Top Tips for Successful Aligner Treatment

Top Tips for Successful Aligner Treatment

Congratulations on your decision to pursue improved oral health and a better smile through Aligner Treatment! Please review these tips carefully. We look forward to clarifying any questions to provide the best experience possible.

 

            Don’t Fake it!

The most important predictor for successful aligner treatment is wearing the aligners at least 22 hours a day without exception. That means they are on your teeth unless you are eating, drinking, or brushing. If you are not willing to wear them 22 hours - every day, then you are less likely to get fast, positive results from your aligners.

 

Can we make enough space? 

During treatment, excess enamel may be removed to correct crowding. This process - called slenderizing, is either done with a dental drill, or by hand with diamond strips flossed between your teeth. This process will not hurt you or your teeth and may be necessary to achieve detailed and optimal results.

 

3    Attachments

Attachments are small, tooth-colored dots made of composite filling material. They are bonded to help aligners stay in place and move your teeth. They also serve as an anchor to make aligners work more effectively. Shape and location can vary due to the desired tooth movement.

 

  Will I talk funny?

When you put in your very first aligner, you will probably talk with a small lisp. The best way to fix this problem is not to take out the tray. Practice talking with the tray in place. You will get used to it and lose the lisp very quickly.

 

       Exercise your Aligners!

Chewies are soft chewing accessories that are the size and shape of a cotton roll. They are made of a soft, spongy, plastic like material. The function of the chewie is to eliminate the tiny air space between the aligner and your teeth. When used regularly, they provide a uniform force to seat the aligner properly. It is important that the aligner is fully seated onto each tooth so that it can be most effective in moving your teeth.

 

Try it now: Insert a chewie in your mouth and chew on it like a piece of bubble gum to help squeeze your aligners into place. Chewing on chewies for just a few minutes three times each day will activate your aligners causing your teeth to move like a pro!

 

 

 

 

 

Bonus tip: The chewie is small enough to fit into the case with your aligners. Carry it with you throughout the day.

 

6.       How do I know this is working?

A good fit means that your aligners have no visible space between the edges of the teeth and the inside of the aligner. If a gap exists after a week of wear, do not advance to the next aligner until this space is eliminated.

 

*If space persists after an extra week of wear - please call our office to schedule an evaluation. Treatment is progressing well when there are no spaces present at the end of each week of wear.

 

7.       Put your New Aligners in at Night.

When it is time to switch to your next set of aligners make the switch before bedtime. This will allow your mouth to adjust to them overnight as you sleep. Odds are, they will feel more comfortable in the morning.

 

8.       Smooth Moves

If you have a rough spot on your aligner, gently use an emery board to smooth out the area. If you cannot master this fix, please let us know. We can smooth these for you once identified!

 

9.       Missing in Action

If you cannot wear your aligner because it’s lost or broken – go ahead and switch to the next one! If it does not completely fit within one week of wear, schedule a follow up appointment with us for an evaluation.

 

10.   All In

Bring all of your aligners to each appointment at our office. They allow more options for evaluation and treatment once you are with us.