Clear Aligners
FAQ
At Prosper Trail Orthodontics, our board-certified orthodontists and staff are proud to offer a wide range of expert orthodontic services to patients all across Prosper, TX, including the revolutionary clear aligner system! Clear aligners are quickly becoming a popular and effective alternative to traditional metal braces, and our orthodontists have years of experience and specialized training in clear aligner therapy.
Below is a list of the most commonly asked questions about clear aligners, giving you a better understanding of what clear aligner treatment is all about:
Q.How Long Does Clear Aligner Treatment Take?
A.Treatment time varies from one patient to the next, depending upon the severity of the orthodontic problem being addressed. Treatment with clear aligners can vary widely from anywhere from 6 month to address mild crowding or relapse, all the way to 24 months to address severe malocclusions.
Q.How Many Hours A Day Do I Wear My Clear Aligners?
A.In order for clear aligners to work optimally, you must wear your aligners for 22 hours each day. You can take them out when eating, drinking, and when cleaning your teeth. You may also remove the aligners temporarily for special occasions like school or family photos, as long as you put them right back in when done!
Q.What Can I Eat During My Clear Aligner Treatment?
A.Unlike braces, you can eat whatever you like as long as you remove your clear aligners before eating! Before you place the aligners back in your mouth, it’s important to brush your teeth and clean your aligners first.
Q.Willo Clear Aligners Affect My Speech?
A.You may notice that your speech sounds slightly different when you first start wearing clear aligners, but don’t worry! Your speech will return to normal in a few days once you’re used to talking with the aligners in your mouth.
Q.Are Clear Aligners Painful?
A.You can expect to feel some pressure and minor discomfort for a day or two after each new aligner is inserted! This is a sign that your teeth are moving as they should. Patients can use over-the-counter pain medications, such as Advil or Tylenol, to ease the discomfort.
Q.Is It OK To Chew Gum While Wearing Clear Aligners?
A.We don’t recommend chewing gum when you have the aligners in, as the gum will stick to the aligners and make a mess!
Q.Can I Smoke While Wearing My Clear Aligners?
A.We discourage smoking with your clear aligners in, as the smoke can stain or discolor your trays.
Q.How Do I Clean My Clear Aligner Trays?
A.Every time you remove your clear aligner trays, it’s crucial to clean them properly. Dry saliva and plaque create a perfect breeding ground for foul smelling bacteria. Soaking your aligners in denture cleaner, Retainer Brite, or the official clear aligner cleaning crystals are all excellent options for keeping your trays clear and sanitized. You can also clean your aligners with a clear, antibacterial soft soap. Clear, antibacterial soap is an excellent and inexpensive way to keep your aligners clear, fresh, and free from harmful bacteria. As a side note, it’s not advised to use toothpaste to clean your trays, as this will scratch the plastic and create places for bacteria to live inside your aligners.
Q.Can Teens Utilize Clear Aligneres?
A.Yes, clear aligners for teens are a great alternative to traditional metal braces.
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Prosper, TX Orthodontists Today!
With state-of-the-art clear aligner technology and in-depth experience, our team at Prosper Trail Orthodontics is here to guide you through your orthodontic treatment. To find out whether you are a good candidate for clear aligners, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today!