FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GENERAL FAQ
How does OrthoAlign work?
OrthoAlign is a modern approach to straightening teeth, using a custom-made series of aligners created just for you. The clear aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable and transparent plastic that you wear over your teeth. Wearing the aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place. OrthoAlign does not use metal brackets and there are no wires to tighten. You just pop in a new set of aligners every two weeks until your treatment is complete.
What are OrthoAlign clear aligners made of?
OrthoAlign clear aligners are made of thin, transparent, flexible plastic sheets that fit snugly over teeth, making them virtually invisible. They are FDA-approved and contain no BPA, BPS or latex.
How does an OrthoAlign treatment straighten teeth?
A unique, digital treatment plan will be created, mapping out the exact movements of your teeth. The clear aligners are then fabricated to apply the right amount of pressure and force to the right place at the right time based on the treatment plan. Your doctor will guide you every step of the way to monitor your progress and ensure your aligners fit correctly.
Can I smoke while wearing my clear aligners?
We highly discourage smoking or any tobacco use while wearing clear aligners because it will discolour them, as it does your teeth.
Can I chew gum while wearing aligners?
No. Gum will stick to the aligners so we recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks, including gum.
What are clear aligners?
Clear aligners are clear, removable orthodontic devices made of flexible plastic designed to gradually shift your teeth using the gentle application of pressure. Unlike traditional braces, aligners are discrete and easily removed for cleaning and eating. No brackets or wires, and none of the restrictions that come with metal braces.
Does OrthoAlign clear aligners follow the contour of my gums?
No. Our aligners are cut straight across. Unlike some other brands that have scalloped edges (aligner follows actual shape of patient's gum line), the straight-across edge is not only the most comfortable wearing experience, but the extra length also provides more retention which better enables the aligners to grip your teeth and create the gentle force needed to straighten them.
How do I know if OrthoAlign is right for me?
OrthoAlign is designed to correct minor to moderate alignment, including correcting spacing and crowding between teeth, rotation and minor bite correction. Photos and your digital scan data will provide us the information needed to know if you are a good candidate or not.
Can I drink alcohol while wearing my aligners?
No. You’ll need to remove your aligners if you’re eating or drinking anything other than water.
How do I start my OrthoAlign treatment?
Once you have determined that you are an eligible candidate for OrthoAlign, your doctor will send impressions, models, pictures, scans and other relevant data to our Dental Laboratory. A digital model of your teeth is generated from a scan which is then sent to our orthodontists in Italy where they use advanced softwares to make small, sequential changes in the position of the teeth. A treatment plan will be created based on these movements, conveying the desired results. Once the treatment plan has been approved by both you and your doctor, the aligners are then manufactured to correspond with each stage of the treatment plan so that you can begin your
What if I have trouble getting my aligners to fit?
Some people may find it difficult at first to get the aligners on the back of their teeth. It takes a bit of practice and getting used to, especially when the aligners are new to you. Be sure to follow the instructions on insertion and removal.
What is a Treatment Plan?
A Treatment Plan is a proposed 2D plan which is provided by our dental lab and prescribed by our Orthodontists from Italy. You can see before and after positions of your teeth and if you are happy with the smile projection, you can go ahead and proceed with the treatment.
Can I play high impact sports with my aligners?
We suggest that you take them out during high impact sports activities because it can be harmful/painful if something knocks your mouth.
Can I play musical instruments (like a flute) with my aligners?
Yes, many people say they can play their instruments even while wearing their aligners. Just like with speaking, it might take a bit of time to get used to playing with them in your mouth, but after that, there will be no issue.
How often should I change my aligner?
You should wear each set of aligners for 2 weeks.
Will there be any restrictions on what I can eat?
In general, no. Unlike traditional orthodontics, you can eat and drink whatever you desire because you remove your aligners while eating. So there is no need to restrict your consumption of any of your favorite foods and snacks, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.
Can I drink hot or cold beverages while wearing OrthoAlign?
