Getting clear dental aligners are both exciting and a little scary. Not only is getting clear aligners a monetary investment in your teeth, but it is the beginning of a lifestyle change for the duration of treatment.
I am in the middle of week one of my treatment, and have found some must-haves that everyone should stock up on in preparation for the big day. Save yourself multiple or last-minute trips to the store and grab these essentials before your first day in aligners.
- Multiple aligner cases. My dentist gave me one case, but I’ve found that 2-3 are ideal. I keep one at work, one in my purse, and one at home.
- Toothbrushes/toothpaste. Having clear aligners means that every time you eat, you will need to remove your aligners, then brush your teeth before inserting your aligners again. Keep an extra toothbrush/toothpaste with your aligner cases.
- Dental floss. It is a must to floss your teeth at least once per day, if not multiple, depending on what you eat.
- Long straws. I opted to get some reusable straws and keep one at work and one at home. With clear aligners, it is not recommended to drink anything but water with your aligners in. I have read that clear, sugar-free liquids are okay to drink while wearing aligners, and got straws to eliminate any liquids coming into contact with the front of my aligners to try and avoid any staining to that area. (Which is most visible)
- Water bottle. Since water is the only thing recommended to drink with aligners, it is a good idea to keep some on hand at all times.
- Orthodontic Wax. The bottom of my aligners rubbed against the inside of my cheek and created sores, which were very painful. After applying a bit of orthodontic wax to the edges rubbing against my cheeks, I found immediate relief and the sores were gone within two days. (This is one item I did not purchase ahead of time and I wish I had. For $3 it is well worth getting in advance and keeping on-hand just in case it is needed.)
- Travel mirrors. It is extremely difficult to remove or insert aligners without a mirror. Maybe after time I will get more adept at the process, but for now- I keep a mirror at work and in my purse in case I need to take out my aligners and do not have access to a mirror nearby.
- Cleaning tablets. There are cleaning tablets available that are designed for clear aligners. Always check with the care instructions for your specific aligners for cleaning instructions.
Clear aligners is a journey to an improved you- congratulations! Keeping these basic items on-hand during your journey will ensure that you have the basics to be as most comfortable as possible.
