If you’re starting a SureSmile treatment, you likely feel pretty excited. After all, this service can straighten your teeth in roughly a year! However, keep in mind that clear aligners only work when they’re well-maintained. Without proper care, then, your SureSmile trays won’t give you a newly-straightened smile. Fortunately, your Fargo dentist is here with some helpful guidance. Read on to learn three helpful tips on caring for aligner trays.
Remove the Aligners Before Eating or Drinking
Since aligners are clear and subtle, you might think it’s okay to eat or drink while wearing them. In truth, though, that idea isn’t correct.
You see, aligners aren’t built to withstand meals. Chewing with trays, for example, can damage them and trap food on your teeth. Similarly, beverages other than water may stain the aligners. A hot drink could even warp them enough to delay your treatment!
Given these facts, it’s crucial that you remove your trays when eating or drinking. That way, they won’t be affected by what you’re ingesting.
Soak the Aligners Daily
Your dentist may have already told you that aligners need regular cleaning. Besides rinsing and brushing them, however, you should also soak them once daily.
You should use denture cleaner or unique cleaning crystals when soaking aligners. Either material, in fact, would prevent bacterial buildup due to leftover food in your mouth. From there, you can simply remove the trays’ excess food or plaque with a toothbrush. Once you follow up with a rinse, the aligners will be ready to go back into your mouth.
Plan Accordingly for Trips
As you might know, SureSmile trays use constant pressure to move teeth into alignment. These shifts happen on a small scale, meaning aligners must be switched out every few weeks. Treatment won’t be effective otherwise.
In light of the above, plan accordingly if you go on a lengthy trip. For instance, your dentist could give you the next set of trays beforehand. Doing so would ensure there aren’t disruptions in your alignment journey!
Ultimately, clear aligners only give you straight teeth when maintaining them. Therefore, follow these tips for a successful SureSmile experience!
About the Practice
Cornerstone Dental is based in Fargo, ND. As led by Drs. Goodwill and Majidian, our practice strives for excellent and compassionate dentistry. To that end, we perform preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments, as well as emergency dental procedures. The team also takes pride in being a certified provider of SureSmile clear aligners! For more information or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (701)-237-3583.