Throughout my aligner journey as a Millennial, I’ve discovered some do’s and don’ts that have really made a difference. Some have been pretty obvious, while others… not so much! Thankfully, though, I’m here to provide a guide to both so that you’re not feeling out of the aligner loop. Here are some tips to get you through this process of straightening your smile!

Do Moisturize

We all hate chapped lips, but with aligners, they seem even more difficult to avoid. Using Vaseline for taking scans helps, but for other situations, you’ll likely need to carry more moisturizer than usual. Make sure to read the ingredients since some lip moisturizers actually cause chapping. (Seems counterproductive, right?) Avoid lip balms with menthol, camphor, phenol, or really any alcohol. That’s why I love Vaseline products!

Don’t Whiten Your Teeth

While it may feel like a good idea, it’s not… yet. Your teeth are still too sensitive. You may be eager to get a perfect smile (shiny and sparkling), but teeth whitener is known to cause sensitivity. Don’t put yourself through more pain. If you absolutely feel you have to do something, try even a gentle whitening toothpaste, like Sensodyne or Crest’s gum sensitivity with whitening. Since you’re brushing your teeth on the regular anyway, this isn’t an added step that would do more harm in the long run, as whitening strips or a gel solution would.

Do Use Scope On-The-Go

Invest in a travel-sized mouthwash that you can put in your purse or even your glove compartment. Another great option? The disposable picks! These work great if you have to eat while you’re out and you don’t have access to a good setup to brush your teeth. These options work as a temporary solution and can work until you can get the aligners back in. Trust me, these things will make all the difference when you’re on the go. (And also, since you have to wear your aligners 22 hours a day, you’d better get those things back in ASAP, or ouch!)

Don’t Be Afraid To Switch Up The Routine

Some aligners have been tighter than others on change day. I’ve found that the tighter the fit, the more I prefer to sleep through the initial discomfort. Switch your own routine to see what works best for you. Day, night, during work, whichever! This is all about finding what works best for you. And as an adult, we get to make our own rules, right?

Do Take Your Medications

Whatever medications you may need, even if it’s a simple pain reliever like Tylenol, make sure you take them before you put in your aligners, especially before going to bed. It’s super awkward otherwise! I don’t know about you, but those horse-pill-sized calcium supplements are a total ick when they don’t go down the first time. Avoid the drama – leave out the aligners till you’ve taken pills.

Don’t Get Stuck On The Process – Think Of The Outcome

Moving teeth is a bit like one of those kids’ games where the picture is all jumbled up, and you only have one open space to rearrange stuff. I’ve noticed some teeth moving to “the wrong place,” but I know it’s so the right teeth fill in, fit, and make the perfect picture in the end. It can be a little unnerving, though, when you start seeing things move and it’s not all perfect now. I mean, who doesn’t want some instant gratification?

Start Your Own Aligner Journey

Hopefully, you feel a little more relieved with this guide! In the meantime, check out my other blog posts for more helpful tips and tricks about the aligner journey! If you’re located near the Northern VA area, plan a visit with Orthodontics By Crutchfield for your own aligner journey.