Clear aligners use a series of clear plastic trays to gradually adjust the position of your teeth, similar to a retainer. Each set of aligners is worn for 20-22+ hours per day, applying gentle pressure to move your teeth into the correct position. You will switch to a new set of aligners every 2 weeks. Approximately every 6 weeks, you will visit our Rutland dentist for a checkup and to receive your next few sets of aligners. Most patients complete treatment in about 20-24 sets of aligners, typically in less than a year.

Your aligners will be discreet while you wear them, allowing you to straighten your teeth without anyone noticing. Clear aligners are more comfortable than traditional braces, providing gentle and even pressure to adjust your teeth. They are also removable, making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene by being able to brush and floss without obstruction. With clear aligners, you can eat whatever you want without worrying about dietary restrictions during treatment.

The duration of your orthodontic treatment will vary depending on the severity of your issues and how well you follow instructions. It is crucial to wear your clear aligner trays for at least 22 hours a day to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original position.

Minor cases of teeth gaps can be corrected in as little as 6 weeks, while other minor alignment issues may take up to 6 months. Most individuals typically wear their clear aligners for 12-18 months, but those with more severe problems may require treatment for 24 months or longer.

Clear aligners are equally effective for adults and teenagers. After completing treatment, wearing a retainer for 22 hours a day is usually necessary to maintain the results while the jawbone adjusts.

The duration of retainer wear will be determined based on your specific malocclusions and will be discussed with your dentist. If you are interested in clear aligners, schedule an appointment with Dr. Salman Khanani at Khanani Family Dental by contacting us today.

Clear aligners are a more comfortable alternative to traditional braces, as they apply gentle pressure to slowly move the teeth into the correct position. However, it is common to experience some soreness, especially when first starting to wear the aligners.

You will receive a new set of aligners every 2 weeks, with the tightest feeling occurring when you first put on a new pair. This pressure is a sign that the treatment is working, as some amount of pressure is necessary to shift the teeth.

As your teeth begin to move, the aligners will start to feel looser and more comfortable. This indicates that it is time for a new set of aligners. To help alleviate any discomfort, you can take over-the-counter pain medication or try sucking on ice cubes.

When wearing your aligners, it is important to only consume cold or room temperature water. All other foods and hot liquids should be avoided while wearing your aligner trays. Additionally, smoking or using tobacco products should be avoided while wearing aligners.

Clear aligners are removable, making it easy to take them off for eating or cleaning your teeth. This allows for thorough brushing and flossing, unlike traditional braces which can make oral hygiene difficult.

Reasons to remove your aligners before eating, drinking, or smoking include the risk of altering the shape of the aligners with hot liquids, staining the aligners and teeth with foods and drinks, trapping food particles in the aligners, and staining the aligners with smoking. Additionally, foods and drinks can introduce bacteria into the aligners.

After removing your aligners, rinse them out and store them in their case. Before putting them back in, brush and floss your teeth. To keep your aligners clean, soak them in cleaning crystals or denture cleaning solution daily and gently scrub them with a soft-bristle toothbrush to remove any food particles or bacteria.

Limit snacking and drinks throughout the day to avoid having to remove your aligners for longer than a total of 2 hours per day, as this can impact the effectiveness of clear aligners.

Clear aligner attachments are tooth-colored bumps made of composite resin that are bonded to your teeth to help anchor your aligners and achieve more complex tooth movements. The attachments come in various shapes and sizes depending on the direction and type of movement needed.

In some cases, elastics may be combined with the attachments to help shift the jaw. However, not everyone will require clear aligner attachments. For minor cases, aligners alone may be sufficient to shift the teeth.

For individuals with a misaligned bite or severely crooked teeth, attachments are necessary to apply more pressure on the teeth for movements like rotation or raising them into the gums. Once treatment is complete, the attachments will be removed and the teeth will return to normal.

The attachments are discreet while on the teeth, blending in with the natural tooth color. They are unlikely to be visible unless the aligners are removed, which should only be done for a maximum of 2 hours per day.

Remember to rinse your aligners before and after wearing them, and rinse your mouth after eating to prevent food particles and bacteria from getting on your aligners. It's best to brush and floss before putting your aligners back in each time.

Clean your aligners twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush and either denture cleaner or warm water. Avoid using toothpaste to brush your aligners.

Soak your aligners in cleaning crystals or denture solution at least once a week for no more than 30 minutes. Do not soak them in hot water, as this can change their shape. Never soak your aligners in mouthwash.

Always store your aligners in the provided storage case when you're not wearing them to prevent damage or loss.

Clear aligners are a safe and reliable method of orthodontic treatment, even during pregnancy. They are FDA and ADA approved and are made of high-quality plastic that is free of BPAs.

Using clear aligners can improve your oral and overall health by correcting misaligned teeth. Crooked teeth are harder to clean and can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

This is especially important for pregnant women, who are more susceptible to gum disease. Gum disease can lead to premature labor, low birth weight, and other serious health issues for your child.

Interested in a pain-free, hygienic, and discreet alternative to braces? Contact us at Khanani Family Dental today to schedule a consultation for clear aligner therapy with Dr. Salman Khanani. Schedule Your Consultation Today!