Your Parksville Invisalign® Provider
It's important to know the facts when deciding to choose a clear aligner. Thats why our dental team at Wembley Dental Clinic in Parksville is sharing the critical facts you need to know before selecting a clear aligner.
Things you should know about clear aligners
Clear aligners are removable orthodontic appliances that straighten your teeth. They are like like braces but don't have the metal and wires. Clear aligners look almost invisible because they are made from a transparent plastic material that the casual observer would have a hard time seeing.
Prior to making your final decision on which orthodontic option to choose, we want to share with you some things you should take into account when making this important selection. Our team loves helping our patients make fully informed decisions, so below we have provided 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 a period of time, as prescribed by your dentist.
As the name suggests, these aligners are clear, virtually invisible on your teeth to the casual observer. For this reason, they may be preferable to metal braces for people who are concerned with how their teeth will look while they undergo orthodontic treatment.
Clear aligners typically treat dental issues quickly and efficiently.
Even though each case is unique, patients usually start to see results of treatment within a few months as their teeth begin to straighten and the treatment plan takes effect.
By staying on track, keeping up excellent at-home oral hygiene and visiting your dentist for regular check-ins, you will 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.
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 alarmed 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.
Every time you remove your aligners to eat or drink, you have to brush and floss before putting them back in your mouth.
This is because food particles can get trapped between your teeth and the aligners. This would be uncomfortable and bad for your teeth. It can also make the aligners turn yellow .
Make sure to properly and thoroughly clean your aligners.
You have to clean your aligners every time you eat or drink, just as you have to brush your teeth, however, you can't use toothpaste to clean them. Toothpaste contains some abrasive ingredients that could scratch your aligners, instead you have to clean them with denture cleaner, Retainer Brite or the clear aligner cleaning crystals.
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 might need a retainer after your treatment.
There is a chance your orthodontic treatment wont be fully completed after wearing the entire series of clear aligners, your dentist might prescribe a retainer following the main course of your treatment to help make sure your newly straightened smile stays in place.
We’re here to support you.
Though choosing clear aligners may come with its challenges, our team at Wembley Dental Clinic is here to support you 100% through any questions or concerns you might have. Our dental team is just a phone call away to provide you with answers or advice. And after it all you will have a healthier, straighter smile.