Frequently asked questions
Clear aligners are an alternative way to safely move teeth. You may have heard of traditional braces? Clear aligners are an alternative to these and other forms of devices available to straighten teeth. The benefit to clear aligners are comfort, speed, convenience, cost and aesthetics–you’ll barely notice they are there (and others won’t notice either)!
Your Aligner doctor’s 3D scanning technology will create a personalized aligner system that will gently move your teeth into position stage by stage. Dr Tooth's Aligners uses a next generation polymer, to mold a series of aligners that fit over your teeth like a glove, applying gentle pressure on each tooth to create movement over time. You’ll love that our aligners are COMFORTABLE: Created by three layers of material with an elastomeric layer in the middle. STAIN RESISTANT: Thanks to the harder polyester layers on the outside.
After you have finished with your aligners and you’ve achieved your beautiful new smile, you want to protect your investment. A retainer will be worn daily according to your doctors instruction to keep your teeth in perfect alignment and included in your treatment. This is for life!
Retainers will need to be remade yearly (at your own cost).
Retention is for life!
While wearing clear aligners is generally not painful, there will be brief periods, days not weeks, when the new aligners may cause the teeth to be uncomfortable.
Your ‘bite’ will feel different from time to time while the teeth are in transition.
You may have a lisp at first while becoming accustomed to talking with the aligner on.
You may have engagers ("buttons") a small bump on the aligner, assisting the aligner to move the tooth.
No. The aligners are fairly simple to keep clean, however, tooth decay, periodontal disease, decalcification (permanent markings on the teeth) or inflammation of the gums may occur if proper oral hygiene and preventative maintenance are not maintained.
Most aligners can be cleaned with a toothbrush and cool water. A non-abrasive toothpaste is also recommended. Cleaning instructions are given.
Depending on your treatment, it may be necessary to temporarily affix engagers (those weird bumps) to your teeth. They’re made of tooth-colored composite material and are there to assist with difficult tooth movements. When you’re not wearing your aligners they can feel awkward in your mouth, but don’t worry they’re easy to remove and are only used when absolutely necessary.
It's essential that you wear the aligners 22 hours a day. They should be removed for meals only, brushing and flossing before re-inserting the aligner. If not worn for up to 22 hours a day, the corrective process can be halted and within a few hours begin to reverse. It can then take several days for this process to start up again. Wearing your aligners 22 hours a day is key to achieving your treatment goals.