Starting your journey with clear aligners is exciting. It’s a big step toward a straighter smile, and here at About Faces and Braces, Dr. Shawn and Dr. Candice are here to make the process as smooth as possible for you. Many who are considering orthodontic treatment with clear aligners want to know what to expect when they begin treatment. Our team is committed to helping you understand what lies ahead and feel prepared during your orthodontic treatment, so we’ll explain the clear aligner treatment process.
Make the Commitment to Wear Aligners Consistently
Clear aligners are incredibly convenient—they’re removable, virtually invisible, and offer flexibility you won’t find with traditional braces. But with that freedom comes a little extra responsibility to get the best results from your treatment.
Here’s what you’ll want to keep in mind:
- Strive for 22 hours of wear daily: Clear aligners need to be worn almost all day—except for meals, drinking non-water beverages, and cleaning your teeth.
- Plan your meals and snacks mindfully: Since you’ll be removing aligners for eating, you might find yourself snacking less to avoid extra removal and cleaning steps.
- Clean after every meal: It’s important to brush and floss after meals to keep your teeth and aligners clean, preventing potential bacteria buildup.
- Handle with care: Removing aligners requires a little practice. Be gentle, and always use both hands to avoid cracking or bending them out of shape.
Committing to these steps will keep your treatment on track and get you closer to achieving a more aligned smile.
What to Expect During Your First Week With Adjustments
Your first few days with aligners will likely come with a few changes, but don’t worry—it gets easier quickly. Here’s what most patients experience during their initial adjustment phase.
Speech Adjustments
Your clear aligners might make speaking feel a bit awkward at first. You may notice a slight lisp or a different sound when you talk, which is completely normal. Practicing aloud—like reading a book or chatting with friends—can help you adjust faster and get used to the feel of the aligners in your mouth.
Tenderness in Your Teeth and Gums
Your teeth are shifting to create the new alignment, so a little soreness is natural. This feeling is usually mild and temporary, especially when you first start or change to a new set of aligners. Eating softer foods for the first few days can help ease any discomfort, and over-the-counter pain relief can be used if needed. Remember, the pressure means the clear aligners are working.
Building Your Routine: Putting in and Taking Out Aligners
Clear aligners are designed to be taken in and out, but it might take a bit of practice to get it right. Start by placing your aligners over your front teeth and gently pressing them back over your molars. To remove them, lift each side gently rather than yanking them out. Using “chewies” or bite sticks can also help to ensure the aligners are snugly fitted.
Sticking with this process will make it second nature over time.
How Clear Aligners Can Help You Break Old Habits
One unexpected benefit of clear aligners at About Faces and Braces is that they can help you be more mindful of your eating habits. Here’s how:
- Less snacking: Since you’ll be taking out aligners for each snack and brushing afterward, many patients find they snack less frequently.
- Increased water intake: Since aligners can stay in while drinking water, many patients end up drinking more water throughout the day to keep hydrated without having to remove them.
- Awareness of meal timing: Planning meals at regular intervals helps aligners stay in place longer, contributing to a more effective treatment process.
These little changes can add up over time and may even become part of your routine beyond aligner treatment.
Manage Aligner Care to Keep Them Fresh and Clean
Daily care for your aligners is helpful to keep them transparent, clean, and odor-free. You’ll want to clean your aligners at least twice a day, typically when you brush your teeth in the morning and before bed.
Tips for Daily Aligner Care
Rinse with lukewarm water: Avoid hot water, as it can warp the plastic.
- Use a soft brush: Gently brushing your aligners will help remove plaque. Just be sure to avoid harsh toothpaste or abrasive cleaners.
- Soak aligners in cleaning solution: For deeper cleaning, soak your aligners in a special cleaner recommended by your orthodontist or in a mild denture cleaner a few times a week.
Keeping your aligners clean is straightforward, but these small daily steps will keep them looking and feeling fresh.
Stay Consistent with Clear Aligners
Getting used to clear aligners may feel a little challenging at first, but wearing them consistently can make all the difference in reaching your goal of a beautifully aligned smile. Every set you complete brings you closer to the desired results. To stay on track, a few simple tips can help.
It’s important to keep up with your appointments. Dr. Shawn, Dr. Candice, and the team at About Faces and Braces will monitor your progress and may make adjustments as needed to ensure everything is going according to plan. Another helpful tip is to celebrate each completed set of aligners. Acknowledging your progress, no matter how small, can make the process more motivating.
Looking Forward to a New Smile? We’ve Got Your Back!
Starting with clear aligners is a big deal—it’s a step toward a great smile that boosts your confidence. The first few days might take a little getting used to, but soon enough, handling your aligners will feel like second nature. Dr. Shawn, Dr. Candice, and our team in Springfield, Nashville, Clarksville – Ft. Campbell, and Clarksville – Rudolphtown are here whenever you need us.
Reach out to our team and schedule a free consultation today!