Starting clear aligner treatment at Dillehay Orthodontics can feel exciting and overwhelming all at once. If you’re using 3M™ Clarity™ Aligners or our Simply Clear in-house aligner system, the first couple of weeks might feel a little tricky. But don’t worry—the adjustment period is temporary, and soon your aligners will feel like a breeze. With offices in East Wichita, West Wichita, and Derby, Dr. Ken Dillehay and Dr. JK Dillehay are here to help you whenever you need us.
Tips to Adjust to Life with Clear Aligners
Starting off with good habits can make everything easier. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Wear Your Aligners Consistently: Try to wear them about 22 hours a day. Only take them out for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. If you don’t stick to this, your teeth might shift back, and it could slow your progress.
- Put Them In and Take Them Out the Right Way: When putting them in, press the aligners gently over your front teeth, then use your fingertips to snap them into place on your back teeth.
- Don’t bite them into place. That can damage the aligners.
- Use Chewies for a Snug Fit: Chewies are great for helping your aligners fit properly and keeping them tracking with your teeth. Spend a few minutes biting on chewies every time you pop your aligners back in.
- Check for Air Gaps: If you see any gaps between your aligners and teeth, slow down how often you switch to a new set or use your chewies more often to help close the gap.
Getting these habits down early makes things smoother. After a while, you’ll barely notice you’re wearing them.
What Should You Do If Aligners Feel Uncomfortable?
It’s normal to feel some soreness when you first start wearing aligners. Your teeth are moving, so a little discomfort means things are working. Here’s how to manage it:
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, if needed.
- Start a new set of aligners at night so you can sleep through the initial tightness.
- If the edges irritate your gums, use orthodontic wax.
What If You Lose or Break an Aligner?
If an aligner goes missing or gets damaged, don’t panic. Here’s what to do:
- Move on to the next aligner if it fits properly.
- If the next aligner doesn’t fit, go back to the previous one and reach out to Dillehay Orthodontics for advice.
- Hold on to your previous aligners throughout treatment. They can be a lifesaver if you need a backup.
What If an Attachment Falls Off?
Attachments are tiny bumps bonded to your teeth to help guide movement. If one comes off, schedule an appointment as soon as possible to have it replaced. These attachments are key to keeping your treatment on track.
How to Keep Your Aligners Clean and Clear
Keeping your aligners clean is a big part of making them as comfortable as possible. Here’s what works:
Cleaning Tips
- Rinse your aligners every time you take them out. This helps keep saliva and plaque from building up.
- Use a soft-bristle toothbrush with water to clean the inside and outside of your aligners. If you want extra cleaning power, ask Dillehay Orthodontics about aligner-safe cleaning products.
- Skip toothpaste—it can scratch and cloud the plastic.
What to Avoid
- Hot Water: It can warp your aligners, making them useless.
- Mouthwash or Denture Cleaners: These can discolor or damage the material.
- Eating or Drinking While Wearing Them: Food and drinks can stain or distort the aligners. Stick to water if you’re wearing them.
With just a little effort, you can keep your aligners clear and comfortable.
What to Expect During Treatment
The first few days with aligners might feel strange, but you’ll settle into a routine quickly. Mild soreness is completely normal and should ease up after a few days as your teeth adjust. You might also notice a slight lisp when you first start wearing your aligners, but that typically fades as you get used to speaking with them. As the weeks go by, you’ll start to see small changes in your smile. Those little shifts are worth celebrating—they’re signs that your treatment is working.
Dr. Ken Dillehay and Dr. JK Dillehay Are Here to Guide You
If you have any questions or run into challenges, the team at Dillehay Orthodontics is ready to help. Visit us at one of our convenient locations in East Wichita, West Wichita, or Derby, and let’s work together to create the smile you’ve been waiting for.