or for specific activities that require functioning without them. Wearing aligners for at least 20 hours daily is crucial for the therapy’s success.
How long can the therapy last?
Aligner therapy can last from a few months to up to two years, depending on the individual case. Correcting minor irregularities takes less time, while more complex cases require longer treatment. As mentioned earlier, the patient’s discipline in wearing aligners significantly affects the duration of the therapy; failure to follow instructions can prolong it.
Is aligner therapy painful?
The main goal of aligners is to position the teeth into a functional and aesthetically pleasing position. It takes time for your teeth and gums to adjust to wearing aligners and the force they apply to your teeth. During the adjustment period, you may experience slight sensitivity, which will gradually subside. Transitioning from one therapy phase to the next may cause temporary discomfort, as each new set of aligners moves the teeth further than the previous one. However, this discomfort typically disappears after a few days of adjustment.
Interested in how to keep your aligners clean? Here’s a quick guide!
How often should you clean your aligners?
Aligners should be cleaned at least twice a day – after waking up and before bedtime. During sleep, reduced saliva production allows more bacteria to accumulate in the mouth, which stick to the aligners, and that’s why cleaning them is essential before starting your day. Cleaning aligners at the end of the day is also important to remove any dirt accumulated during the day. However, the best way to maintain the cleanliness of your aligners is to rinse them with running water every time you remove them from your mouth, to wash away any bacteria and food residue, and to preserve their transparent appearance and neutral smell. It is of utmost importance that oral hygiene while wearing aligners remains impeccable, and that only a clean aligner goes into a clean mouth!
What should you use to clean your aligners?
Aligners should be cleaned with a toothbrush and cold water, as hot water can deform the plastic the aligner is made of and destroy their shape and function. When calculus builds up on the aligners, immerse them in water with a dissolved Corega tablet, which is available in drugstores.
What to avoid when cleaning aligners?
Toothpaste contains abrasive particles that can damage aligners, leave scratches, and create a “blurry” effect, making the aligners more visible. Soaking aligners in mouthwash or cleaning them with colored or scented soaps can cause stains and unpleasant odors, making them uncomfortable to wear.
Where is the best place to store aligners when not wearing them?
Aligners usually come with a case for storage. It’s essential to keep the case clean and dry, and the aligners should also be cleaned and dried before placing them in the case.
And finally…
If you want to straighten your teeth in a comfortable and effective way, without hiding your smile or using “metal” accessories, our dentists at Nova Dental Clinic are ready to assess your teeth and determine if aligners are the right choice for you.
Schedule your appointment today and take the first step toward a perfect smile!
