Question 1

When do I start my aligner treatment once I receive my aligner kit in the mail?

Accepted Answer

You should start treatment right away. After you set up CandidApp on your phone, watch the full tutorial video and then take your first scan.

Question 2

Do the aligners and ScanBox come together?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Your aligner kit includes everything: your full set of aligners, your ScanBox Pro, and a few extra goodies.

Question 3

When do I change my aligners?

Accepted Answer

You change them when you’re instructed to do so after taking a scan using the CandidApp.

Question 4

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 are told 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 5

Will the aligners affect my speech?

Accepted Answer

You may notice a slight lisp as you adjust to wearing your aligners, since they’ll be forcing your tongue to adjust to changed spaces in your mouth. And because you hear a different resonance in your voice than everyone else does — think about how different your voice sounds on a recording — you might still feel like you have a lisp after that. But no one else will notice any difference in your speech after a few days, and they won’t know you have aligners in unless you tell them.

Question 6

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 7

What do I do if the edges of my aligners are sharp?

Accepted Answer

While we do quality check each aligner, sharp edges are not uncommon. If you're experiencing gum irritation, you can buff and smooth out the edges of the trimmed aligner with a nail file or emery board. Be sure to buff parallel to the edge of the aligner, as filing perpendicularly can increase the roughness of the edge. It may a few tries before you smooth it down to the right texture.

If that doesn't work, take a small pair of scissors and trim any additional plastic that may be causing irritation. Trim carefully around the aligner, and do not go past the gum line.

If you are experiencing soreness, over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication can help.

Question 8

How do I use my chewies?

Accepted Answer

Chewies are a great way to ensure your aligners are fitting snug, and to ease any soreness you’re experiencing.

To use them, place a chewie in your mouth lengthwise and bite down. Hold for five seconds, then release. Do this a few times, then move the chewie around your arch, repeating the process, to make sure your aligners are properly seated.

Question 9

Where can I find my chewies?

Accepted Answer

Your chewies are located under the plastic holder for your whitening foam and aligner case. Just lift that piece of plastic up and you'll find them, along with your pull tool and an additional cheek retractor to keep on hand throughout treatment.

Question 10

What if I have to get dental work done while in treatment?

Accepted Answer

If you need to get any dental work done that would impact your treatment, talk to your CandidPro dentist and they will integrate the services you need into your Candid treatment.

Question 11

Should I keep my old aligners?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we recommend that you keep all of your aligners throughout treatment.

Question 12

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.

Question 13

Can I get extra whitening?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You can purchase additional bottles of whitening foam for $25 each. Get more whitening [here](https://www.candidco.com/teeth/whitening/foam "Whitening Foam").

Question 14

Does the whitening foam hurt your gums?

Accepted Answer

No. Our gentle whitening foam contains a lower dose of hydrogen peroxide than other whitening agents, so it won’t make your gums or teeth sensitive or sore. You can use it up to four times daily, as directed on the accompanying instructional card.

Question 15

Can I play musical instruments with my aligners?

Accepted Answer

Yes — your aligners won’t be in the way at all.

Question 16

Can I kiss with my aligners?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but that’s really none of our business.

Question 17

Can I eat and drink in my aligners?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We just recommend that you rinse them off with cool water and brush and floss your teeth when you’re finished to keep your aligners as clear as possible.

When it comes to hot liquids like tea and coffee, don’t worry. As long as they’re not scalding, they’ll be just fine. But if you like your coffee piping hot, maybe take them out first.

Question 18

What if I have concerns about the way my teeth are moving or my treatment?

Accepted Answer

If you have any concerns, reach out to our 7/365 patient support team and they'll answer any questions you've got.

Question 19

What should I expect when I receive retainers?

Accepted Answer

Your last set of aligners will serve as your first set of retainers and should last you around 6 months. When you're ready for a new set of retainers, ask your dentist to order you a new set.

Question 20

What should I expect at the end of treatment?

Accepted Answer

When you start your last aligner step, you should give yourself a high-five. Getting to the end of your treatment plan is a huge accomplishment. However, you should keep in mind that your last aligner step may take longer than previous steps as your bite will be settling into place.

When you take your final scan and your dentist confirms that you’ve completed treatment, you’ll move on to regular retainer wear using your last aligner step as your first set of retainers.

Already ordered my aligners