Students love clear aligners. They offer an incredible compromise of nearly invisible treatment while effectively aligning teeth. Today, Straight Smiles Orthodontics will give you tips for wearing clear aligners in school.
Playing by the Book
Did you know that in all of Michigan, we are the longest-running family-owned orthodontic practice? There’s a good reason we’ve been open for so long and have so many success stories, and part of that extends to our clear aligner treatment.
In our offices, we offer both ClearCorrect and Invisalign aligners under the care of our doctors, Dr. Tom and Dr. Nicholas Rafaill. Here are a few ideas to help out if you’re undergoing this treatment while in school:
- Keep Your Aligners Clean:
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- You should always clean your aligners with water before putting them back in your mouth.
- Using a soft-bristled toothbrush is a great way to clean your aligners gently, but avoid using toothpaste as it can be abrasive.
- You can carry a small case with you to school for storing your aligners. This ensures they’re kept clean and safe.
- Stick to Your Schedule:
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- Always wear your aligners for the recommended 20-22 hours a day. Not complying with this timeline can do a lot of harm to your treatment.
- Try to plan your meals and snacks around this aligner schedule to minimize the time you aren’t wearing them.
- Stay Hydrated:
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- Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day at school. It’s important to avoid sugary or acidic drinks while wearing your trays, as they can enable plaque buildup and damage your teeth.
- Take out your aligners when you’re consuming anything other than water.
- Manage Oral Hygiene:
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- Brushing and flossing your teeth after every meal is essential to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent food particles from getting trapped.
- You can pack a travel-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss to bring in your backpack or keep in your locker for easy access.
- Be Prepared for Emergencies:
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- Keep an extra aligner case and some dental wax in your school bag in case you need to store your aligners or if you experience any discomfort.
- Have an emergency contact for your orthodontist in case you lose or damage your aligners.
- Communicate with Teachers:
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- Always let your teachers know that you might need some extra time after lunch to brush your teeth and clean your aligners before wearing them again..
- Stay Consistent with Aligners:
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- It’s key to follow your doctor’s instructions on when to switch to the next set of aligners. Waiting too long or switching too early will interfere with your treatment plan.
- It can be super helpful to utilize a reminder app or set alarms on your phone so that you can remember to put your aligners back in after eating meals and snacks.
- Practice Speaking:
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- When you start treatment, you might get a slight lisp. Practice speaking with your aligners in your mouth so that you get used to them faster.
- Reading aloud at home or with friends can help improve your speech clarity too.
- Stay Positive and Confident:
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- Remind yourself that your aligners are barely noticeable—most people won’t even realize you’re wearing them.
- Always do your best to focus on the end result: Having a beautiful new smile. Our team is here to help you stay motivated throughout your treatment.
The Teenager’s Treatment
In addition to all of this, Straight Smiles Orthodontics understands this developmental period poses unique challenges to our patients.
- Peer Support: Look for groups or communities in person and online where you can share your experiences and get support from others undergoing treatment similar to yours.
- Buddy System: If a friend of yours is also undergoing clear aligner treatment, you can support and hold each other accountable throughout the process.
- Encouragement and Motivation: Take progress photos every few weeks to see changes appear in your smile. This can be a huge boost to your motivation.
- Reward System: Try devising a small reward system for yourself for sticking to your schedule and maintaining good hygiene. Maybe you can start to chip in small amounts of money towards something you want to buy, or choose a special snack you wouldn’t normally eat.
- Regular Check-Ins: Be diligent about attending your orthodontic check-ups to ensure your treatment is progressing as planned and to allow us to address concerns in a timely manner.
- Educate Yourself: It’s crucial to understand how and why aligners work. One benefit of modern orthodontics is that lots of people have YouTube channels and blogs chronicling their experiences, which can be a great resource for real-life applications.
A Clear Path Ahead
It’s important to remember that no one undergoes treatment alone. We love to see our patients make progress and accomplish their dream smiles. Straight Smile Orthodontics is here to support you from the first day to the final countdown!
Our offices span three generations of excellence, and we continue to set the standard in our care today. This fact makes us different from 95% of orthodontics offices in the USA, and it’s a difference you can feel. You can find us in Shelby Township, Novi, and Rochester Hills.