Wearing clear aligners for the first time can be exciting because it is the first step towards a new smile. However, the first few days can be somewhat uncomfortable. Without a proper routine, patients tend to struggle, which can change their perception about the benefits of clear aligners. This is why patients are encouraged to get aligners from orthodontists. Not only do professionals make properly fitting aligners, but they also advise patients on what to do to get through the first few days.
Cover Edges With Wax -- When you wear clear aligners for the first time, you will realise that the edges can be relatively rough. However, the mouth tends to toughen up over a few days, and within a week, the irritation disappears. However, if you want to protect your tongue, cheeks, and gums from any form of irritation, you should use dental wax to cover the sharp edges of your new clear aligners. This helps reduce the friction between the aligners and the soft tissues of the mouth. Alternatively, you can keep a bottle of peroxide-based mouthwash for gargling every time you feel irritated by aligners. This type of mouthwash soothes irritation.
Encourage Mouth Movement -- One significant benefit of clear aligners is their discretion. However, the wearer still feels the device in their mouth, and for first-timers, a foreign object can feel a bit uncomfortable. For instance, you might find it strange to talk with clear aligners for the first few days since you are not used to talking with a foreign item in your mouth. However, you can speed up the familiarisation process through mouth movements. For example, you can use mint chews specially made to promote mouth movement and help patients become familiar with clear aligners. If you chew on these all day, clear aligners will feel like part of your mouth within a few days.
Track Daily Wear Time -- Orthodontists recommend that patients wear clear aligners for a specific duration for the best results. Thus, it is essential to keep track of wear time, but it can be tricky during the first few days. This can be attributed to the fact that you need to remove aligners at specific times, such as during meal times or when brushing your teeth. One way to keep track of daily wear time is to use a mobile application. For example, some apps will let you know when you have worn clear aligners for too long and it is time to take a break.
Contact a dentist to learn more about Invisalign and other clear aligner options.
Share12 April 2021
Hi! Welcome to my blog! My name is Kerry, and this blog is focused on dental fillings. It looks at the history of fillings, options for contemporary fillings, how to protect your fillings, when to replace them and much more. If you have ever had a cavity filled or if you are planning to get a tooth filled, you will find the information in this blog useful. I try to look at fillings from all angles, and I even plan to look at how to avoid fillings through proper dental hygiene and sealants. Thanks for reading, and I hope you find the info intellectually "filling."
