Facts Everyone Should Know Before Choosing a Clear Aligner

Since choosing a clear aligner is such an important decision, you'll want facts to help you make your choice. Our dentists in Port Moody can help. Here are some important facts everyone should know before choosing a clear aligner.

What should I know about clear aligners?

While clear aligners straighten your teeth like braces do, they differ in a few important aspects. These removable orthodontic appliances do not have wires or metal. Instead, clear aligners consist of a transparent plastic material that makes them hard for the casual observer to spot on your teeth.

Before making your final decision about which orthodontic option to choose, we have some facts to share that you might want to consider before making this important choice. We're here to help our patients make informed choices, so here are some things to know about clear aligners.

Clear aligners are a discreet option many patients appreciate.

Your custom-made clear aligners will precisely fit your teeth, and gradually shift them into their correct positions over a specified period of time prescribed by your dentist.

As the name suggests, clear aligners will be virtually invisible on your teeth for the casual observer. This is why some people prefer them to metal braces if they are concerned with the appearance of their teeth while they have orthodontic issues treated.

In general, dental issues can be treated quickly and efficiently with clear aligners.

While each case is unique, patients usually begin to see results from treatment within a few months as the treatment plan takes effect and teeth begin to straighten.

If you work hard to stay on track and diligently maintain an at-home oral hygiene routine, in addition to checking in regularly with your dentist, you'll be able to feel and see 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.

That means all your eating and drinking will need to fit within an approximately two-hour time slot. While this may seem daunting at first, you may soon see some side benefits. For instance, you can say goodbye 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 be gradually straightening your misaligned teeth, your teeth may feel loose when you take your aligners out. Don’t worry - we can assure you this is normal as they move and realign in their new positions.

You’ll level up on brushing.

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

That’s because food particles can become trapped between your teeth and the aligners, which would be uncomfortable – and bad for your teeth. It can also result in the aligners turning yellow – yuck.

Make sure to properly and thoroughly clean your aligners.

Just like your teeth need to be cleaned each time you eat or drink, you’ll need to clean your aligners as well. You shouldn’t use toothpaste to clean them, as it contains abrasive ingredients that can scratch your aligners. Instead, clean them with clear aligner cleaning crystals, 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 find it challenging to remove them and pop them in again when you’re done eating or drinking. For this reason, you may be more comfortable doing this in a restroom, especially 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.

Depending on which clear aligners you’re considering, they can be used to fix a variety of issues, from gapped, crowded or crooked teeth to overbite and crossbite. We would be happy to assess your smile and help you find out if you’re a candidate for treatment with clear aligners.

You may need a retainer following treatment.

Your orthodontic treatment may not be quite finished after your wear the entire series of clear aligners as prescribed by your dentist. Wearing a retainer after the main course of your treatment will help to ensure your straight smile stays in its place.

We’re here to support you.

Though choosing clear aligners may come with its challenges, we’re here to support you 100% through any questions or concerns you may have. You’ll have our dental team just a phone call away to provide answers or advice. And in the end – you’ll have a healthier, straighter smile.