Except for cold water, we recommend that you do not drink while wearing the aligners. This is to prevent staining, formation of cavities, or warping of the aligners with hot beverages.
PRE-TREATMENT FAQ
Is OrthoAlign a painful treatment?
OrthoAlign shifts your teeth by applying gentle, constant force, so it is common to feel temporary discomfort for the first few days after fitting new aligners. This soreness should gradually go away a couple of days after starting each new stage. This is common with all orthodontic treatments.
How many hours per day should I wear my aligners?
For the best results, OrthoAlign clear aligners are recommended to be worn for 20 - 22 hours a day, taking them out just for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. Of course, special occasions can be aligner free. It is essential to wear them as prescribed; otherwise, it might delay the treatment process.
Will wearing clear aligners affect my speech?
Like all orthodontic treatments, the aligners may temporarily affect your speech, and you may have a slight lisp for a day or two. It may take a couple of days for your tongue to get used to having aligners in your mouth. But this will only be temporary and your mouth will quickly adapt, so any lisp or minor speech impediment caused by your aligners should disappear.
What are the benefits of an OrthoAlign treatment?
OrthoAlign aligners are virtually invisible and can straighten teeth without the need for metal brackets or wires that irritate your mouth. They provide a flexible option if you need to remove them to eat and drink, to brush and floss, or for special occasions.
Is OrthoAlign suitable for me?
Yes! OrthoAlign can be the perfect solution for both teens and adults interested in a virtually invisible treatment to improve their smile. Our innovative system makes it possible to fix most common issues (straightening and bite issues).
What is the treatment process?
OrthoAlign treatment starts with a consultation where your doctor will evaluate your smile. A customised digital treatment plan will then be created illustrating the step-by-step transformation of your smile.
What should I expect during my consultation?
During consultation, your doctor will examine your smile and discuss desired ojectives in order to determine the best solution for you. Factors such as cost and length of treatment may also be discussed.
How long will treatment take?
Treatment length is dependant on several factors, like case complexity and patient compliance (how often and consistent aligners are worn). Based on your specific needs, your treatment plan will determine treatment duration. Although you can start seeing results in a matter of weeks, average treatment time can vary anywhere between is 6 to 18 months.
What are "bumps" or "attachments" and why would I need them for my OrthoAlign treatment?
Depending on your specific treatment, some of the movements may require “attachments” to help the aligner grip the teeth. Attachments are small tooth-coloured ridges, made of composite, that the doctor affixes to your teeth. These ridges provide anchor points that help to direct the forces of the aligner more effectively and predictably to the tooth. They make complex tooth movements possible without braces.
Is it a big deal if I don't wear my aligners enough?
My teeth have shifted since having my braces removed. Can OrthoAlign fix this?
Yes. OrthoAlign can treat most common teeth-straightening issues. People who have previously had braces can opt for an OrthoAlign treatment as the discrete solution to enhance their smile when they find that their teeth have shifted back.
Can the aligners slip off while I’m asleep?
OrthoAlign is designed to fit snugly around your teeth so it is very unlikely that your aligners would ever fall out, no matter what you are doing: sleeping, talking, laughing, etc. So this should not be a cause for concern.
Can I skip ahead to the next set of aligners?
Please do not skip ahead under any circumstances. Not only can this cause you discomfort, it can also cause you to deviate from your original treatment plan. This will result in a relapse, at which point a brand new treatement plan will be required.
We strongly recommend that you follow the treatment plan provided. If you have concerns about the way your treatment plan is progressing, please consult your doctor.
What if I lose or break an attachment?
If an attachment is lost or broken, you should contact your doctor immediately. The attachment will need to be replaced and re-attached as soon as possible to ensure you keep in track with the treatment plan. This will help prevent any discrepencies and chances of refinements.
MID-TREATMENT FAQ
What should I do if I lose or break an aligner?
