4 Tips for a Better ClearCorrect Experience

Though both orthodontic options have their benefits, many patients find that choosing ClearCorrect over traditional braces saves them time at appointments and gives them additional control over their treatment. To further streamline the experience, our Washington, MI, dentists have some advice for everyday use of clear aligners.

Here are 4 helpful tips that are designed to make your time wearing ClearCorrect aligners even more manageable.

Our Dentists Suggest You Try:

1. Switching Your Aligner Sets Before You Sleep

Unlike braces that remain on your teeth until they’re removed, ClearCorrect aligners need to be swapped out every few weeks. Switching between custom clear aligner sets allows your treatment to progress as scheduled and your teeth to straighten on time.

Now, graduating to the next set in your series can cause some discomfort as your mouth adjusts. To prevent a day of mild tooth pain, try putting in new trays before climbing in bed. This way, the adjustment period will be while you sleep versus when you’re at work or school. Taking a pain reliever at this time can also help for a smoother transition.

2. Bringing a Care Kit Wherever You Go

Clear aligners are great when they’re exactly that, clear. If they are not cared for properly, the plastic will accumulate bacteria and stain thus ruining their nearly invisible appearance.

One way to avoid this outcome is to keep a small oral care kit on hand wherever you go. Having a separate toothbrush, tube of toothpaste, floss, retainer case, and possibly a small bottle of mouthwash will do wonders. These supplies in a bag or purse will make the task of cleaning clear aligners much easier when you’re out of the house.

3. Using a Timer

Ok, it might sound strange to carry a timer around with you but there’s a good reason for deciding to do so. With ClearCorrect, you must wear your aligners for at least 22-23 hours a day. That leaves a few hours where you can eat or drink what you’d like, brush your teeth, and floss.

After that time is up, however, the aligners should be back in your mouth and that includes the hours spent sleeping. To make sure you don’t forget to put your aligners back in place, set your timer. Hearing it ring later on will hold you accountable and keep your treatment on track.

4. Acquiring a Tool to Help With Tray Removal

The best way to remove your aligners for eating or oral hygiene is to use your nails to get under the plastic and lift it off of your teeth. The problem is, not everyone wants to put their fingers in their mouth or chip their nail polish all the time.

Available for order online, certain clear aligner removal tools like the Pultool, Outie, and OrthoKey all make the task of removing your set of custom clear aligners easier than ever. Typically, tools of this nature are designed with a hook at one end and a notch on the other.

The hook is placed over the edge of your aligner and as you gently lift, removes the aligner from your teeth. The notch can also be used to dislodge aligner trays. The key is finding a tool that works for you and asking our dentists if you have any questions regarding your aligners.

Get Evaluated for ClearCorrect Today

Our ClearCorrect dentists in Washington, MI, can speak with you one-on-one if you’re interested in pursuing a more discreet form of orthodontic treatment. Simply call Romeo Family Dentistry today at (586) 752-3589 or request an appointment online to receive an examination.