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Since many people with dental alignment issues are reluctant to commit to traditional metal braces, clear aligners can be a great way to straighten their smiles without pointy and conspicuous metal parts or bothersome dietary restrictions. While many patients report that clear aligner treatment is much more comfortable than traditional braces, wearing a new set can cause some temporary discomfort. Here’s a brief list of ways to make wearing a new set of clear aligners more comfortable.
Good Hygiene Makes the Process Easier
Orthodontic treatments work by steadily exerting pressure against the teeth to shift them into more optimal positions. This process can be stressful for the gums, so it’s important to take good care of them to prevent infections and other issues that can make the treatment more difficult. By taking care to brush, floss, and rinse before putting your aligners back in your mouth, you can keep your gums stimulated and free from food residues that can feed harmful bacteria.
Enjoy Soft and Cold Foods
When your teeth and gums are still adjusting to a new set of clear aligners, eating cold and soft foods can prevent unnecessary stress. While crunchy foods can be painful to chew and hot foods can make the already stressed tissues more excitable, soft and cold foods are quite easy to process and can even help massage and numb the mouth. This can make the orthodontic process much more comfortable, and you are free to resume eating hot and crunchy foods when it is easy to do so.
Make the Switch Before Bed
When switching to a new set of aligners, many people do so before bed so they can sleep through the initial discomfort. This way, the worst part of the tight feeling around your teeth that can come with a new set of aligners will be over when you wake up in the morning. If you are worried about getting to sleep during this initial discomfort, taking an over-the-counter pain reliever can take the edge off and help you drift into your slumber.
Don’t let a little discomfort get in the way of having a great day. By keeping these tips in mind, you can help your clear aligner treatment be as pleasant as possible.
About the Practice
Beck Dental Care of Columbia offers the finest dental health care available in Columbia, TN. Led by Drs. Philip Matthews, Kyle Williams, and Matthew Hart, the staff sees to each patient receiving effective oral health treatments with compassion and courtesy. Services offered include preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry as well as clear aligner treatments. For more tips on staying comfortable while wearing clear aligners, contact the office online or dial (931) 388-8452.