Be In The Know: Clear Aligners and Dental Hygiene

Clear aligners have been around since the turn of the century. They are a tried and tested solution to straighten teeth, and now they are available in the privacy of your home or office with teledentistry, your smartphone, and Straight Teeth Direct™

If you care about the health of your teeth and how they look, you will know the importance of oral hygiene and caring for your teeth.  When you consider wearing clear aligners, your oral hygiene routine becomes even more critical before, during and after therapy.

What To Do Before Braces

1# We highly recommend making an appointment with a hygienist before starting your journey with us and getting your free e-consultation .  Professionally cleaned teeth not only feel amazing but this will ensure any buildup of calculus, tartar or hardened dental plaque, is removed.

2# Part of your clear brace treatment requires taking impressions of your teeth which will then be 3D scanned and analysed.  Even a small amount of calculus can distort the exact measurements the lab and assigned dentist will work with to make your treatment plan and clear aligners.  If your photos reveal unhealthy gums or too much calculus you will be asked to first see a hygienist before making your impressions.

3# Get into the habit of brushing and flossing your teeth regularly throughout the day. Use a fluoride mouthwash to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

4# Teeth don’t just need to be straightened for aesthetic reasons.  Everyone wants a lovely smile, and crooked or overlapping teeth are notoriously difficult to keep clean which can lead to bacteria buildup and gum disease.

During Treatment

1# Clean teeth and gums help with treatment progress.  Regular brushing helps accelerate the movement of your teeth.  Keep a small interproximal or TePe brush at home, this helps keep the areas between the teeth clean and free ensuring faster tooth movement as calculus can slow teeth down.

2# Your aligners are made from  a clear, strong material that is invisible, comfortable and removable. Each time you take your aligners out to eat or drink it is recommended you rinse them and brush your teeth before inserting them back on, and they will remain brilliant, bright, clear and hygienic.

3# You will be given clear instructions on how to care for your aligners.

After Treatment

1# By now, if you have looked after your teeth during treatment, you will have developed an excellent oral hygiene routine and be in the habit of regularly brushing and flossing your teeth. Don’t let this slide.

2# Take care of your wonderful new smile by continuing to see your hygienist every six months for a professional clean.

3# Keep your newly straightened teeth in position.  We will advise you to have a fixed retainer fitted by your dentist in addition to the removable retainer you will receive.  You will be given instructions on how to keep this clean.

4# Don’t forget to visit your dentist every six months for a check-up.  Dentists can spot potential weaknesses before they become a problem.

Anything we haven’t covered on dental hygiene? Post your comment on social media and tag us with @straightteethdirect or #straightteethdirect !