The length of your orthodontic treatment will depend on the severity of your issues and how well you follow instructions. It is important to wear your clear aligner trays for a minimum of 22 hours a day to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original position.

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

Clear aligners work well for both adults and teenagers. After 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 issues and will be discussed with your dentist. To learn more about clear aligners, schedule an appointment with Dr. Salman Khanani at our practice by contacting us today.

Clear aligners offer a more comfortable option compared to traditional braces by gently applying pressure to gradually shift teeth into the correct position. It is normal 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 indicates that the treatment is effective, as some pressure is needed to move the teeth.

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

It is important to only drink cold or room temperature water while wearing your aligners. Avoid consuming hot liquids or other foods, as well as smoking or using tobacco products. Clear aligners are removable for easy cleaning and oral hygiene, unlike traditional braces.

Removing your aligners before eating, drinking, or smoking helps prevent altering their shape with hot liquids, staining them with foods and drinks, trapping food particles, and introducing bacteria. After removing them, rinse and store them in their case, brush and floss your teeth, and clean them daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush and cleaning solution.

Limit snacking and drinks to avoid having to remove your aligners for longer than 2 hours per day, as this can impact their effectiveness.

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.

Individuals with a misaligned bite or severely crooked teeth will need attachments 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.

Don't forget to rinse your aligners before and after wearing them, and rinse your mouth after eating to avoid food particles and bacteria from getting on your aligners. Remember to brush and floss before putting your aligners back in each time.

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

Once a week, soak your aligners in cleaning crystals or denture solution for no more than 30 minutes. Avoid soaking them in hot water, as this can alter their shape. Never soak your aligners in mouthwash.

Always store your aligners in the provided storage case when not in use to prevent damage or misplacement.

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!