The dental aligner is a special removable appliance used in orthodontics. It is designed to correct the bite. A distinctive feature of this product is that it is made according to individual measurements to ensure a secure and snug fit. Proper care of the aligner is very important, as oral health depends on its cleanliness.
Who Needs Aligners
Such devices are developed by orthodontists for people who have worn braces. Aligners help to maintain the achieved result. Additionally, they are prescribed for patients with the following issues:
- wide gaps in the dental arch;
- crowded or misaligned teeth;
- dental arches that are too narrow or too wide;
- allergy to nickel-titanium (nitinol), making braces unsuitable.
In all these cases, the orthodontist determines the necessity of wearing an aligner. A mold of the jaw is created, and the aligner is produced according to the shape. After correction, the aligner may be replaced with a new one to achieve a better result.
The duration of wearing these appliances is approximately two years. The period depends on the complexity of the case and the speed of the dental alignment process. On average, this time is sufficient to achieve the desired result without discomfort.
If the aligner is used for retention after braces, the period is shortened to 3–6 months. The aligner is typically worn about 22 hours a day, only removed for cleaning, eating, or oral hygiene procedures.
How to Properly Care for an Aligner
Regarding the question of how to care for a dental aligner, there are no special secrets. The owner needs to perform a few simple steps to maintain its cleanliness:
- remove the aligner before meals;
- rinse the aligner once a day with warm water;
- store it in a special case;
- do not chew gum while wearing it;
- maintain good oral hygiene.
These steps do not take much time and will soon become a habit, just like wearing the appliance itself. To better understand how to care for aligners after braces, it is best to consult your orthodontist. They will provide clear instructions depending on the material of the device.
