Cracked aligners. Tooth decay. Treatment plan delays. These are all things you want to avoid during your orthodontic treatment. The good news is that you can dramatically reduce your chances of running into problems like these with the right best practices in place. With this in mind, keep reading to learn six important dos and don’ts with SureSmile!
1. Do Wear Your Aligners for 20+ Hours a Day
Remember, the wear time rule isn’t a suggestion; it’s a requirement. One way to make wearing your aligners for 20+ hours a day easy is by finding a routine that works for you. It’s also helpful to multi-task – like drinking your coffee alongside your breakfast – to help minimize the time your trays are off.
2. Don’t Overindulge on Added Sugar
Since SureSmile doesn’t come with any dietary restrictions, many patients assume that they are free to eat anything and everything they want. While there’s room for everything in moderation, it’s important that you keep foods and drinks with added sugar to a minimum since they can lead to tooth decay.
3. Do Take Your Aligners Off Before Drinking Coffee
Another common misconception is that keeping your aligners on while you drink coffee is okay. However, hot coffee can cause them to warp, and iced coffee can lead to considerable stains. That’s why it’s best to drink this caffeinated beverage alongside your breakfast or lunch – your trays will already be out!
4. Don’t Skip Your Check-In Visits
Oftentimes, patients are given several sets of aligners at a time. If that’s the case for you, don’t assume that means your check-in visits are no longer important! In reality, these routine appointments allow your dentist to monitor the movement of your teeth and, if necessary, make adjustments to your treatment plan.
5. Do Clean Your Aligners Properly
Simply put, keeping your aligners in pristine condition requires some effort. That starts with rinsing them with clean water each time you take them out and extends to cleaning them with a soft-bristled toothbrush each morning and evening. Make sure not to use hot water or household cleaners, like bleach, too.
6. Don’t Wrap Your Trays in a Napkin
While grabbing lunch with friends, dinner with a client, or brunch with your family on the weekend, you might be tempted to put your trays in a napkin or leave them out on the counter. Don’t! This is an easy way to lose them, dramatically increasing your risk of treatment plan delays.
About the Practice
At Peterson & Cammack Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we have two exceptional dentists, multiple financial solutions, and appointments as early as 7 AM. Plus, we offer a discreet teeth-straightening treatment: SureSmile. As a result, straightening your teeth has never been more comfortable, convenient, and discreet! If you’d like to learn more about this orthodontic service, including if you’re a candidate, then visit our website or call (360) 459-4420.