Your decision to wear clear aligners to straighten your teeth is one you will not regret, especially once you begin to notice your teeth moving in the right direction. In preparation for this new journey, though, you may wonder what you can do to get ready for what will become a life-changing experience. Keep reading to discover three tips that will set you up for greater orthodontic success.
Don’t Be Caught Off-Guard By Soreness
When teeth move, there is going to be some soreness involved – this is normal. While wearing clear aligners, your orthodontist may recommend that you take an over-the-counter pain reliever, especially when you initially receive your trays or when switching to a new set.
It’s important that you wear your aligners 20-22 hours a day so that your teeth will continue to move, but also, it will help lessen soreness over time.
Keep a Small Dental Kit On Hand
When leaving your house, keep a small dental kit in your purse, car, or bag so that you can take proper care of your smile and aligners. Some items you might include are:
- A travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste
- Dental floss
- A protective case for your aligners (when removing them to eat)
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
A protective case for your aligners is essential, as it is too easy to accidentally lose or damage your trays. When at a restaurant, don’t place your aligners in a napkin, as they can be accidentally thrown away. Instead, keep them in a protective case in a safe location so you don’t experience a delay in treatment.
Minimize Your Snacking
If you find it hard not to snack throughout the day, you’ll need to start paying more attention to how often you eat. Clear aligner treatment requires trays to be worn 20-22 hours a day to avoid a delay, but if you’re constantly removing your braces to eat, it will be challenging to meet this daily goal.
Set designated meal and snack times so that you are less tempted to remove your trays. You can allot 15 minutes for breakfast, 30 minutes for lunch, and one hour for dinner, so that a few snacks can still be enjoyed and proper cleaning can still occur within the timeframe.
Whether you are preparing for your initial consultation or getting ready to receive your first set of aligners, keep these tips in mind as you start your journey toward a straighter smile.
About Grand Dental – Sycamore
Clear aligner treatment is an orthodontic solution that our Grand Dental – Sycamore team is pleased to offer. Designed to straighten teeth and realign bites without unsightly metal, this subtle alternative helps patients feel more confident in their pursuit of a healthier smile. When preparing for the first appointment or when receiving the initial set of aligners, our team is here to make sure you have everything you need to succeed, so visit our website to schedule an appointment.