Question 1

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 2

When do I start seeing results?

Accepted Answer

The rate at which you’ll start seeing results varies on a case-by-case basis, since no two treatment plans are the same. But generally speaking, you’ll notice movement almost right away.

Question 3

Can I play musical instruments with my aligners?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 4

How long is the treatment?

Accepted Answer

Treatment with Candid takes 6 months on average.

Question 5

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 6

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 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

Should I keep my old aligners?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

Are the aligners really invisible?

Accepted Answer

They’re as invisible as something can be. You would often have no idea that people are wearing them.

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

Do Candid aligners use attachments or buttons?

Accepted Answer

No. We can treat most malocclusions without attachments and buttons.

Question 12

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 13

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 14

How long do I need to wear the retainer for?

Accepted Answer

You’ll need to wear your retainers for the 6 week passive healing phase of your Candid treatment, and then for 8 hours per night indefinitely.

For the first two weeks after active treatment, wear your retainers for 22 hours a day.

For the third and fourth weeks, wear your retainers for 18 hours per day.

For the fifth and sixth weeks, wear them for 12–14 hours per day.

Make sure you keep wearing them for 8 hours at night indefinitely, because if you don’t, your teeth will start to shift back toward their original position.

Question 15

Am I a candidate?

Accepted Answer

To determine your candidacy for treatment, book an appointment with a CandidPro doctor near you.

Question 16

How do Candid Retainers work?

Accepted Answer

It is recommended that you wear your last set of aligners as your retainer for 22 hours/day.

From there your orthodontist recommends you begin to gradually reduce your retainer wear over time: 2 weeks at 18 hours per day, 2 weeks at 12-14 hours/day, and then ultimately wearing your retainer for 8 hours/day indefinitely.

This wear schedule will allow your teeth to heal and stabilize in their new position! This retainer should last for 6-12 months, with proper care and cleaning.

Question 17

Do you have any before and after photos?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Take a look at our [Results page](https://www.candidco.com/results).

Question 18

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 19

How long do the retainers last?

Accepted Answer

We recommend that you change your retainers every six months. You can purchase new retainers [here](https://www.candidco.com/teeth/straightening/retainers).

Question 20

Do you offer whitening?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Our gentle whitening foam whitens your teeth and freshens your breath at the same time. But keep in mind that it's specifically for use with aligners, not a free-standing product.

One bottle is included free with your aligners, and you can purchase additional bottles after that for $25 each. Get more [here](https://www.candidco.com/teeth/whitening/foam "Whitening Foam").

Because our whitening foam contains a lower dose of hydrogen peroxide than other whitening agents, it won’t make your teeth or gums sensitive or sore. You can use it up to four times daily as directed on the accompanying instructional card.

Question 21

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 22

Can I kiss with my aligners?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 23

How do Candid retainers work?

Accepted Answer

Retainers work by keeping your teeth in their new position during the passive healing phase of treatment, then indefinitely after that. Remember that treatment doesn’t end when the active bone-remodeling phase is complete—your teeth are constantly shifting, and if you don’t wear your retainers as prescribed, your teeth will start to shift back toward their original position.

During the six-week passive healing phase, follow this schedule of wear.

For the first two weeks, wear your retainers 22 hours a day.

For the third and fourth weeks, wear your retainers for 18 hours per day.

For the fifth and sixth weeks, wear your retainers for 12–14 hours per day.

Once you’ve moved through the passive healing phase, wear your retainers for 8 hours at night each day. As long as you keep using your retainers, your teeth will stay where they were at the end of the active phase of treatment.

Question 24

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 25

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 26

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 27

How do the retainers look?

Accepted Answer

The retainers look exactly the same as your last set of aligners.

Question 28

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.