Aligners and Lifestyle: How to Keep Up Your Routine During Treatment

While not as clunky as braces, wearing removable teeth aligners can be difficult during certain parts of a patient’s day. And routine means everything to some people; without it, some people arrive late to important appointments, others forget tasks and some might fall into an all-day funk. If you’re a teenager or an adult seeking to improve your smile, the journey with aligners can be a transformative experience, but it can also be a bit challenging when it comes to managing your daily routine. That’s why it’s so important to learn some tips to maintain your routine during aligners treatment.

Establish a Consistent Oral Care Routine

One of the primary concerns during aligners treatment is maintaining excellent oral hygiene. Consistency is key. Regularly brushing and flossing your teeth is essential to prevent plaque buildup and maintain the overall health of your gums and teeth. Using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean your teeth yields the best results, and flossing becomes even more critical during aligners treatment as it helps remove food particles trapped between the aligners and your teeth.

Aligners Maintenance

Keeping your aligners clean is equally important and is easily added to your morning and nighttime oral care practices. Rinse them with cold water before and after wearing them. Brush them gently with a soft toothbrush to remove any leftover food particles, but do not use toothpaste as it can scratch or deform them. Avoid using hot water, as it can deform the aligners.

Healthy Eating Habits

While wearing aligners, it’s crucial to maintain a balanced diet. Avoid hard, sticky or crunchy foods that can damage your aligners. Opt for soft, non-staining foods that won’t compromise the transparency of your aligners, and plan your meals out at the beginning of the day or week to help curb any cravings you may have throughout the day. By doing so, you’ll reduce the risk of needing replacements and keep your treatment timeline on track.

Consistency with Aligner Wear

Sticking to your prescribed aligner wear schedule is non-negotiable. Inconsistent wear can significantly impact your treatment’s effectiveness and extend your treatment time. Set reminders on your phone or use a designated app to track how long you need to wear your aligners daily and consider how that may impact things you want to do during any given day. The more consistent you are, the sooner you’ll achieve your desired results.

Regular Dental Check-ups

Even during your aligner treatment, keeping up with your regular dental check-ups is vital. These visits allow your dentist to monitor your overall oral health, including the progress of your orthodontic treatment. It’s an excellent opportunity to address any concerns or questions you might have about your aligners, and work with a dental professional to customize a treatment plan that works for you.

Maintaining your daily routine while undergoing aligners treatment is entirely feasible with some commitment and awareness. By wearing your aligners consistently, managing any discomfort responsibly and being mindful about how your hobbies or lifestyle may impact your ability to wear aligners during the day will help you stay on track during your orthodontic journey. Whether you get your clear aligners in Florida, Illinois or Arizona, you can achieve the smile you desire without compromising your daily routines by following these tips.