If you want a way to straighten your teeth without getting braces, clear teeth aligners like Invisalign are an option to consider. These clear aligners are very popular with adults who prefer not to get traditional braces. Before you make a decision on your teeth straightening option, there are some things you need to know about clear aligners. Here are some things you should know:

When Do You Wear the Clear Teeth Aligners?

Your orthodontist will prescribe a timeline during your treatment plan. To get the best results, you should wear the aligners for the entire day, minus a few hours for eating, brushing your teeth, and cleaning the aligners. If you do not keep the aligners on your teeth for the prescribed amount of time, the straightening process can take longer than anticipated.

Do Clear Teeth Aligners Hurt?

In general, wearing clear teeth aligners should not hurt. You may notice some initial discomfort when you first begin wearing the aligners. The aligners are forcing your teeth into a new position, so you may have some discomfort in your jaw. As you wear the aligners, the discomfort will decrease because your teeth are shifting. However, you will eventually change into a new set of aligners to continue the straightening process. You can then begin to see the changes in your teeth.

There are some things you can do to avoid some discomfort. You can exercise your jaw when your aligners are out of your mouth. Before you put them in, open and close your mouth widely several times in a row. This action acts as a massage and helps blood flow to the area. This will help with the pain. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication if the discomfort is not tolerable.

How Do You Clean the Clear Aligners?

One of the most important things you can do is keep your aligners clean. The trays should be cleaned each day. Your specific aligners should have cleaning instructions to follow. You should also clean any accessories that are included with your aligners. The case you keep the aligners in should be rinsed out daily. You also should have a tool that helps you get the aligners in and out of your mouth. Be sure to clean the tool after each use. Also, wash your hands before you handle your aligners to avoid introducing any bacteria.

If you think you would like to get clear teeth aligners, consult with your orthodontist to find out if you are a good candidate.