Clear aligners are a popular option for adults who want to straighten their teeth without the look of traditional metal braces. The transparent plastic trays are custom-molded to fit your teeth and can be virtually undetectable in most cases. Clear aligners are also removable, so you can eat and drink what you like as long as you remove the tray before eating or drinking. This flexibility makes them an excellent choice for public-facing professionals like models, actors, and personalities who don’t want to draw attention to their orthodontic treatment during work or social gatherings.
Clear Aligners vs. Traditional Braces: Which is Right for You
During the treatment process, clear aligners apply gentle pressure to your teeth to shift them and help your teeth come into alignment. This is done using a series of clear, customized trays that are changed every couple of weeks to move your teeth into the desired position. During in-person visits, your orthodontist will track your progress and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that you’re getting the most out of your clear aligners.
You may experience minor discomfort or mild soreness with your clear aligners for the first week or two as your mouth adjusts to the new trays. This is usually caused by the initial pressure applied to your teeth and can be relieved by rinsing with warm water or chewing gum.
In addition to preventing discomfort, it’s essential to wear your clear aligners for at least 22 hours a day to get the most out of the treatment. You should only take them out to eat or drink and make sure to brush and floss your teeth before putting them back in. This will help to prevent food debris from collecting underneath the trays and causing odor or bacteria.