Clear aligner trays are becoming increasingly popular for a number of reasons. They are discreet, removable, and more comfortable to wear. Our team at Tilghman Orthodontics can help you get started toward that straighter smile.
However, teeth straightening is a cooperative effort. Dr. Tilghman will get you the best aligners to suit your needs, but you’ll need to follow a couple of dos and don’ts. To make sure you get the best results, here are a few pointers on how to monitor progress while using clear aligner trays.
Getting Into Your Aligner Treatment Plan
Understanding how the aligner treatment works can make it easier to appreciate the process and monitor your progress. Getting clear aligner trays with us starts with a thorough consultation with Dr. Michael Tilghman. He will be assessing the condition of your teeth and gums with state-of-the-art processes such as digital scanning and 3D modeling.
Dr. Tilghman will then discuss your treatment plan with help from a digital mockup, which also shows you what your straightened teeth will look like. He will also explain how your teeth will move with help from the clear aligner trays, as well as the number of aligners and appointments you’ll need throughout the process.
Setting Regular Check-Ups
Regular appointments with your orthodontist are an important part of your treatment and are crucial in monitoring your progress while using clear aligner trays. Unlike the shorter intervals for traditional braces, check-ups for clear aligner trays such as our very own Smiles Correct usually take between 6–8 weeks.
We will check your progress during your visits, at our Salisbury or Berlin locations. We will examine your current aligners, check the position of your teeth, and address other concerns you might have.
Periodic check-ups will also allow us to monitor progress with your clear aligner trays. Together, we can align expectations and even provide you with tips on how you can stay on top of your aligner journey. More importantly, if you’re having problems such as discomfort, we can address them immediately.
Self-Monitoring Your Aligner Progress With Mobile Apps and Digital Tools
In this day and age, you can be sure that if there’s a need for it, there’s likely an app for it. Using your devices to track your clear aligner usage is both easy and convenient, whether you’re using specialized apps for wear time, taking photos, or simply taking down notes.
One popular app for tracking aligner wear time is TrayMinder, created with insight from orthodontists. It contains a timer, a calendar, and a built-in photo gallery—all to help you track your progress.
If you’re looking to keep things simple, you can always rely on your phone’s built in app for Notes. List down the days and how many hours you’ve taken your aligners off, similar to a diary. You can also take photos of your teeth every day using your phone camera, and see how your teeth gradually change.
Basic Self-Monitoring Techniques for Clear Aligner Trays
In between appointments with our team, there are simple activities you can do to make sure your treatment remains on plan. With convenient options at your disposal, you can feel assured that your treatment plan is doing as planned—and that you’re doing your part!
- Visual Inspection: Whenever you’re flossing, brushing, or gargling, take a moment to check your teeth for changes. Similarly, you can take a quick visual check whenever you put on your clear aligner trays: check for gaps or misalignment.
- Taking Photos: Seeing your teeth every day can make it hard for some people to appreciate gradual changes in their positions and alignment. Smile and take a photo once every day, and over time, you will see those small adjustments add up.
- Keeping a Diary: A more holistic approach is to start a diary to track your treatment journey. Note how many hours you’ve worn your aligners or when you’ve taken them off. Similarly, you can use this to note observations, which can come in handy the next time you visit our clinics in Salisbury or Berlin, MD.
Common Problems to Watch Out For
As you progress with your aligner treatment, there might be a couple of setbacks that could affect your experience. Below are some concerns and what you can do about them:
- Discomfort: Despite being more comfortable than traditional braces, some people still experience some degree of discomfort. This is more common when you’re switching over to new aligners. If the pain, however, is excessive, it’s best to consult your orthodontist immediately.
- Fit Issues: Although also considered normal, issues with your aligners’ fitting can be symptomatic of other issues. One common scenario is when your teeth moves quickly compared to the original projection, requiring an adjustment to the next aligners. Conversely, there are instances where your new clear aligner tray fits poorly. Our team might recommend staying with your current aligners for the time being.
- Delays in Progress: Review the amount of time you spend wearing your aligners if you believe that your treatment is not going as planned. Wearing aligners for 20–22 hours a day is recommended. If, despite wearing them as prescribed, you continue to encounter delays, make an appointment with your orthodontist so that your progress can be assessed.
With Tilghman Orthodontics, we make an effort to keep our offices available whenever you need us. If you ever experience any of the above mentioned issues, don’t hesitate to reach out, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
Start Your Aligner Journey With Us
Monitoring your progress is key to achieving the best results with clear aligners. Understand your treatment plan, attend regular check-ups, utilize digital tools, and employ self-monitoring techniques.
Now, if you’re ready for a beautifully aligned smile, contact Tilghman Orthodontics today to schedule your free consultation and start your clear aligner journey.