Taking Care of Your Aligners

When it comes to teeth straightening, you may choose aligners for braces. Aligners are made of translucent plastic and can be removed for eating and brushing, making them a popular choice among many people. Although aligners are less complicated than braces, there are still certain regulations to follow when wearing them. When citizens of California want the assistance of an orthodontist in Montebello, CA, they turn to My LA Braces. The word “braces” may be in their name, but they offer all types of gear! The following are some pointers that they and other orthodontists may provide you when you get the plastic molds placed.

When Will They Be Able to Be Removed?

Because aligners are removable, you may be curious as to how frequently you may do so. Most patients wear their aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, only removing them to eat, drink, brush, and floss. Your aligners will feel a bit loose after about two weeks as your teeth move into their new positions. At this point, you should continue to wear your aligners, but you can take them out for brief periods of time.

As your teeth change, your orthodontist will replace your aligners every few weeks, so don’t be shocked if they become looser or feel out of place over time. Depending on the degree of your teeth’s misalignment, you should anticipate wearing aligners for 6-18 months.

Following Meal Care

Although you have the option of removing your aligners during meals, you should still wash your teeth before replacing them. Food particles can become lodged within them. In addition to causing plaque and maybe cavities, if left untreated, they can discolor your teeth and give you a poor smell. After eating, rinse your aligners with lukewarm water to eliminate plaque and germs.

Before Going to Bed

It would be best if you clean your aligners again before going to bed. This prevents them from becoming yellow. Brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap every night. You may also soak them for a few minutes in a denture cleaning solution. Take care to thoroughly clean them before reintroducing them into your mouth. Follow the instructions included with your aligner cleaning kit. Your orthodontist should be able to provide you with a cleaning kit.

Taking Care of Your Aligners

Warping or breaking your aligners might cause serious problems with your therapy, so handle them with care. When you remove them, keep them in a case or a safe place. Except for water, you should also eliminate them from all meals and beverages. If you accidentally damage your aligners, contact your orthodontist, such as My LA Braces in Montebello, CA, immediately. They will be able to determine whether the damage is serious enough to warrant altering the aligners.

Although aligners are becoming a more popular option for teeth straightening, they still require maintenance. Taking excellent care of them not only means you won’t have to replace them or visit your orthodontist as frequently, but it also means you’ll achieve your results faster.