SureSmile clear aligners offer patients a new way to approach orthodontic treatment, all without the unsightly look of metal brackets and wires. However, if individuals are to succeed in realigning their teeth with SureSmile, there is one essential component – a 22-hour wear time. How can you meet this goal each day? Here are 4 tips to follow so your smile stays on track.
1. Designate Mealtimes & How Long You Will Go Without Your Trays.
You must remove your SureSmile aligners before eating a meal or snack, so designate when you have breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day. It can mean removing your trays for 15 minutes for breakfast, 30 minutes for lunch, and a full hour for dinner. This leaves you with 15 minutes to enjoy a few snacks and take proper care of your teeth and aligners in the morning and evening.
2. Avoid Uncomfortable Transitions by Making Them at Night.
Switching to a new set of aligners is required after a few weeks. When this happens, discomfort can occur, which may tempt you to avoid wearing them. Instead of giving in to this idea, consider swapping out your trays before going to bed. This means you will be asleep and less likely to remove your aligners. Although you may still feel some slight soreness when waking up, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever to help.
3. Turn to an App for Helpful Reminders.
If you struggle with remembering to reinsert your SureSmile aligners, turn to an app for help. One called Tray Minder will not only tell you when to swap out your trays but also provide a timer that shows you how long you are wearing your trays each day. The app can also send you notifications when it’s time to reinsert your aligners, so you never forget!
4. Practice Multi-Tasking.
While eating dinner, place your SureSmile aligners in a glass of denture cleaner and allow your trays to soak. This allows them to experience a more significant cleaning while you eat. Once you’re done, you can rinse off your trays and put them back in. This cuts down on the amount of time you spend before bed taking care of your smile and aligners.
Get ready to make your orthodontic journey easier. By following these helpful tips, you’ll meet your 22-hour goal each day, putting you one step closer to a straighter smile.
About the Practice
Peterson & Cammack Family & Cosmetic Dentistry consists of three esteemed dentists who want all patients to embrace the opportunity to enjoy life with healthier, straighter, more vibrant smiles. Offering SureSmile clear aligners, our team will ensure each person is provided with detailed instructions on how to achieve the 22-hour wear time each day and keep their treatment on track. Our dentists are here to help in your pursuit, so visit our website or call (360) 459-4420 to schedule an appointment to discuss your path to a straighter set of teeth.