Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Can I Keep My Aligners Off?
%402x%20(2).svg){kind=icon}
For the greatest effect, patients must wear the clear aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily. This gives you two to four hours of not wearing the trays. You can use this period to clean your teeth and eat and drink, then put the trays back right after.
Who Can Qualify for Clear Aligners?
Anyone with reasonably proper dental health can qualify for clear aligner treatment. The treatment may not be ideal for people with dental decay, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. Patients with such dental conditions will require prior treatment before getting their aligners. It's also worth noting that clear aligners aren’t ideal for patients with severe and complex cases of dental misalignment. Traditional braces and corrective jaw surgery will suffice for such cases.
Do Clear Aligners Hurt?
No, wearing clear aligners doesn't hurt since they fit comfortably over the teeth. They might feel slightly uncomfortable at first, but you’ll eventually get used to them to the point that you won’t even notice you have them. The process of taking impressions is also painless and usually involves the dentist scanning your teeth with an intraoral scanner without coming into contact with your teeth.
How Long Does Clear Aligner Treatment Take?
The treatment period for clear aligners varies from one patient to the next but usually takes six to eighteen months at most. The treatment sometimes takes longer in patients who fail to follow the dentist’s instructions properly. Remember, you must wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily. Failing to do so will prolong the treatment.
