Do You Still Need Dental Care During Clear Aligners Treatment?

To keep your clear aligners in tip-top shape, you must take good care of them. It is also crucial to keep your mouth and teeth healthy and clean. Frequently visiting your orthodontist can help prevent many problems, such as tooth decay, during clear aligner treatment. Read on to find out why you still need orthodontic care during treatment.

Clear aligners

Aligners are made of a transparent plastic material and are custom-made to fit each person’s mouth. These appliances move teeth slowly to the ideal final position. Aligners are usually worn for about 20 to 22 hours daily to achieve the desired results. Clear aligners can correct many problems, including minor spacing issues or crooked or crowded teeth. It is vital to visit the orthodontist regularly to avoid complications during treatment.

Supervision

Moving teeth is a serious procedure. It is ideal for patients to have their orthodontic treatment monitored by an orthodontic professional. In case of any issue, a provider will be able to address it as soon as possible. Orthodontists usually want to monitor the progress to ensure things are progressing correctly. In some cases, the treatment plan may even be adjusted. This tailored service increases the chances of treatment success and helps to prevent problems.

Cleanings and checkups

Brushing and flossing usually help to prevent plaque and tartar from forming. But tartar can be harder to remove at home and sometimes requires a visit for a professional cleaning. Teeth cleanings are crucial because they remove hardened plaque, stains, and tartar from the teeth. A provider will also check for signs of gum disease, gingivitis, oral cancer, and other oral issues. Regular visits can help identify such problems early before they become worse.

Professionals can even prevent some problems from occurring in the first place. In some cases, wearing aligners can place teeth at an increased risk for the formation of tooth decay. This is usually when people do not clean their teeth and aligners properly. This can be avoided by following the treatment guidelines or the professional’s instructions.

People must take their aligners out every time before eating or drinking anything except water. It is then important to brush and floss before putting them back in the mouth. This will help to avoid trapping harmful bacteria. Going in for a professional cleaning will also help prevent plaque buildup.