What Should You Expect During Clear Aligner Treatment?

For lots of patients, clear aligners are a wonderfully flexible treatment option. They offer all the alignment benefits of braces without the brackets and wires! However, there’s still a bit of a learning curve, which is why Ventura County Orthodontics wants you to know what you can expect during clear aligner treatment.

How Your Clear Aligners Work

We use clear aligners in our office that are created to fit your mouth specifically and no one else’s. Here’s a summary of what this customizable journey looks like from start to finish:

1. Initial Consultation: You’ll start by meeting with Dr. Lee, Dr. Mullen, or Dr. Hodges to discuss clear aligners as your primary treatment option and any personal goals and concerns you may have. We’ll initiate the process if we decide this is the best route for you.
2. Digital Scanning: Our team will take a super detailed 3D scan of your teeth to create a precise anatomical model.
3. Treatment Plan: Using this digital model, we can invent a treatment plan that outlines your tooth movements and the total number of aligners needed.
4. Fabrication: Based on our outline, a series of custom-made aligners will be fabricated just for you. Each aligner is slightly different from the one prior, which enables your teeth to gradually adjust.
5. Fitting: Your doctor will provide you with your first set of aligner trays and ensure they fit properly in an appointment. This will be a good time for us to give you instructions and answer any initial questions.
6. Progress Checkups: According to your treatment plan, each set of aligners will be worn for about 1-2 weeks. We will arrange periodic checkup appointments to observe your progress.
7. Refinements: Additional aligners might be needed for some patients to fine-tune the results.
8. Retention: After completing your active stage of treatment, you’ll transition to wearing retainers to help you maintain your new teeth’s position and prevent any shifting.

Top-Notch Tips

Here are some essential tips to help you use your aligners effectively, especially in the early stages! Proper use is crucial to achieving a beautiful smile, and it’s important to start off on the right foot.

1. Follow the Treatment Plan: Even when it’s hard, make sure to comply with the treatment plan we provide at Ventura County Orthodontics, including wearing each set of aligners for the designated time. Make sure you aren’t missing out on wear time, as this delays your progress and impacts your overall treatment outcome.
2. Attend Appointments: Be strict about attending your follow-up appointments. This allows us to monitor your progress and adjust treatment as needed to see that you stay on track.
3. Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Maintaining excellent oral hygiene during your treatment experience is essential. Remember to brush your teeth after meals and snacks and each time you reinsert your aligners. Daily flossing is equally important, preventing plaque buildup and tooth decay.
4. Wear Them Consistently: 20-22 hours a day is the right amount of time to keep your aligners in and ensure effective treatment.
5. Clean Your Aligners Regularly: Clean your aligners every day with a cleaning solution or mild soap and water. To fight staining and potential bacterial growth, avoid eating or drinking anything other than water while wearing the aligners.
6. Store Them Properly: When they’re not in use, you must keep your aligners in their case to protect them from loss or damage. A common mistake is leaving them out on a table or wrapping them in a napkin, which makes them appear like trash.
7. Be Patient: Every single manner of orthodontic treatment takes time, so be patient and trust this time-tested process. Commitment to wearing your aligners is the best way to help you achieve exceptional results.

Bad Habits to Avoid

Now that we’ve covered all of the best practices for your clear aligners, here are some things to avoid:

• Don’t Ignore Pain or Discomfort: While some slight discomfort is not abnormal, any manner of persistent pain should never be disregarded. If you experience excessive soreness, make an appointment with our team so we can address the issue. This also applies to any manner of orthodontic emergency you may experience along the way. 
• Keep Track of Your Aligners: Ensure your aligners are stored in an easily noticeable container to avoid misplacing them. While replacements are available, continuously losing them can interfere with your treatment.
• Avoid Eating with Aligners In: Don’t eat with your aligners in! It will feel uncomfortable and increase your risk of cavities, gum disease, and staining from certain beverages.

Putting in the Work

Be assured by the fact that we have so many patients who successfully finish this treatment! You will join their ranks, even if it does take some hard work. Ventura County Orthodontics is committed to help you reach a happy ending for your smile. We’re proud to serve the communities of Oxnard, Santa Paula, Moorpark, Newbury Park, and the surrounding areas. Feel free to reach out to us soon.

Posted by Jared Lee