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There are many benefits to clear aligners when compared to traditional metal braces: they’re discreet, straighten teeth quickly, and everything may be done without any dental appointments. They don’t show up in photos, so most people won’t you're wearing clear aligners. In fact, a few years down the road, you may look back and have forgotten you had ever worn them. (Except when you compare how much straighter your smile is!)

Still, wearing clear dental aligners can be an adjustment for some people. They may not be sure of how long to keep aligners on, how much discomfort is normal, or what they can do while wearing them. Here are some tips to help you adjust to aligners in your everyday life:

1. It will take 1 to 2 weeks to get used to the feeling of the aligners. Because your teeth are physically moving to a straighter position, there will be some discomfort when you start wearing the aligners. Your mouth will generally have to adapt to the feel of the aligners on your teeth, gums, tongue, and lips. The good news is that within 7-14 days, most people have completely gotten used to wearing the aligners. So stick with them and remember that the discomfort is a sign of positive changes to come!
2. Set a timer reminding you to put aligners on. Aligners should be removed for eating and drinking. It may be easy for some to forget about putting them back in, so we recommend setting a timer to remind you when you first start wearing them. You may also want to set a timer to go off every morning and evening, reminding you to put them in before you start your day and go to sleep.
3. Keep your aligners clean. Aligners require a bit of maintenance to keep them sanitary and safe for everyday use. We recommend cleaning your aligners every time you take them out for meals, even if it’s just by washing them in cold water. You should also soak them in a cup with denture cleaner every few days to keep them fresh.
4. Use a travel kit. You’ll need to commit to wearing your NewSmile® aligners every day if you want to see results, meaning the aligners need to come with you when you travel. To ease this process, we provide you with a travel kit. We recommend including your case for aligners, cleaning supplies, a travel toothbrush, travel toothpaste, dental floss, and travel mouthwash. This will ensure you’re ready for wearing them wherever you go. Another tip is to always remember you cannot eat with the aligners in, so keep a travel kit with you, so you can put the aligners safely away while you eat!

By following these tips, you’ll be much more prepared for life with clear aligners. Before you know it, you’ll be totally used to wearing them and on your way to a straighter smile. Check out our other blog posts for more information on 

NewSmile® aligners.

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One of the questions we get frequently at NewSmile® is whether invisible aligners can be used on veneer teeth. As aligners are most commonly used by adults, and adults often have other cosmetic dental work done, it’s a fair question. So, in the interest of putting concerns to rest, here are some answers.

What Are Veneers for Teeth?

Dental veneers are thin shells or wafers made of porcelain that are adhered to teeth to improve their appearance. Much like veneer used in the construction of furniture, they’re designed to give the front of a tooth a healthy and attractive appearance. They’re used to correct a number of problems, such as:

• Discolouration
• Damage or chipping
• Gaps between teeth
• Misalignment
• Irregular shaped teeth

Dental veneers are designed to be a semi-permanent solution, lasting between seven and fifteen years on average. As long as they are properly applied, it’s rare for veneers to be loosened or fall off early. The porcelain is stain resistant and reasonably durable, holding up under most wear and tear. People who grind their teeth or clench their jaw frequently, however, may not be good candidates for veneers, as they can chip or crack under those conditions.

Can Aligners Be Used with Veneers?

One of the biggest advantages invisible aligners have over traditional braces is the fact that they’re less aggressive. Braces have to be adhered to teeth, using similar adhesive to what’s used to bond the veneer. Since veneers cover the front of the tooth, and that’s where the braces brackets go, that means the brackets are adhered to the veneers, which are adhered to the teeth.

This can cause a number of problems. First, the adhesive can discolour and deform the veneer. Second, braces can be dislodged under certain circumstances (like when an eager 11-year-old forgets he can’t eat the caramel in his Halloween candy). Since the bonding on the braces is the same as what’s on the veneer, it’s just as likely for the veneer to come loose as it is for the brackets.

Aligners are different. They’re not adhered to the teeth, and they’re removable, meaning there’s nothing pulling on the veneer. What’s more, the pressure from the aligners is less severe than the pressure from braces, mostly because it’s distributed across the whole tooth. In other words, as long as your veneers were installed properly, you won’t have any problems.

For more answers about invisible aligners, or to find out more about how easy it is to get the smile you want, contact the experts at NewSmile®.