Treatment with aligners is a team effort involving you (the Patient), the Doctor, and the Office. That’s right; your contribution through excellent cooperation is critical to achieving the best possible results efficiently and effectively. Excellent cooperation involves taking care of your teeth, gums, and braces and following the doctor’s instructions regarding your aligners and rubber bands. Here are some common questions about aligners:
How do aligners work?
Unlike braces, you are able to take aligners off. However, in most cases, we will bond small tooth-colored bumps to your teeth. We call these “attachments,” and they ensure that the aligners are moving your teeth effectively and predictably. Attachments are difficult to see unless the observer is very close to your face. Because the aligners are removable, treatment results strongly depend on your cooperation in wearing them properly.
Aligners come in sets. The number of aligners in each set depends on the complexity of your treatment. Each aligner is shaped to move your teeth a little at a time until the final desired position. In most cases, 2-3 sets will be required, and each progressing set will contain fewer aligners. We call these “refinement” sets, and they ensure that your teeth’ positions are detailed to perfection before finishing treatment! There is no charge for the additional sets. It is important to wear each aligner in the proper order for the amount of time instructed by Dr. Douglas (typically 7-10 days).
How long should I keep my aligners in?
YOU MUST WEAR YOUR ALIGNERS FOR AT LEAST TWENTY-TWO (22) HOURS A DAY in order to have a successful result. This means wearing your aligner at all times except when brushing your teeth or eating/drinking anything other than water. If you do not wear your aligners for the required amount of time, your teeth will not move into the position designed for each aligner, and your treatment will take longer.
When do I change to the next aligner in the set?
7-10 day intervals are typical unless otherwise instructed by Dr. Douglas.
Do aligners hurt?
Whenever you start or change into a new aligner, your mouth may feel sore and your teeth tender to biting for 3-5 days. If necessary, you may take Tylenol, Advil, or whatever you would normally take for a headache or general pain. Rest assured, the soreness will pass, but your teeth are still moving! In other words, please do not rush through the aligners.
Do aligners take longer than braces?
The time in active treatment does not vary much between braces and aligners. However, digitally setting up and fabricating the aligners may take up to a month for each set.
Should I throw away my aligners once I’m done with them?
Always save your immediately previous aligners in case they are ever needed again. For example, when you move from Aligner #1 to #2, keep #1; then, when you move from Aligner #2 to #3, keep #2 and discard #1, then repeat.
Do I need to change the way I brush or floss?
No, please brush and floss normally – this is one of the perks of treatment with aligners!
What can I eat with aligners?
You may eat anything you like as long as the aligners are removed. This is another perk of treatment with aligners. After you eat, we suggest brushing your teeth but if this is not possible, at least swish around vigorously with water to free up any food stuck to your teeth before re-inserting your aligners.
How do I clean my aligners?
- Use cool water to rinse and clean your aligners. Hot water can cause unwanted distortion.
- Lightly brush your aligners with your toothbrush, but do not use toothpaste.
- If your aligners accumulate buildup, soak them in white vinegar, then brush.
- If your aligners discolor, use over-the-counter retainer cleaners/tablets.
- Soaking aligners in mouthwash can cause discoloration and is NOT recommended.
- DO NOT eat with your aligners! This is the fastest way to make them dirty.
What do I do if my attachment breaks or falls off?
Please do not be alarmed if any attachments break or come off. You may continue to wear your aligners normally and contact our office to check whether the attachment repair can wait until the next scheduled appointment.
How often will I need to come for appointments?
Typically, you will be seen every 8-12 weeks, depending on the goals for that specific set of aligners. Please come to all of your scheduled appointments so that progress can be monitored appropriately.
