Are you excited about starting your Candid Clear Aligners journey? It’s a smooth process to the straighter smile you love, but you will need to build a good tray routine to keep your treatment on track. While this might be tricky to do at first, familiarizing yourself with some general guidelines can be helpful. Here are four do’s and don’ts to remember during your orthodontic service.
Do Get the Full 22-Hour Wear Time
Clear aligners are a popular choice among teens and adults because they are removable. You can take them out while you eat and stick to your normal diet without worrying about breaking wires or brackets. However, it’s crucial you put them back in afterward. Candid is effective because it applies a constant, gentle pressure to your smile. You should aim for a 22-hour wear time to keep your treatment on track, but at least 20 hours is the minimum.
Don’t Eat or Drink Anything While Wearing Your Trays
Some people might worry about not having their trays in long enough, so they might cut corners and eat or drink while wearing them, but it’s best not to do this. Biting and chewing with your aligners can damage them. Beverages can also get trapped between them and your teeth, increasing your risk of cavities and stains. Instead, you can only have water, so consider getting a reusable bottle if you don’t already!
Do Follow Proper Oral Hygiene
Building off the point above, you should brush and floss after finishing your meals. Doing so every time will help you get rid of any food particles and plaque lingering in your mouth. This might seem like a small thing to do, but it helps prevent bacteria from transferring to your Candid trays. It might be beneficial to carry a pouch with your dental essentials if you’re going out.
Don’t Clean Your Aligners with Hot Water
You should also give your aligners a good scrubbing. With a soft-bristle toothbrush and clear, gentle soap, you can get rid of any plaque that may have found its way on them. However, be sure you don’t use hot water. It can cause warping and make your Candid ineffective and unsafe to wear.
Keep these do’s and don’ts in mind while you are going through your orthodontic journey. Over time, you will build a routine, and these might become second nature. Once they do, you can enjoy a smooth process to your healthier bite and balanced grin.
About the Practice
Our team at Justyna Laska, DDS, is proud to serve the Fort Worth community with exceptional cosmetic dental care, including Candid Clear Aligners. With our compassionate dentists’ combined expertise and a commitment to personalized treatment, we’re here to help you achieve the straight, confident smile you deserve. If you have any questions about your time with your trays, schedule an appointment or call our office at (817) 737–9555.