SureSmile clear aligners can create straighter teeth without the use of bulky, bothersome metal. This is what makes them such a popular and enjoyable treatment option. If you’re preparing for your initial appointment, you may want some helpful tips to ensure you’re ready for clear aligners. Here are four to get you started.
Meet with Your Dentist for a Comprehensive Exam
SureSmile requires an initial consultation with your dentist to ensure you are a good candidate for treatment. Based on the examination that is performed during this appointment, you will learn about the severity of your dental issue (i.e., overcrowding, gaps, or bite misalignment) and whether these aligners will be enough to address the problem adequately.
Receive Additional Dental Care
Before you begin with SureSmile, you may need additional dental treatment to ensure your mouth is as healthy as possible. This may include gum disease treatment, tooth-colored fillings, or other similar restorative solutions. Repairing cavities and treating gum disease are essential if you want to progress through SureSmile treatment with ease.
Once your oral health improves, your dentist will create a custom plan detailing how your new aligners will gradually shift your teeth over time. Using digital scans of your teeth, they will ensure off-site lab technicians have the most accurate information to create your new aligners.
Stock Up on Oral Hygiene Essentials
While you wait for your SureSmile trays, stock up on your oral hygiene essentials. These include:
- A soft-bristle toothbrush
- Clear hand soap
- Dental floss
- ADA-approved mouthwash
- A protective aligner case
If you already have some of these items, consider buying travel-sized versions for use when you are away from home.
Receive Your Aligners
When you receive your custom SureSmile aligners, your dentist will discuss how to insert and remove them easily. They will also provide additional instructions regarding daily wear and how to keep them clean over time.
You will need to wear your aligners 20-22 hours a day and swap them out after two weeks of wear. This will keep your teeth moving as directed by your treatment plan. You may experience some minor discomfort or soreness initially; however, this will improve. You should not expect the adjustment phase to last long; instead, your aligners will quickly become a normal part of your daily routine.
When preparing to receive SureSmile aligners, make sure you set yourself up for success. Following these tips will put you on the right path to achieving a straighter, healthier smile.
About the Practice
Peterson & Cammack Family & Cosmetic Dentistry consists of three dental experts who can realign and straighten your smile with SureSmile aligners. More discreet than traditional braces, this orthodontic solution offers a more comfortable and enjoyable path to better oral health and aesthetics. If you want to do something about your crooked or gapped teeth, visit our website or call (360) 459-4420 to discuss SureSmile during a scheduled appointment.