La Habra/Chino Hills, CA – Are you considering clear aligner therapy (CAT) to correct your orthodontic issues? More patients are turning to CAT to achieve the smiles of their dreams but there are some things you should know before starting. Dr. Robert Gire of Gire Orthodontics explains the top mistakes people make when starting CAT.

1. Opting to see a regular dentist rather than an orthodontist. More dentists are now offering treatments such as Clear Correct or Invisalign in their offices. While they may be able to help you, remember that only orthodontists have completed the specialized training that make them experts in the field. Every orthodontist is a dentist but every dentist is not an orthodontist. After graduating from dental school orthodontists go on to spend additional years in an orthodontic residency program. This gives them the knowledge and understanding of how teeth move, whereas a dentist only needs to attend a weekend course to become a certified Clear Correct or Invisalign provider.  Dr. Gire is not only an orthodontist, he’s a board certified orthodontic specialist. An achievement obtained by less than 25% of all practicing orthodontists.
2. Not researching their CAT provider. While it is always best to receive orthodontic treatment from an orthodontist, remember that not all orthodontists are created equally. Some will be better trained and more skilled than others so be sure you do your research. Ask to see before and after photos so you can see the quality of their work.
3. Not understanding all that CAT treatment entails. It is always best to be prepared when going to the orthodontist the first time. Make a list of questions you have about the treatment so that you can be sure you have a clear understanding before choosing the correct treatment.
4. Thinking that because the aligners are removable, you can leave them at home when you want to. Clear aligner therapy has one huge advantage over other orthodontic treatments – the aligners are removable. But in order to be effective, the aligners must be worn 22 hours a day. If they aren’t in your mouth they won’t be moving your teeth to their new locations.
5. Expecting your treatment to be quick. Many people may assume that Invisalign is a quick fix but just like any other treatment, results take time. While some patients who use clear aligners may see results in as little as six months, most will be closer to 12 months or even longer depending on the severity of your case.
6. Not taking proper care of your aligners. In order to be effective, your aligners must be well taken care of. That means taking them out when eating and drinking, keeping them away from heat, and finding a safe place when they aren’t in the mouth.
7. Skipping out on your oral care. You should always pay close attention to your oral care but it’s even more important when you are in orthodontic treatment. Keep a toothbrush and floss with you so that you can clean your teeth on the go. If you don’t brush after eating and then place your aligners back in, you’ll be trapping the food debris between your teeth and aligner. Over time that can wreak havoc on your smile.
8. Changing your aligners on your own schedule rather than the one your orthodontist gave you. You may think your teeth are moving to the right locations quickly and therefore want to move to the next aligner set. We know you are anxious to finish your treatment but moving to a new aligner set too early will end up harming your treatment rather than helping.
9. Snacking or drinking too often. Your aligners must be taken out when you eat or drink anything. If you are constantly snacking or opening a new beverage, that is more time that your aligners are out and it may necessitate wearing that set longer than usual.
10. Forgetting to clean your aligners. Bacteria can build up on your aligners if you don’t clean them regularly so be sure you follow your orthodontist’s directions on proper cleaning. Anti-bacterial hand soap or mild dish soap can be used to clean the aligners or you can soak them in a denture cleaner or special aligner cleaner.

Clear aligner therapy is a wonderful option for many patients. Just as with anything else, it is important to go into your treatment prepared and understanding what it all entails. To schedule a complimentary appointment to learn more about CAT, call Gire Orthodontics today at 562-690-1199 (La Habra) or 909-393-9911 (Chino Hills).