Dental misalignments like crowding, gaps, overbites, underbites, open bites, and crossbites can make it difficult to smile proudly and cause discomfort when speaking or chewing. Thankfully, clear aligners are an effective orthodontic method that has allowed millions of patients to achieve the smiles of their dreams using virtually invisible appliances that require no dietary restrictions. Here’s a quick look at how clear aligners work and how you can keep your treatment process smooth and complication-free.
How Do Clear Aligners Work?
Clear aligners are made from transparent plastic that makes them virtually impossible to see when worn, and they are designed to be easily removed by the patient for meals and oral hygiene purposes. However, the aligners must be worn at least twenty hours every day for the realignment process to work properly, and neglecting to practice proper oral hygiene can lead to a variety of complications that can delay treatment or make potentially costly restorative dental work necessary.
What Complications Can Occur during Clear Aligner Treatment?
The best way to keep your clear alignment process comfortable and on schedule is to adhere to your dentist’s treatment instructions. Neglecting to do so can lead to unfortunate complications like:
Inadequate progress: If the clear aligners are not worn at least twenty hours a day, the teeth will not shift properly for the treatment to progress as planned. This may delay treatment and make it necessary to manufacture additional clear aligners.
Dental stains and infections: Neglecting to brush and floss each time before wearing your aligners or failing to remove them before eating or drinking anything but water can allow stain-causing agents and harmful bacteria to accumulate against your teeth. This can lead to unsightly stains as well as infections that may cause treatment delays.
Broken aligners: Chewing while wearing your aligners or neglecting to store them in a sturdy protective case when they are not worn can lead to the appliances being broken or crushed. This may make the manufacture of additional aligners necessary.
Don’t let your clear aligner treatment be delayed due to poor oral health habits. Sticking to your dentist’s treatment instructions will allow you to achieve and maintain a gorgeous new grin.
About the Author
Dr. Sean Brown earned his dental degree at the University of Buffalo and completed his Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at the Medical University of South Carolina. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the South Carolina Dental Association. His office in Doylestown offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as clear aligner services. To learn more about the benefits of clear aligners, contact the office online or dial (215) 348-2224.