Featured answers

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 orthodontist 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

To clean your aligners, just rinse them with cool water. You can also use toothpaste and a soft bristle toothbrush for a more thorough cleaning.

Never rinse your aligners with hot water or soak them in mouthwash or denture cleaner.

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

What if my impression trays don’t fit?

Accepted Answer

Reach out to our care team right away and they’ll send you new trays free of charge. To check if your trays fit properly before you start taking your impressions, put them onto your teeth without putty. Your teeth shouldn’t be scraping against the sides, and the tray shouldn’t be digging into your gums. You also want to be sure your back molars fit into the tray.

Question 7

How is my treatment plan made?

Accepted Answer

The process starts with a 3D scan of your teeth at a Candid Studio location. After your studio visit, your diagnostic records (the 3D scan, 8 intraoral and extraoral photos, and a dental and medical history questionnaire) are submitted to a state-licensed orthodontist in our network. Once they’ve reviewed your records and approved you for treatment, your treatment plan will be designed.

If you get the at-home starter kit instead of going to the studio, the process is basically the same. The only difference is that your treatment plan is designed using a model of your teeth made by digitizing putty impressions, not an intraoral scan.

Question 8

Why wouldn’t someone be a candidate for Candid clear aligners?

Accepted Answer

There are three main reasons you wouldn’t be a candidate:

1. Because your case falls beyond the range of the mild to moderate malocclusions we treat. (The term malocclusion, literally “bad bite,” refers to an imperfection in the way your teeth come together when your jaw is closed.) We don’t treat severe alignment and spacing issues, and we can’t offer bite correction. In any case where you’d be better served by in-office dental or orthodontic treatment with close monitoring than by remote treatment with Candid, we’ll be completely up front about it — we always want you to get the best possible care.

2. Because you either haven’t been to the dentist recently or have upcoming dental work scheduled. We require your primary oral care needs to have been addressed prior to treatment. A dentist will make sure you don’t have any cavities or decay and that your gums are healthy enough for orthodontic teeth movement. (Read more about why you might need dental work before treatment [here](https://www.candidco.com/theimpression/article/ask-an-orthodontist-dental-work-before-orthodontic-treatment).)

3. Because you have a permanent retainer.

Question 9

What if my impression trays don’t fit?

Accepted Answer

Reach out to our care team right away and they’ll send you new trays free of charge. To check if your trays fit properly before you start taking your impressions, put them onto your teeth without putty. Your teeth shouldn’t be scraping against the sides, and the tray shouldn’t be digging into your gums. You also want to be sure your back molars fit into the tray.

Question 10

How do I take impressions?

Accepted Answer

For instructions on taking your impressions and photos, log into [portal.candidco.com](https://portal.candidco.com).

Question 11

How do I take my photos?

Accepted Answer

For instructions on taking your photos and impressions, log into [portal.candidco.com](https://portal.candidco.com).

Question 12

Will the aligners irritate my mouth?

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 13

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 14

What if I lose an aligner?

Accepted Answer

If you lose an aligner, contact our care team immediately. Depending on your case, you may be able to move on to the next step in treatment. In certain cases, you may need to purchase a replacement step for $99. It’s important that you reach out so your account can be updated to reflect your current step.