La Habra/Chino Hills – When you begin your orthodontic treatment journey, you’ll realize there may be a few bumps along the way. Your orthodontist is here to guide you through as smoothly as possible. Dr. Robert Gire, a La Habra/Chino Hills orthodontist, offers some tips for patients who opt for clear aligner therapy (CAT) such as Spark, Invisalign, or Clear Correct.

“Clear aligner therapy or CAT is a wonderful option for many patients,” says Dr. Gire. “The technology has advanced so much that even patients with more difficult bites or malocclusions may be candidates now, even if they weren’t in the past. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t some occasional issues now and then.”

To help ensure you have the easiest and most comfortable time during your treatment, Dr. Gire offers the following tips.

1. Be prepared for some minor discomfort to your mouth. While clear aligner therapy doesn’t use brackets and wires that can irritate the mouth, the aligners will still take some getting used to. The inside of your mouth and your tongue will need a bit of time to get used to the plastic aligners as well. You may even experience a few small sores from the edges of the aligners. Orthodontic wax can help and your orthodontist can buff your aligners in places that may have rough edges. Your tongue especially will need a bit of time to get used to the aligners. Since your tongue plays a big role in speech, it will come into contact with the aligners often. If you experience soreness you can rinse and gargle with warm saltwater. Over the counter gels and pastes can temporarily relieve discomfort enough to get you back on track as well.
2. When removing your aligners, be sure you are taking them out properly. If you pull the trays out incorrectly on a consistent basis you may warp the plastic. That can then alter the fit and make them more painful to wear, not to mention alter your treatment. If you remove the aligners with only your fingernails, you may inadvertently scratch your gums which can be painful. Ask your orthodontist how to remove the trays with just the pads of your fingers or ask about special tools that can make removal of your aligners much easier.
3. Exercise your mouth to increase blood flow and help ease the discomfort associated with wearing the aligners. Chewing exercises can help ensure your aligners fit properly in your mouth and promote blood flow. Your orthodontist can even recommend special aligner “chewies” to help seat the aligners while exercising your teeth and mouth.
4. Take proper care of both your teeth and your aligners in order to avoid tooth decay. Cavities or other dental work can set back your treatment time so be sure you brush and floss properly and clean your aligners to ensure your mouth is as clean and healthy as possible. Always brush after eating and before placing your aligners back in to avoid trapping food debris against your teeth.
5. Be sure you always have your essentials with you. To make your CAT easier and more comfortable, pack a small care kit with everything you need when on the go. Keep an aligner case with you so that when you remove the aligners you have a safe place to put them. Throw in a chewie, toothbrush, floss, orthodontic wax, and removal tool (if needed) to be sure you have everything you need when away from home.

“Clear aligner therapy or CAT is safe, effective, and when you follow these tips, can be a smooth and easy process,” says Dr. Gire. “Our office is always available to answer questions, address concerns, and to help you get the most out of your orthodontic treatment.”

To learn more about clear aligner therapy with Spark, Invisalign, or Clear Correct, call Gire Orthodontics today at 562-690-1199 (La Habra) or 909-393-9911 (Chino Hills).