Standard braces are the tried-and-true solution for straightening smiles. But if you’re already feeling self-conscious about overcrowded, gapped, or crooked teeth, the metal brackets and wires might only make matters worse.
Fortunately, many dentists offer Clear Correct, which uses transparent plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth to shift them instead. The ‘invisible’ aligners are considered more comfortable and discreet than traditional orthodontics, but it’s important to be well-informed before deciding on this treatment. Read on to learn 3 do’s and don’ts of this popular service so you know what to expect!
#1: DO Comply with Wear-Times
Clear Correct is considered less invasive than standard orthodontics because the aligners aren’t bonded to your teeth throughout your treatment. This can make it easier to enjoy your favorite foods and maintain a health twice-daily at-home dental hygiene routine.
However, you must wear the trays for 20 to 22 hours daily to prevent your teeth from reverting to their starting positions. If you don’t comply with these wear-time guidelines, your provider will have to adjust your treatment plan to compensate for any backtracking, which can potentially add weeks or months to your total timeline. That means most patients can plans on wearing their clear aligners all day and night, except during meals and cleanings.
#2: DON’T Eat with Your Trays In
Unlike traditional braces, these aligners are completely removable, so there are very few dietary restrictions. With that said, some patients forget they’re wearing their trays or think it’s safe to eat or drink with them inserted, so they don’t remove them for meals.
The smooth plastic materials Clear Correct is made from is strong enough to shift your teeth, but isn’t designed to withstand the pressure of biting and chewing. That means it might be scratched or broken if you eat with your aligners in. They can also be stained by overly dark foods and drinks, or the plastic might warp if you consume anything that’s too hot, so the trays no longer fit or function correctly. You may want to keep the carrying case with you so you remember to remove your trays during meals and have a safe place to store them until you’re done eating.
#3: DO Keep Your Aligners Clean
Braces are notoriously difficult to clean because it can be challenging to try and brush or floss around the brackets and wires, which can increase the likelihood of developing cavities and gum disease. Meanwhile, it’s much easier to maintain your twice-daily at-home dental hygiene routine with Clear Correct because the aligners are removable.
But bacteria, leftover bits of food, and other debris in your mouth can cling to the plastic material and form plaque, which can then spread to your teeth and gums when you insert them. You can prevent potential problems from developing by scrubbing all surfaces both morning and night with a soft-bristle toothbrush and standard toothpaste or mild dish soap that won’t abrade the material.
Following these suggested do’s and don’ts can help you stay on track with your Clear Correct treatment timeline while avoiding potential complications!
About the Practice
At Dental Partners of Newburyport, patients benefit from a team of dentists who are passionate about helping them build and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. Dr. Clair, Dr. Beliveau, and Dr. Adenmatten take the time to get to know your unique concerns and goals, and then use state-of-the-art technology to devise individualized solutions to meet your unique needs. They collaborate to offer a comprehensive menu of quality services, including Clear Correct, and provide accurate results you can rely on. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (978) 465-5358.