Nobody wants to be in orthodontic treatment for longer than they have to be. Ideally, we want to finish treatment as quickly as possible, and that’s just how we design our orthodontic plans for each patient. We develop each treatment plan with the idea that it will be quick and efficient while providing our patients with the best results possible. While we do everything in our power to speed up the treatment process, there are things you should do on your own time to finish your treatment as planned.
One of the most important things you can do is wear your aligners for the recommended amount of time each day. You should keep them in your mouth for 20–22 hours daily. You also need to continue brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day. Try to brush your aligners whenever you brush your teeth. If you cannot brush after eating, make sure you swish and swallow water before putting your aligner back in your mouth.
Since you need to wear your aligners for up to 22 hours each day, it’s vital that you put them back in your mouth as soon as possible after eating. Set timers to ensure that you remember: Fifteen minutes for a snack, 30 minutes for lunch, and an hour for dinner, but also make sure you brush, floss, and rinse your teeth before putting your aligners back in. Once your aligners are back in, use the chewies to close the air bubbles between your aligners and teeth.
Additionally, you need to change your aligners as prescribed. Set reminders and make sure your aligners fit before changing them. If you lose an aligner, move on to the next one and wear it for an entire week. Make sure you bring an extra set with you if you are leaving home for an extended period of time.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be on the fast track toward a healthy and beautiful smile. Sometimes you can even beat our estimated end date by including VPro and Micro-
Osteoperforation in your treatment plan. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us. Our San Mateo and Half Moon Bay dental professionals would be happy to answer any questions you have. Don’t hesitate to reach out today and we’ll be glad to guide you through treatment options.