If you lose or break your aligner, immediately inform your doctor. They will help to ensure you stay on-track with your treatment plan and don't lose progress, which may involve wearing a previous set of aligners, your next set of aligners, or ordering replacements aligners.
How do i clean my aligners?
Instructions will be provided. We recommend using Somtabs cleaning tablets as they are a gentle and thorough cleaning method that is mild, safe and suitable for daily disinfecting. They easily clean even the most difficult, hard-to-reach areas that remove tartar, odors, and prevent dicolouration and bacteria from accumulating.
Cleaning your aligners each time your remove them will help to prevent residue build up. If you do not have any cleaning tablets available, aligners can also be cleaned with a soft toothbrush and mild detergent, and then rinsed under cool water.
* NEVER USE HOT WATER - it could permanently warp the plastic.
* NO TOOTHPASTE - it can be abrasive and scratch the aligner.
How are Aligner Chewies cleaned?
Aligner Chewies are easily cleaned with hot water and a mild detergent, then rinsed. To freshen them soak in mouthwash for a few minutes.
How do you store aligners when not in use?
Always store the aligners in the case provided, in a cool place. Rinse the aligners well with water and dry thoroughly before returning them to their case .
When I remove my aligners, sometimes my teeth feel loose. Is that normal?
Yes. As your aligners gradually shift your teeth into position, your gums are re-forming around each tooth as it moves.
I went out of town and forgot to take my aligners with me. Will my aligners still fit?
This depends on how long you’ve gone without wearing your aligners. If it’s only been a short time, your aligners should still fit, but they might feel uncomfortable. If it’s been a significant amount of time, talk to your doctor so they can assess the situation accordingly.
Aligners feel very tight is this normal?
When aligners are first put in, they should feel tight. This is normal and they will begin to feel more comfortable in a very short time.
If I am sick, should I keep wearing my aligners?
Yes, it’s fine to keep wearing them unless you’re severely ill or actively vomiting. If you happen to vomit while wearing your aligners, you should take them out and clean them straight away.
What should I do if my new aligner doesn’t snap onto my teeth?
Minor discrepancies between the current tooth position and the new aligner are normal, since the teeth need time to conform to the new aligner position. In the event of severe problems with aligner fit, inform your doctor.
POST-TREATMENT FAQ
What happens after my OrthoAlign treatment is complete?
You wear your retainers. This is really important because you want to make sure you keep your teeth in place. For the first two weeks, you’ll need to wear them all the time (except when you eat and drink). After that, you can wear them only while you sleep at night or as recommended by your doctor.
How do I preserve my new smile after treatment?
To prevent teeth from gradually shifting back to their initial position, most doctors recommend using a retainer to anyone who has completed orthodontic treatment. Whether with braces or clear aligners, wear your retainers. Every case is different, so it's best to seek advice from your doctor.
MOVEMINTS
What are Movemints™?
Movemints provide a safe-for-teeth, great-tasting, simple-to-use alternative to the chewy foam or plastic aligner seating items which are currently available. Movemints were created by an orthodontist specifically to help clear aligner patients and those wearing retainers.
What are the benefits of using Movemints?
Can Movemints hurt my teeth or break my aligners?
No! Movemints are specially designed to be used in between aligners! We recommend applying gentle pressure to each mint so that it will last a long time, providing you with the freshest experience.We recommend focusing on the front teeth, or what is known as the "social-six", which is where you'll find Movemints fit the best!
What is Xylitol?
Xylitol is safe for clear aligner patients, with a recommended daily dose of 6-10 grams. It is a naturally occurring sugar substitute that can help prevent dry mouth and is also thought to help prevent tooth decay. Xylitol is very low calorie and also diabetic-friendly. Preventing tooth decay is an important part of maintaining optimal oral health during clear aligner therapy. Movemints can help, but are not a substitute for proper oral hygiene!
Are Movemints pet-friendly?
No! Xylitol, the natural sweetener in Movemints, is known to be toxic to dogs -- just like chocolate! We love our pets as much as you do, so please store your Movemints responsibly!