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Straightening misaligned teeth has numerous advantages. Straightening crooked teeth will enhance your smile’s appearance and improve your ability to chew, making it easier to eat certain types of food. At All Coast Dental in San Diego, California, we simplify the teeth straightening process with clear dental aligners. Here are some questions Drs. Julie and Joseph Boulos are often asked about clear aligner therapy.
Clear dental aligners are specifically designed for orthodontic use. Dr. Boulos will take impressions of your teeth to create a series of custom-made aligners. When worn, the aligners exert gentle pressure on your teeth to shift them into proper alignment.Â
Ideally, the aligners should be worn full-time, even when you sleep. The exception would be for eating, brushing, and flossing your teeth. You can also remove them for a special occasion now and then, as long as they’re returned to your teeth immediately afterward. You’ll change to a new set of aligners every few weeks to keep your teeth moving until your treatment is complete. Dr. Boulos will monitor your procedure to help you stay on course so you can obtain the best possible results.  Â
Through clear aligner therapy, Dr. Boulos can correct most problems with crooked teeth, uneven spacing, crowding, and malocclusion. Severe bite problems may need to be corrected with traditional braces.Â
Because the aligners apply pressure to your teeth, there will be discomfort for the first few days of your treatment. As you gradually become accustomed to the aligners, the discomfort will cease. You may feel the same uncomfortable pressure whenever you change to a new set of aligners, but it’s only temporary. That pressure confirms the aligners are doing their job. What you’ll never feel is the pain of metal wires poking your gums or cheeks.
No! The aligners should not be worn for eating! Having removable aligners is one of the perks of this system, as it allows you to eat normally and take better care of your teeth throughout your orthodontic treatment. You should also remove the aligners to drink any beverage except water. This includes juice, coffee, tea, or alcoholic drinks.
Your aligners should be cleaned daily and rinsed whenever they’re removed for meals. This keeps them in good shape and allows them to function properly. Brushing your teeth after every meal will also help keep your aligners clean, as they won’t collect food and debris. It’s important to store the aligners in a safe place whenever they’re removed so they don’t get lost or damaged. Â
Look no further than All Coast Dental. To schedule a consultation for this treatment, contact Dr. Julie or Joseph Boulos at (858) 264-3002. Â