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woman dealing with the Embarrassing Effects of Wearing Clear Aligners, covering her mouth, on orange background

Embarrassing Effects of Wearing Clear Aligners & What to Do About Them

Written by Identiwrite on . Posted in Invisalign.

Clear aligners, such as Invisalign®, give patients an ideal way to explore orthodontia without the clunky gear of traditional metal braces. However, despite their many benefits, there are some embarrassing effects of wearing clear aligners. Luckily, there are ways to evade embarrassment during your clear aligner journey.

Don’t let the temporary embarrassing effects of wearing clear aligners keep you from building your dream smile. Talk to Dr. Wint Tun at Harmony Orthodontics about ways to discreetly straighten your smile today. Reach our Tomball, TX, orthodontist at (832) 699-3683 for appointments and more!

Understanding the embarrassing effects of wearing clear aligners and knowing how to manage them can help make the aligner experience more comfortable and less stressful. So, in today’s post, we get real about clear aligner side effects and offer ways to cope with less-than-ideal situations. 

Speech Difficulties

One embarrassing side effect of wearing clear aligners is a temporary lisp or other speech impediments when first starting aligner therapy or switching to a new set of aligners. This happens because the aligners change the way your tongue interacts with the roof of your mouth. 

To mitigate this, practice speaking out loud as much as possible. Reading aloud or having conversations can help your tongue adjust to the aligners more quickly.

Increased Saliva Production

The presence of aligners in your mouth can stimulate your salivary glands, leading to increased saliva production. This might result in more frequent swallowing or even occasional drooling, especially during the initial adjustment period. 

While this can be embarrassing, the body typically adjusts within a few days to a week. 

Bad Breath

Aligners can collect loads of bacteria, leading to bad breath, especially if cleaned improperly. This can be one of the more embarrassing side effects of wearing clear aligners, especially in close-contact situations. 

To prevent this, maintain a rigorous oral hygiene routine. Clean your teeth thoroughly (that means brushing and flossing) after every meal before reinserting your aligners, and cleanse aligners often to rid them of odor-causing microbes.

Removing Aligners

Taking out your aligners before eating can sometimes be awkward and might produce a noticeable “pop” sound along with strings of saliva, which can draw unwanted attention. 

To minimize this, practice removing your aligners discreetly. Using both hands and removing them slowly can help reduce noise. If you’re self-conscious, try excusing yourself to a restroom or a less crowded area to remove them.

Mouth Irritation

Mouth irritation, particularly tongue irritation, is a commonly reported side effect of clear aligner therapy. This can be distracting and uncomfortable. 

To alleviate this, use orthodontic wax to cover any rough edges on the aligners and over-the-counter oral gels to soothe any sore spots.

Frequent Oral Care

The need to brush and floss after every meal before reinserting aligners can be inconvenient and might not always be possible in public or busy settings. 

Carrying a portable dental kit can make this easier. If you can’t brush and floss immediately, rinse your mouth and aligners with water as a temporary solution until you can properly clean them.

Learn More About Clear Aligners in Tomball, TX

While there are some potentially embarrassing effects of wearing clear aligners, their benefits far outweigh any temporary awkwardness. If you’re ready to explore Invisalign or other orthodontic solutions, contact Harmony Orthodontics in Tomball, TX. 

Getting started is simple – request a consultation here or call Dr. Wint Tun at (832) 699-3683 to reserve an appointment.

woman with braces holding toothbrush and braces cleaner

6 Tips for Maintaining Your Clear Aligners and Braces

Written by Identiwrite on . Posted in Orthodontics.

Maintaining your clear aligners and braces is essential for achieving the best results in orthodontic treatment. Whether you have opted for the subtlety of clear aligners or the reliability of traditional braces, following proper care routines will ensure your treatment progresses smoothly and effectively.

Still not decided on clear aligners or traditional braces? Contact Dr. Wint Tun at Harmony Orthodontics. Our orthodontist helps patients in Tomball, Spring, and The Woodlands, TX, determine the best course of action for their smiles. So, don’t wait – get tailored care by calling (832) 699-3683 now! 

In today’s post, Dr. Tun reveals six tips to help you keep your aligners and braces in top condition.

1. Clean Your Aligners and Braces Regularly

One of the most important aspects of maintaining your clear aligners and braces is keeping them clean. For aligners, you should clean them every time you brush your teeth. Use a soft toothbrush and a mild, clear, unscented liquid soap or a specialized aligner cleaning solution. 

For braces, brush your teeth completely after every meal, and don’t forget to clean close to the brackets and wires to prevent buildup and tooth decay.

2. Be Mindful When Eating and Drinking

Maintaining your clear aligners and braces involves knowing when to take them out. Always remove your aligners when eating or drinking anything other than plain water. 

