5 Tips for Adjusting to Clear Aligners

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5 Tips for Adjusting to Clear Aligners

clear aligners Gilroy, CA

The adjustment to living with clear aligners can be difficult, and it can take some time to fully get acquainted with wearing them for the majority of each day. However, there are certain things you can do to make your transition to life with clear aligners go smoothly.

How to adjust to clear aligners

The fact is there is going to be some discomfort during the transition process, and it can be helpful to do everything possible to keep the pain at a minimum level. The following are five of the more useful tips for adjusting to clear aligners and ensuring treatment is effective and you keep good oral help throughout the process.

Wear the aligners all day

Clear aligners have to be worn for at least twenty hours each day, and they can only be removed while eating or caring for your teeth. Clear aligners require far more responsibility on behalf of the patient than braces as they can be removed at any time, but it is crucial to not remove them just because they cause discomfort.

Take pain relief medication

Talk to your orthodontist about pain relief medication that is acceptable to take when adjusting to clear aligners. Discomfort as the teeth begin to shift is likely to be the main issue during the adjustment period, and pain relief medication can help keep the discomfort at a minimal. However, it is important to follow the recommended dosage closely and to not take more than what is necessary.

Avoid hard to eat foods

Clear aligners do not require the amount of diet changes that braces might, but there are certain foods to avoid when you are still getting comfortable wearing them. Foods that require a lot of chewing, such as tough meats, hard vegetables and sticky foods, are best to avoid during the adjustment period as they may increase the level of discomfort.

Practice good oral hygiene

It is essential to practice good oral hygiene throughout treatment. Otherwise, food particles and harmful bacteria may become trapped in the aligner and eat away at enamel over time. During the first few weeks wearing clear aligners in particular, it can be helpful to brush, floss and use mouthwash even more frequently, although it is important to brush and floss gently to avoid irritating the teeth and gums.

Stay active as much as possible

There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and patients eventually get through the initial discomfort and become more comfortable wearing the clear aligners daily. In the meantime, it is helpful to get your mind off of any discomfort exists by being physically active. The less you focus on the pain, the easier the transition is likely to be.

Talk to an orthodontist for more tips

If you want to learn more about the clear aligners process and determine whether or not treatment is right for you, consult with us today and schedule a time to come in for a visit. Everyone deserves a smile they love showing off, and clear aligners help people with misaligned teeth improve their smile and gain more confidence daily.

Request an appointment here: or call Gilroy Dental Associates at (408) 842-2818 for an appointment in our Gilroy office.

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