Looking to discreetly straighten your child’s teeth and enhance their smile? Clear aligner orthodontic treatment might be the solution. This method uses transparent trays to gently shift your child’s teeth into the desired position. Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners are removable and easy to use. However, proper care of the aligners is essential for successful treatment. For helpful tips on how to care for your child’s aligners and ensure effective results, keep reading.
DO Remove Clear Aligners for Meals
To keep aligners clean and protected, ensure your child removes them before eating. They should store the trays in their case to avoid losing or accidentally throwing them away.
DON’T Let Clear Aligners Dry Out
For clear aligner treatment to be effective, it’s vital that your child wears the trays consistently, aiming for at least 22 hours a day. Prolonged removal can lead to the trays drying out and becoming brittle, which increases the risk of damage.
Dry aligners can also foster the growth of harmful bacteria, potentially affecting your child’s gum and tooth health. Regular wear is essential to ensure the treatment remains effective and lasts as long as possible.
DO Soak Clear Aligners Daily
While consistent wear of aligners is crucial for your child’s treatment, daily removal and cleaning are equally important. Extended wear without cleaning can cause food particles and bacteria to accumulate, which can impact oral hygiene. To keep the aligners in good condition and free from bacteria, soak them in a specialized solution like clear aligner cleaning crystals.
DON’T Use Harmful Chemicals to Clean Your Clear Aligners
When cleaning your child’s aligners, avoid using hot water, as the heat can distort their shape and affect their fit. Additionally, bleach is too harsh for clear aligners and can damage the plastic, compromising their effectiveness.
Proper care of your child’s clear aligners is essential for maintaining their condition and ensuring successful orthodontic treatment. By following these straightforward steps, you can greatly enhance the effectiveness of the process. Adhering to these guidelines will help your child progress smoothly toward a straighter, healthier smile.
About the Practice
Michel Dental is dedicated to providing exceptional care for children, helping them achieve bright, healthy smiles. We offer a variety of treatments to improve both the look and health of your child’s teeth. Our attentive team works closely with you to create a personalized treatment plan that meets your child’s specific needs. Using advanced technology, we deliver effective solutions for lasting results. To address your child’s dental concerns or to book an appointment, please visit Michel Dental’s website for contact information for their two offices.