Common Challenges with Clear Aligners: How to Overcome Them

Once you have decided to proceed with the clear aligners treatment to correct your teeth positioning, you can educate yourself with some knowledge of what the process entails.

Clear or invisible aligners, as you are aware, are the most discreet way to permanently recalibrate your teeth, while doing away with gaps and issues like underbite, overbite or cross-bite. They have become the most preferred option for adults, whether they are work-from-home or onsite professionals, as it gives them a smile enhancement while boosting their confidence and reducing their social anxieties and awkwardness.

People with misaligned teeth usually face issues with their chewing, biting, eating as well as with their speech. As the treatment progresses, aligners are meant to help remove these issues through systematic pressure and corrective alignment.

However, in the initial days of the process, the wearer may face a few hiccups. These eventually settle down with a little patience and getting used to.

The 'adjustment' phase:

Invisible aligners are removable devices that are customised to fit the individual's teeth. They have to be diligently worn at least 20 to 22 hours each day, including while sleeping, for them to be impactful.

In the first few days, there is some discomfort or soreness felt, as there is pressure being exerted on the teeth and jaws. If there is likely to be pain, your orthodontist will prescribe painkillers in advance. You may also be advised to do salt or alum water gargles and keep ice-packs. It is always good to stick to a soft-food diet for some days.

Mealtimes with aligners:

You are supposed to remove the aligner trays each time you eat anything. It is possible that, if you are at a restaurant or at work, you may keep the trays in a tissue or paper bag so that you may wear them back later. However, they might get disposed of by mistake or damaged if left carelessly. 

To avoid this, have a designated case for them and be mindful about ensuring that they're in the case before every meal.

Speaking while wearing aligners:

While wearing aligners, people might find it difficult to clearly enunciate their words. This is because the speech gets slightly affected, and there may be a lisp while pronouncing certain alphabets or a mild slur.

Reading aloud or practicing conversations with family and friends helps to overcome this hiccup, while building confidence.

Oral hygiene for optimum results:

Since you are constantly wearing aligners, except while eating, it is important to thoroughly brush your teeth and rinse your mouth each time, so that food particles are not stuck between teeth. This will prevent plaque or cavities.

Your orthodontist will also teach you how to correctly clean the aligners, so that there is no any bacterial buildup.

Consistency = Successful treatment:

If you want to achieve the desired results in the projected time, consistency and compliance with the dental routine recommended are essential. Simply ensure that you are wearing the aligner trays for the minimum duration each day, and be particular about your oral hygiene.

Irritation and soreness:

Each time a new of aligner trays is fitted, you may feel the pressure, irritation, soreness or discomfort at certain spots which rub against the mouth skin. You will be prescribed a gel or orthodontic wax to apply on the specific areas, to reduce irritation.

Follow-ups and progress:

The orthodontist treating you has charted your treatment plan in advance, so as to achieve what you set out to, in the scheduled time. To make that happen, ensure that you stick to the appointments and follow-ups sincerely, and

Do remember:

- Every case is different, so do not unnecessarily stress yourself by comparing your experience with others.

- At all times, keep your specialist updated.

- If at any point your discomfort persists or gets aggravated, schedule an immediate appointment with them, and have them assess the situation.

For more information on the aligner treatment, speak to the experts at Apollo Dental.