Many people who want to straighten their grins aren’t keen on the idea of having bulky metal brackets bonded to their teeth for 18+ months. Thankfully, your dentist can get the same results with SureSmile clear plastic aligners. These transparent trays are customized to fit over your pearly whites and gently shift them to their ideal placements over a designated period.
Wearing the aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily is crucial to maintain the progress of your treatment. Unfortunately, this increases the risk of issues like tooth decay and gum disease, as any bacteria on your teeth are trapped against them all day and night. But don’t worry! You can take proactive steps to prevent these problems. Read on to discover the 3 things you can do in advance to be prepared for SureSmile.
Tip #1: Brush More Often
Typically, you’re encouraged to brush and floss twice daily; once in the morning when preparing for the day, and again at night right before bed. When you have clear aligners, though, you’ll need to brush after every meal to ensure no food particles and unwanted germs cling to your teeth.
Why not start brushing more frequently before beginning the process? If you start brushing throughout the day now, it’ll already be a familiar habit by the time you receive your first set of SureSmile aligners. Plus, it’ll keep cavities and gum disease at bay so that you know your grin is in great condition before starting orthodontics.
Tip #2: Snack Less
There’s a good chance you’ll need to adjust your overall meal schedule once you begin SureSmile. The aligners aren’t intended to be worn while you eat because the added pressure of chomping on food can damage the plastic material. Plus, overly hot temperatures can warp them, so they no longer fit. You’ll need to remove the trays when consuming anything to safeguard them. Keep in mind, though, that you don’t want to leave them out for too long because teeth could start to shift back to their original positions.
That means once you begin SureSmile, you won’t be as able to casually munch on snacks throughout the day as you’re used to. You can help your body adjust to the changes by minimizing how frequently you snack before you receive your first trays. Focus on learning how to find or make well-balanced foods that keep you fuller longer so that once you begin orthodontics, you’ll already know how to make the most of your mealtimes.
Tip #3: Make a Kit
You’ll be wearing your SureSmile wherever you go and so you’ll need to be able to keep them, and your mouth, clean while you’re out and about. It’s a good idea to assemble a small kit of helpful supplies. That way, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you’re prepared to keep your mouth and aligners clean wherever you are. You might want to include:
- A travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste.
- A small pack of floss or flossers.
- Mini bottle of mouthwash.
- Packets of aligner cleaning crystals.
- Over-the-counter pain meds like Tylenol or ibuprofen.
- Protective aligner storage case.
By adjusting in advance, you’ll have a much smoother transition when you finally start your SureSmile treatment!
About the Practice
At Chardon Smile Center, patients benefit from two talented dentists who offer a wide array of services under one roof. They strive to provide people of all ages with high-quality, comprehensive care within your family’s budget. With decades of experience between them, they can handle everything from basic preventative care to more complex procedures. They utilize state-of-the-art technology, like digital imaging, to increase the accuracy of treatment results. If you’re interested in straightening your teeth with SureSmile, you’re welcome to request a consultation on the website or by calling (440) 286-2474.