For those with braces, stay away from chewy, crunchy, or sticky foods that can damage the brackets and wires. Additionally, cut food into smaller pieces to make chewing easier and reduce the risk of damage.

3. Store Aligners Properly

Whenever you remove your aligners, stow them in their special container to prevent losing or damaging them. Keeping them out in the open increases the risk of exposure to bacteria, which can cause infections or unpleasant odors. Keeping them in the case also helps prevent accidental damage or misplacement.

4. Follow Your Orthodontist’s Instructions

Following Dr. Tun’s instructions is crucial for maintaining your clear aligners and braces. Adhere to the recommended wear time for aligners (which most professionals suggest wearing for 20 to 22 hours daily) to ensure effective treatment. 

For braces, attend all scheduled appointments for adjustments and follow any specific care instructions provided by Dr. Tun. Ignoring these guidelines can prolong your treatment time and lead to complications.

5. Avoid Whitening Products

While maintaining your clear aligners and braces, it’s important to avoid whitening products. Whitening toothpaste and mouthwash can cause uneven coloring on your teeth because the areas covered by the brackets or aligners won’t be exposed to the whitening agents. 

Stick to regular, non-whitening toothpaste and a fluoride mouthwash to keep your teeth healthy and clean during treatment.

6. Address Issues Promptly

Addressing any issues promptly is vital for maintaining your clear aligners and braces. If you notice any cracks, damage, or discomfort with your aligners, contact Dr. Tun immediately to get a replacement or adjustment. 

For braces, if a wire comes loose or a bracket breaks, schedule an appointment as soon as possible to fix the issue and prevent further damage.

Braces and Clear Aligners Near Tomball, TX

Are you ready for a healthier, more harmonious smile? Contact Harmony Orthodontics today to schedule a consultation for braces or clear aligners. Schedule appointments with our Tomball, TX, dentist online, or simply dial (832) 699-3683 for booking and information. 

A Young smiling woman holding invisalign braces over white background studio, dental healthcare and Orthodontic concept.

Spring, TX, Orthodontist Honestly Reviews Clear Aligners

Written by Identiwrite on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Clear aligners are the fashionable trendsetters of the orthodontic world. They offer patients an easy and nearly invisible way to correct misalignments, resulting in beautifully functional smiles. With several brands available, choosing the right one can be daunting. Luckily, our Spring, TX, orthodontist is here to offer you her honest opinion about each option.

Are you ready for a dazzling smile that looks as great as it feels? Contact Harmony Orthodontics today! Dr. Wint Tun proudly serves patients in the Tomball, Spring, and Woodland, TX, areas, so don’t wait – call us at (832) 699-3683 for a perfect smile now!

Here, our Spring, TX, orthodontist reviews the most common clear aligners, ranking them based on effectiveness, comfort, ease of use, and customer satisfaction. Let’s get started! 

1. Invisalign®: The Industry Leader

As of 2022, Invisalign produces the most clear aligners of any brand, indicating its position as the industry leader in clear aligner therapy.

Effectiveness

Invisalign is highly effective for a wide range of orthodontic issues, addressing most minor to severe cases with ease. The system employs SmartTrack material, which provides light yet persistent force to move teeth predictably.

Comfort

Users consistently report high comfort levels. Our Spring, TX, orthodontist carefully crafts each set of aligners using 3D imaging technology, ensuring a precise fit.

Ease of Use

Invisalign is particularly easy to wear and remove, making daily activities like snacking and brushing hassle-free. 

Customer Satisfaction

Invisalign boasts a high satisfaction rate, with users appreciating the professional support from certified orthodontists (like Dr. Tun) and dentists throughout the treatment.

2. SmileDirectClub: The Leading Direct-to-Consumer Option

Busy patients may feel attracted to direct-to-consumer options, like SmileDirectClub, because they eliminate visits to an orthodontist.  

Effectiveness 

SmileDirectClub is intended for mild to moderate alignment issues. This means that patients with complex cases may not be eligible for this clear aligner option.

Comfort

SmileDirectClub aligners are comfortable but may not fit as precisely as Invisalign due to the lack of in-person dental oversight.

Ease of Use

Many patients can start with a simple at-home impression kit or a visit to a SmileShop for a 3D scan. Then, aligners are delivered to your doorstep, and you follow the treatment plan remotely.

Customer Satisfaction

Mixed reviews exist, with many praising the convenience and cost-effectiveness. However, some users report issues with fit and customer service.

3. Candid: A Hybrid Approach

Candid combines remote treatment with in-person visits.

Effectiveness 

Candid’s hybrid model ensures better outcomes for mild to moderate cases compared to purely remote options.

