Invisalign clear aligners have gained deserved popularity in recent years, as they are more comfortable and less obtrusive in the mouth than traditional braces, while providing the same effectiveness. However, an orthodontic treatment with Invisalign requires specific adjustments to be effective. In this article, we discuss the most common mistakes with Invisalign.
Most Common Mistakes With Invisalign
Invisalign aligners are trays made of clear, transparent plastic that are placed over the entire upper or lower arch of your teeth. Aligners work by applying constant pressure to your teeth to prompt their movement. During your treatment, you will have to switch to a new set of aligners approximately every two weeks to advance the treatment.
While clear aligners are generally just as effective as traditional braces, inevitable mistakes can prolong the treatment or impede the desired results:
Not Wearing Your Aligners the Recommended Amount of Time
As with any orthodontic treatment, clear aligners can cause some soreness or discomfort from time to time, especially when you start wearing a new set of aligners. This discomfort can prompt you to remove your aligners more often than you should to let your teeth and gums “rest”.
Also, since aligners can be removed at will, some people might be tempted to take them off for social activities or work meetings.
However, aligners are only effective if you wear them for at least 22 hours a day, removing your trays only for meals and oral hygiene routine. Otherwise, your teeth will constantly shift back to their original position, making the treatment ineffective or prolonging its duration and requiring additional expenditures.
Not Cleaning Your Aligners and Teeth Properly
Maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping your Invisalign aligners clean are crucial to avoiding oral health complications. Invisalign covers your teeth for at least 22 hours a day, trapping food residue and bacteria and preventing saliva and water from naturally removing them. As a result, the risk of cavities and gum disease increases, which can lead to costly treatments and potentially lasting or chronic oral health issues.
When having an orthodontic treatment with Invisalign, you should:
- Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste for two full minutes twice a day
- Floss thoroughly every evening
- Use a water flosser in addition to traditional brushing and flossing
- Always brush your teeth or rinse your mouth, making sure to remove food residue, after meals, before putting your aligners back in your mouth
- Rinse your aligners every time before putting them back in your mouth
- Thoroughly clean your aligners twice a day using unscented soap and a soft toothbrush
- Clean your aligner container with soap and a toothbrush every day
Damaging Your Aligners
Since clear aligners are made of plastic, they are not invincible and can be damaged if you do not care for them properly. Damaged or misshapen aligners typically do not fit your teeth as they should, making them ineffective and stalling the treatment. We recommend following these tips:
- Do not use hot water to clean your aligners, and do not drink hot beverages while wearing them, as this can cause the plastic to warp.
- Always store your aligners in their case when not wearing them, as it is easy to accidentally break the trays.
- Do not clean your aligners with a hard toothbrush or abrasive toothpaste, as this can scratch the surface of the trace, leading to discoloration.
Get an Orthodontic Treatment with Invisalign at TruGlo Modern Dental Beverly Hills
If you are considering an orthodontic treatment with Invisalign, do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced dentist at TruGlo Modern Dental Beverly Hills. Our specialists will carefully examine your orthodontic issues and take your lifestyle and preferences into consideration to offer you a comprehensive and effective treatment plan. We are looking forward to your visit.
