Question 1

Can I exercise with aligners?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. The aligners will have no impact whatsoever on your ability to exercise.

Question 2

How do aligners work?

Accepted Answer

Aligners work by using carefully calibrated force to move your teeth into a new position, forcing the body to adapt by remodeling the bone. Each set of aligners is a unique 3D-printed model of the teeth designed to move them into different positions along the way to the desired end result.

When pressure is applied to a tooth, the periodontal ligament surrounding it is stretched on one side of the root and compressed on the other. Then, following the inflammation that occurs during the body’s initial attempt to heal, two kinds of bone cells are produced: osteoclasts and osteoblasts. Osteoclasts break down existing bone on the compressed side of the periodontal ligament, while osteoblasts build new bone on the stretched side.

The individualized treatment plan your orthodontist prescribes will harness these biomechanical processes to straighten your teeth gently and gradually. Each step — that is, each new set of aligners — will move them only in small, conservative increments. Eventually your teeth will have moved fully into place, and the active phase of treatment will be complete.

Next comes the passive healing phase, when force is no longer being applied to the teeth. During this phase, which can last months, it’s crucial to wear your retainer as prescribed. If you don’t, your teeth will start to shift back to their original position.

Question 3

Is there anything that can make treatment go faster?

Accepted Answer

Remote monitoring actually makes treatment go faster than it would be if you had to check in with your orthodontist in person before every step of treatment. You’ll get the go-ahead to switch to your next aligners as soon as you’re ready—not just when you can get an appointment.

That said, it’s really important to only move ahead when your dentist tells you to. Trying to speed through the process can adversely affect the health of your teeth and gums and the healing of the periodontal ligaments surrounding your teeth.

Question 4

How do I clean and/or sanitize my aligners?

Accepted Answer

Cleaning your aligners will help keep your teeth healthy and clean throughout treatment. If possible, you should clean your aligners anytime you remove them. We recommend rinsing residual toothpaste off of your toothbrush and giving your aligners a good scrub while they’re out of your mouth. You can also soak them in low-strength hydrogen peroxide.

Stay away from the toothpaste for cleaning your aligners. The abrasive particles in toothpaste may scratch the aligner material and give bacteria a place to grow.

Question 5

How do I take my aligners out/put them on?

Accepted Answer

To put your aligners on, gently push them over your teeth with your index fingers (for the bottom) or your thumbs (for the top). They should fit easily, although early in each step of treatment, you may feel them snap into place. You can use your Chewies to help fit any spots that don’t feel fully set. Just put them in that part of your mouth and bite down gently.

To remove your aligners, grip one side with your fingertips or the pull tool and gently pull up. Work your way slowly around your mouth to the other side until the aligner is completely free from your teeth. Always be gentle — never pull or yank one side of the aligner harder than the other, and don’t try to remove the whole aligner at once. If you’re using your fingers and finding the aligner to be extra snug, try using the pull tool instead.

Question 6

How is my treatment plan made?

Accepted Answer

The process starts with your dentist taking X-rays, a 3D scan of your teeth, 8 intraoral and extraoral photos, and a dental and medical history questionnaire. Once all your records are taken, your dentist will start designing your treatment plan and your aligners will go into production.

Question 7

Will the aligners cause soreness?

Accepted Answer

You can expect a little bit of discomfort as you get used to wearing your aligners—after all, you’ll have something completely new and unfamiliar in your mouth for extended periods of time.

Beyond that general adjustment period, there’s also typically some soreness during the first few days you wear each new set of aligners. When pressure is applied to a tooth to initiate movement, the periodontal ligament surrounding it is stretched on one side of the root and compressed on the other. That causes inflammation as the body tries to heal, but it will only last for a few days before the much less uncomfortable bone-remodeling phase of each step of treatment begins.

One good way to deal with soreness is to use the Chewies that come with your aligners—just put them in the affected area of your mouth and bite down repeatedly. That will exercise the periodontal ligament and help get rid of the inflammation. You can also bite down into the aligner without the Chewies to do the same thing.

Question 8

How do I keep track of when to change my aligners?

Accepted Answer

You keep track using CandidApp. Only change to the next step when you’re instructed to do so after taking a scan.

Question 9

What if I lose or break an aligner?

Accepted Answer

If you lose or break an aligner, contact the Candid Care Team immediately. Do not wear your aligners if they have broken. Depending on your case, you may be able to move on to the next aligner step. It’s important that you reach out as soon as possible for guidance.

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