Comfort

Similar to other clear aligners, Candid aligners are made from smooth, medical-grade plastic, ensuring a comfortable experience.

Ease of Use

In-person and remote monitoring during Candid treatment strikes a balance between convenience and professional oversight.

Customer Satisfaction

Generally positive, with users appreciating the blend of in-person and remote care, leading to a higher level of confidence in their treatment.

4. ClearCorrect: A Close Competitor

Many orthodontists view ClearCorrect as Invisalign’s main competitor, but what does our Spring, TX, orthodontist think?

Effectiveness

It offers effective treatment for a range of orthodontic issues, though it may not have as advanced technology as Invisalign.

Comfort

ClearCorrect aligners are slightly thinner, which some users find more comfortable, although they may be less durable.

Ease of Use

A trained dental professional oversees ClearCorrect treatment, ensuring personalized care. 

Customer Satisfaction

Users are generally satisfied, though some report longer treatment times compared to Invisalign.

Explore Clear Aligners with Our Spring, TX, Orthodontist 

Invisalign remains the top competitor in clear aligners due to its effectiveness, comfort, and professional support. If you’d like to learn more about Invisalign or other aligners, contact Harmony Orthodontics today. You can request a consultation online, or you can call our Spring, TX, orthodontist at (832) 699-3683 for more!

blonde teenager holding invisalign clear aligners

Introduction to Invisalign

Written by Identiwrite on . Posted in Invisalign.

Since 1998, Invisalign® has been available in the United States. By 2001, the company went public and was valued at $1 billion. Worldwide, countless image-conscious people have transformed their smiles and self-confidence with Invisalign clear, removable orthodontic aligners.

Since 1998, Invisalign has developed many product lines. The original Invisalign is for teens and adults, and it has three subcategories (Express, Light, and Comprehensive) for different case types. 

However, the company also offers:

  • Invisalign Teen
  • Invisalign First (phase 1 ortho)
  • Invisalign i7 (for crowded teeth)
  • Invisalign Full (complex cases)
  • Vivera Retainers
  • Invisalign Whitening (ortho with whitening)

In today’s blog, we’ll focus on basic, traditional Invisalign and explain:

  • What Invisalign Is
  • What Invisalign Does
  • What to Expect During Treatment
  • How to Maintain A Great Smile Post-Invisalign

What Invisalign Is

At Harmony Orthodontics, Dr. Wint Tun provides Invisalign as an alternative to traditional braces. Invisalign is a custom therapy that uses digital scans of the patient’s dentition to create a progressive treatment plan with clear, disposable aligners. 

Then an Invisalign lab fabricates a series of aligners for a patient, based on designs produced by proprietary software. Each clear acrylic aligner fits snugly and securely over the upper, lower, or both arches of teeth. 

What Invisalign Does

Over six to 18 months, Invisalign’s custom-made aligners can reposition teeth to improve appearance and oral function.

Some Invisalign products accomplish other things. For instance, the Invisalign First aligner helps expand a child’s palate. Also, Invisalign Whitening simultaneously accomplishes teeth movement and whitening.

What to Expect During Treatment

We will send your case to our Invisalign lab, and then you’ll return to our office once the aligners arrive. Dr. Tun will guide you through how to wear and care for your aligners. She’ll explain what you need to do to see desired results by your projected treatment completion date. 

Wear your aligners for 22 hours a day. Remove them when cleaning teeth, eating a meal, or attending a special event.

If an aligner is lost or damaged, the patient should contact our office immediately, so we can order a replacement. Neglecting to wear an aligner can, in a short time, allow teeth to begin shifting back toward their initial position. 

Clean your aligners daily. Rinse them with cool (never hot) water and an unscented, transparent soap, like dish or hand soap. If your aligner discolors because you ate or drank staining foods while wearing the aligners, you can clean them at home. Mix half lukewarm water with half hydrogen peroxide and soak your aligners in the solution for about 20 minutes. Rinse and reinsert them.

Six-week check-in visits allow Dr. Tun to evaluate progress and answer any questions you have about your treatment.

How to Maintain A Great Smile Post-Invisalign

After Invisalign treatment is complete, you’ll need to wear a retainer. At first, you’ll wear it all day, every day for a few weeks to a few months, according to Dr. Tun’s instructions. Then you should wear your retainer every night while you sleep so that teeth retain their positions. Upon request, Dr. Tun can bond the retainer to the back of your teeth, making it permanent, so you won’t lose it or forget to wear it. 

If you’d like a no-cost, no-obligation Invisalign consultation at our Tomball, TX, orthodontist office, call us at 832-699-3683. As a board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Tun has the training, experience, and professionalism to deliver excellent service and head-turning results!