Thinking about starting clear aligner treatment? Imagine an easy, nearly invisible way to straighten your teeth, where your daily life feels uninterrupted, and you can still enjoy your favorite foods. Dr. Sohn and the team at Sohn Orthodontics make the process simple and convenient, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of orthodontic treatment while going about your usual routine. Here’s what you can expect as you begin orthodontic treatment with your clear aligners.
Getting Started with Clear Aligners
Your experience with clear aligners begins with a personalized consultation, where Dr. Sohn will examine your smile and outline a treatment approach tailored to you. Instead of traditional impressions, advanced digital scans create a precise model of your teeth, helping each aligner tray fit comfortably and work effectively.
Steps to Get Started
- Digital Scans: Say goodbye to messy molds! Digital scans capture an accurate image of your teeth, helping to design custom aligners that fit perfectly.
- Customized Treatment Plan: Based on the scan, Dr. Sohn designs a series of aligners, each one moving your teeth closer to the final result.
- Receiving Your First Set: Once your aligners are ready, you’ll receive your first set along with instructions on wearing and caring for them.
Now that you have your first set of aligners, what does daily life look like with them? Let’s explore what you can expect day-to-day.
What Daily Life with Clear Aligners Looks Like
Clear aligners blend easily into daily routines, but you may still have a few questions about what to expect day-to-day. Dr. Sohn and the team at Sohn Orthodontics are here to help, so here are answers to some common questions to get you started.
How often do I need to wear my aligners?
To get the best results, Dr. Sohn recommends wearing your aligners for about 22 hours a day. Remove them only when eating, drinking (anything besides water), and brushing.
Can I eat whatever I want?
Yes! Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners let you enjoy all your favorite foods since they’re removed before meals. Just remember to put them back in right after eating to stay on track with your treatment.
How do I keep my aligners clean?
Rinse and gently brush your aligners each day to keep them fresh. Dr. Sohn also recommends brushing your teeth before putting them back in to maintain oral hygiene.
Any tips for making it easier?
Setting reminders to reinsert your aligners after meals can be helpful, and drinking water throughout the day keeps both your mouth and aligners clean.
Once you’re more comfortable with these habits, wearing aligners becomes second nature. Next, let’s go over how Sohn Orthodontics will monitor your progress along the way.
Monitoring Your Progress with Sohn Orthodontics
Throughout your clear aligner treatment, Dr. Sohn and the team at Sohn Orthodontics will keep a close eye on your progress to make sure everything is moving smoothly. Regular check-ins are scheduled to ensure the aligners are working as planned and to provide you with the next set of aligners in your treatment series. These appointments are quick and convenient, usually every 6-10 weeks.
What to Expect During Check-Ins
- Aligner Fit Assessment: Dr. Sohn will check how well the aligners are fitting and make any adjustments if necessary.
- Progress Evaluation: Your teeth’s movement is assessed to confirm you’re on track toward your final result.
- Next Steps: You’ll receive new aligners in the series, along with any instructions on when to switch to the next set.
By keeping up with these appointments, you can look forward to a seamless treatment experience. Now that we’ve covered the essentials of wearing and monitoring clear aligners, let’s discuss the final steps and the importance of retainers.
From Aligners to Retainers
As you near the end of your clear aligner treatment at Sohn Orthodontics, there are a few final steps to complete your new smile. Once your teeth have moved into their ideal positions, Dr. Sohn will help you transition to retainers to maintain those results.
Final Steps for Success
- Last Aligner Check: Dr. Sohn will confirm that your last set of aligners has achieved the desired results and that your teeth are in their optimal positions.
- Retainer Fitting: Retainers are custom-made to keep your teeth in place long-term. Dr. Sohn will fit your retainer and explain how often you need to wear it, guaranteeing that your smile stays just as you envisioned.
- Tips for Retainer Care: Keep your retainer in great shape by cleaning it daily, storing it in its case, and following the team’s care instructions.
With these final steps, your treatment wraps up, but your new smile is here to stay! Now that you’ve seen the entire clear aligner process, it’s also helpful to know how to handle a few common challenges that come up with clear aligners.
Common Challenges with Clear Aligners (And How to Overcome Them)
Clear aligners make orthodontic treatment easy and flexible, but like any treatment, they come with a few small challenges. Two of the most common are remembering to wear aligners consistently and managing slight pressure as teeth adjust.
Tips to Overcome Challenges:
- Staying Consistent: Wearing aligners for about 22 hours daily is essential for staying on schedule. Setting reminders on your phone or even placing sticky notes around the house can be effective ways to help you stick to this goal.
- Dealing with Pressure: It’s normal to feel mild pressure when you switch to a new set of aligners. This sensation is a good sign, as it means the aligners are working. Typically, any pressure fades after a day or two, making it easier to adapt to each new set.
With these tips, clear aligner treatment at Sohn Orthodontics can be smooth and straightforward!
Set Your Smile in Motion with Clear Aligners
Clear aligners offer a comfortable, flexible way to transform your smile while keeping your lifestyle intact. Dr. Sohn and the team at Sohn Orthodontics are here to support you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth and rewarding experience. If you’re ready to start orthodontic treatment with clear aligners, schedule your free consultation at our Bridgeville office today—we can’t wait to help you achieve the smile you’ve been wishing for!