Are you or a loved one about to start on your journey with clear aligners? Many of our patients have mixed emotions when they start their orthodontic treatment. There is excitement over the thought of straight teeth. Patients who are using clear aligners get very excited because they have seen a rendering of what their teeth will look like at the completion of treatment. Patients also feel a bit nervous about what to expect and how teeth will feel during treatment. To help ease your mind, we want to explain what you can expect when you first start clear aligner treatment. Continue reading to learn more.
What to Expect When Starting Clear Aligner Treatment
We want to help our patients know what to expect when they start on their journey with clear aligners. If you are unfamiliar, clear aligner treatment is a method of orthodontic treatment that uses clear trays to slowly transition the teeth into the correct placement. We will provide all instructions on how to use the trays and will demonstrate the proper way to place the trays in your mouth and remove them. Here is what you can expect when starting treatment:
Talking Will Seem Strange
Most patients will have a lisp when they start wearing the aligners. Your mouth needs to get acclimated to the trays. We recommend talking as much as possible to get used to the sensation. Eventually, your lisp will disappear.
Discomfort is Normal
As with any orthodontic treatment, there will be some discomfort as the teeth are shifting. You may experience this each time you transition to a new tray, similar to patients with traditional braces who visit our office for an adjustment.
Aligners May Feel Tight
When first starting a new set of trays, you may notice that it is more difficult to place them in your mouth. It’s OK if the trays feel tight at first. They will gradually loosen as the teeth begin to shift.
If you have any questions about your treatment using clear aligners or you are interested in learning more about this treatment, be sure to contact our office located in Southfield, MI. We look forward to helping you on your journey to straight teeth!
