5718 Balcones Dr., Austin, TX 78731
512-458-4103
Many of our Austin Orthodontic Arts patients aren’t sure what to expect from their clear aligner treatment. “What will it feel like?” “How long will it take?” Maybe the most common one Dr. Naj and Dr. Salome hear is, “Does this mean I can’t eat my favorite foods?” There’s no need to overhaul your menu completely. We understand that! Like you, our team loves local Austin restaurants like Fonda San Miguel and Chez Zee American Bistro. However, clear aligners have a few distinct advantages over braces, one being your nutrition (but we’ll get to that later!).
What Aligners Will Feel Like at First
You’ll probably notice that your teeth and gums feel a little confined by your aligners. Don’t stress. It’s a normal part of the process. The aligners work by exerting pressure on your teeth. And you’ll feel it right away. Trust the process! The pressure is working to move your teeth into new positions. Some people describe the sensation as tight or slightly uncomfortable for the first day or two. Nothing to be concerned about. It’s a sign that the aligners are doing their job.
If you’re salivating a little more than usual, that’s ok. It happens. Initially your aligners might feel kind of bulky. That’s alright, too. Your mouth will adjust quickly. The sensation becomes less obvious after a few days, and they’ll start to feel more natural. Dr. Naj and Dr. Salome recommend wearing your aligners as much as possible so your teeth get used to them faster. The good news? They’ll feel like second nature once you get past the first few days.
Commitment to Wearing Aligners Consistently
Our Austin Orthodontic Arts team suggests wearing your clear aligners 20 to 22 hours a day to see the best results. It might take some adjusting, but the more you stick with it, the faster your teeth will move into place.
Remove Only for Eating and Brushing
Everybody knows braces are fixed in place, right? But here’s the really cool part about your aligners. You can take them out. Yep, you read that right. Time to brush or floss? Pop your clear aligners out and put them in their case. Dinner time? Same thing—take them out and leave them in their case. Sounds super convenient, doesn’t it? That’s what we’ve designed them for.
Consistency Leads to Results
The key to success with clear aligners in Austin is sticking to the plan. Even though they’re removable, keeping them in for most of the day is what you’ve got to do. Resist the temptation to play with them or take them out! You can do it! Dr. Naj and Dr. Salome have the utmost faith in you! You’ll get new trays every few weeks, so staying on schedule is important for smooth progress.
Fewer In-Office Visits, More Flexibility
One of the biggest perks of clear aligners is their flexibility. They require fewer in-office visits compared to traditional braces. Dr. Naj and Dr. Salome will give you several sets of aligners. That’ll make it a lot easier for you to keep progressing through your treatment at home. Depending on your treatment plan, you’ll advance to a new set every one to two weeks. Think of it like a video game. Every couple of weeks, you unlock a new achievement!
While you won’t need to come into our Austin office as often, you’ll still have regular check-ins. Our team does our best to make your appointments quick and easy. Plus, you won’t have to deal with the adjustments that braces require. With clear aligners, most of the progress happens on your own time.
Monitoring Your Progress at Home
With clear aligners, much of your progress happens right from the comfort of your home. Our Austin Orthodontic Arts team will give you detailed instructions on when to move to your next set of aligners. You’ll start seeing changes as your teeth relocate, even without frequent in-office visits. You’re in control of your treatment and can follow the plan at your own pace.
Of course, you’re not completely on your own. Regular follow-ups with our team help track your progress and keep things moving as intended. Dr. Naj and Dr. Salome will evaluate your alignment and make any adjustments if needed. If you have questions or feel something isn’t right, the team is just a phone call away.
Speaking with Aligners
When you first start wearing clear aligners, you’ll see a slight change in how you speak. Some patients describe it as a minor lisp, especially during the first few days. What’s happening? Your tongue is adjusting to your new aligners. It won’t last forever, and it’s part of the treatment process.
The more you wear your aligners and talk with them, the quicker your speech will return to normal. Dr. Naj and Dr. Salome suggest reading aloud. Make a point to talk with your family, friends, or coworkers. It’ll help your mouth get used to your aligners. Before you know it, you’ll speak just like you did, with no noticeable difference. After the brief adjustment period, clear aligners will feel like second nature.
Results Worth the Commitment
Clear aligners may require patience and dedication. Keep your head (or, rather, your teeth) in the game! The results are worth it. With consistent wear, you’ll see your teeth shifting into place. Every new set of aligners brings you one step closer to your dream smile. It’s definitely a gradual process. But you’ll watch your teeth transform, and you’ll feel better about your final outcome.
To find out more about how clear aligners from Austin Orthodontic Arts can spiffy up your smile, go here to schedule your free consultation in our Austin office. Dr. Naj and Dr. Salome are excited to clear things up for you!