Aligners, Your Smile Journey
Dos and Don’ts for Wearing Clear Aligners
Jan. 4, 2016
When it comes to realigning your smile, clear aligners (often called clear braces) are a great option for many people. They offer convenience and privacy, so you don’t have to worry about unsightly wires and brackets or what types of food you can and can’t eat. Wearing and caring for your clear aligners is key to successful treatment, so we’ve put together a list of dos and don’ts to make it easy for you!
Dos and Don’ts with Your SmileDirectClub Clear Aligners:
- Do wear your clear aligners for the prescribed amount of time.
- Do know what to expect the first few days of wearing new aligners.
- Do not wear your aligners when you eat or drink.
- Do store your clear aligners in their case when not in use.
- Do not forget to brush your teeth before inserting aligners.
Wear your clear aligners for the prescribed amount of time.
They should be worn all day and night, except when eating and drinking. Yes, even when you sleep. Your clear aligners won’t work if they’re not constantly shifting your teeth over time, which means you’ve gotta wear them!
Know what to expect the first few days of wearing new aligners.
It’s normal to experience some discomfort for the first few days after you start a new set of clear braces. It takes pressure to move your teeth, and you’re probably going to feel it. An OTC analgesic can help with any pain or discomfort.
Remove your aligners when you eat or drink.
If you’re eating or drinking anything other than cool water, you’ll want to be sure to remove your aligners first! Hot beverages can damage the plastic, so if you have to have the coffee, take them out before you sip.
Store your clear aligners in their case when not in use.
Eating lunch? Having a snack? Keep your aligners in your case. Storing them in a napkin or paper towel can cause the plastic to crack. Plus, aligners left out on an easy-to-access ledge have a habit of ending up missing, especially if you have a pet. Dogs just love ’em.
Brush your teeth before inserting aligners after eating or drinking anything but water.
In order to keep your teeth healthy, they must be clean before you insert your aligners. You don’t want food particles trapped between your aligners and your teeth, as this can lead to plaque and even cavities.
Transform your smile.
SmileDirectClub makes it easy to get the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted for up to 60% less than other treatment options. A duly licensed dentist or orthodontist will review and prescribe your treatment remotely, and monitor your progress throughout your plan so you don’t have to worry about ongoing in-office visits. Get started on your new smile today with our free smile assessment and risk-free evaluation.