Do’s and Don’ts: Tips for New ClearCorrect Wearers

ClearCorrect
By 7 North Dental

Clear aligners offer an aesthetic teeth straightening alternative to distracting metal braces. Through a series of custom-fit plastic trays, aligners gently shift and rotate teeth for a perfect smile over time. For those considering ClearCorrect aligners in Phoenix, AZ, this comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know for an exceptional treatment experience.

What Are Clear Aligners and How Do They Work?

Clear aligners are BPA-free plastic trays worn over teeth that use steady, gentle pressure to reposition them. Each tray moves the teeth further into the desired alignment, with a new set swapped every 1-2 weeks. With each change, teeth shift incrementally toward the final corrected positions the chosen orthodontist mapped out. Aligners are removable for eating and drinking based on patient preference. Most options also allow for some degree of whitening and polishing.

On average, a clear aligner treatment time extends 6-18 months. However, the duration depends on unique considerations like the complexity of correction needed, remaining growth potential, patient compliance, and more. Progress relies on wearers donning their aligners for the prescribed time each day – at minimum 20-22 hours but ideally full-time, besides eating and caring for the teeth/gums.

Removable aligners require more consistent wear to work properly, unlike braces that apply continuous pressure. But for patients who can stick with the recommended timing protocols, the system delivers outstanding gradual alignment customized for every smile.

Proper Clear Aligner Use and Care

To get the most out of your clear aligners, following proper care guidelines like these is key:

  • Wear Correct Time Per Day – Comply with the orthodontist’s exact minimum wear time per day, typically 20-22 hours daily
  • Use Removal & Storage Case – Protect aligners when out of mouth to prevent loss and damage
  • Gently Brush Daily – Use a soft bristle brush and mild soap to clear away temporary residue
  • Rinse After Eating – Swish water around the mouth to clear away debris before re-inserting aligners
  • Change Trays On Schedule – Progress depends on swapping the next set on the orthodontist’s exact timeline
  • Avoid Smoking – Causes aligner discoloration and irritation

Potential Risks and Considerations

While highly effective, orthodontists also discuss potential aligner risks with patients like:

  • Cavities if not properly brushing/flossing after meals
  • Mild soreness as teeth adjust early in a new tray placement
  • Impaired speech (temporary while adjusting to wearing aligners)
  • Delayed results if inconsistent about aligner wear

Thankfully, risks remain minimal for aligner-wearers who stick to oral care guidelines and wear aligners for the prescribed duration each day.

What If My Aligner Gets Damaged or Lost?

Patients must contact the dentist immediately to prepare a replacement for aligner damage or loss and discuss the next steps. The patient will get instructions on moving back into the last tray set or forward into the following series to ensure teeth don’t shift until the replacement arrives. Extending tray wear for damaged, lost, or emergency aligner replacements is sometimes needed.

Optimizing Your ClearCorrect Treatment in Phoenix, AZ

With advanced digital dental technology and smile visualization planning software, 7 North Dental develops customized ClearCorrect aligner plans down to the most minute detail for incredible results, fit, and comfort. Throughout every phase of treatment, our dentist in phoenix supplies encouragement, answers questions, and ensures your entire experience with your new smile unfolds seamlessly from comfortable start to beaming finish.

Call our office today to explore how ClearCorrect aligners can efficiently straighten your smile. Our exceptional patient care and advanced correction planning technology make 7 North Dental the premier choice for teeth straightening with clear aligners in Phoenix!

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