If you have poorly spaced or crooked teeth, then you should visit an orthodontist or a dentist for an examination with X-rays. With the information collected from medical images and molds of your mouth, you can learn if you have mild to moderate dental malocclusions that are repairable with clear plastic aligners. These orthodontic devices are made from durable plastic so that each set is able to apply pressure against your teeth for two weeks. During your entire orthodontic treatment plan, you will receive a series of aligners, but each set is made in a different way. By wearing the clear aligners in the correct order, the devices will apply pressure against your teeth to push the teeth into the proper alignment.
You should wear your aligners for most of the day and night to have the best outcome from your treatment. While you are chewing food or drinking beverages, you can remove the aligners, and you should take the aligners off of your teeth while brushing and flossing. In addition, you should rinse your aligners with water several times a day along with cleaning the items to remove food particles and plaque.
How Do Aligners Work In Straightening Your Teeth?
While wearing your aligners, you will experience excess saliva for a few days, but this problem goes away. You will also feel the pressure against your teeth, but you can apply ice packs and take pain relievers to reduce your discomfort. It is essential to eat a healthy diet, but softer foods that aren’t sticky can protect your teeth and the aligners from damage.
The configuration of your dental aligners is determined by a computer software program that analyzes your dental molds and X-rays. Each aligner is form-fitting so you can place it over your upper or lower teeth. If you develop mouth sores from the aligners rubbing on your gums, then you can use dental wax to help your mouth’s soft tissues to feel better. An orthodontist or dentist can also adjust the plastic aligners so that you have less pain. Some dentists or orthodontists will want you to bring the used aligners to their offices to determine if you have bruxism. Other orthodontists or dentists will tell you to throw the old aligners away. As you switch to a new set of aligners, you will notice additional pressure on your teeth.
The benefits from clear aligners are that you won’t have an allergic reaction to metal, and the devices typically won’t rub against the tongue or gums. It is difficult for others to see your aligners, especially when you keep the items sanitized properly. You can remove the aligners for special occasions such as weddings, job interviews or high school proms.
Contact Us for More Information About Clear Aligners for Teeth
To learn more about how clear aligners work to straighten your teeth, we invite you to reach out and make an appointment with Nasser Orthodontics! At our convenient locations in Shreveport and Bossier City, our dedicated team of professionals will be pleased to explain this option in greater detail and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to set up your consultation – we look forward to speaking with you!
