More teens and adults in Singapore are opting for clear aligners such as Invisalign over traditional dental braces. While both teeth alignment methods have their advantages and disadvantages, aligners are gaining popularity for their ease of wearing and more aesthetically pleasing appearance. If you are looking for a teeth alignment option that is subtle and won’t make you feel self-conscious, they might be the right choice for you.
If worn properly and with proper care, aligners are a fuss-free option for teeth alignment. However, there are still some do’s and don’ts that can affect the length and quality of your treatment. Read our easy care tips, or get in touch to find out more about Family Dental Centre’s (FDC) clear aligner services.
While it is generally recommended to keep your clear aligners on for at least 22 hours per day to maximise the teeth alignment process, there will also be times when you need to store them for an extended period of time. If your aligners are not being worn, ensure that they are fully clean and dry before storage. This helps to prevent bacteria from growing, which may lead to foul smells or even affect your dental health.
Heat and humidity may warp or affect the shape of your plastic aligners over time. While these changes might not be so noticeable, they can still affect the fit of your clear aligners and lengthen the time taken for your overall treatment to end. Avoid storing your aligners in the bathroom, and do store them in a cool and shaded area away from direct sunlight or other sources of moisture.
As your aligners will be in your mouth for most of the day, they are constantly being exposed to a wide variety of bacteria and food particles. Just as you brush your teeth twice daily to keep your breath smelling clean and fresh, your aligners also require a daily cleaning to keep them smelling good.
Regular denture cleaners from the pharmacy will be effective in cleaning your clear aligners. After they have had a good soak, remember to use a toothbrush (preferably not the same one used for your teeth) to loosen and brush away any food debris, plaque, or other build up. Rinse your aligners in warm water one final time before wearing them once more.
One reason why adults and teens are opting for clear aligners is because unlike dental braces, you do not have to stop eating hard or crunchy foods. However, certain types of foods or beverages may still affect the appearance or effectiveness of your aligners.
Dark coloured foods and beverages such as coffee, red wine, curry, or turmeric may stain and discolour your aligners. Even cigarettes (though not a type of food) may warp or discolour your aligners, so it is recommended to consume less of these items while undergoing aligner treatment – or remember to remove your aligners when consuming them.
Aligners should also be kept in your mouth for 20-22 hours daily to maximise their effectiveness, so try to plan your meals accordingly and refrain from taking constant snack breaks.
FDC offers Invisalign as a trusted clear aligner treatment for our patients in Singapore. Our multi-specialty team includes dental specialists and surgeons who can attend to various dental concerns for adults and teens like, and recommend aligner or dental braces options accordingly for your teeth alignment concerns. If you face discomfort with your aligners, we also have 24/7 hotline support and service in case of emergencies.
Give us a call today or book an appointment at any one of our 18 clinics islandwide across Singapore so we can enhance your smile.
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