Invisalign clear aligners are among the most convenient ways to address dental misalignment. Plus, their subtle appearance makes them ideal for individuals who wish to maintain a professional image throughout their treatment period. What can you do to get the most out of Invisalign and set yourself up for a successful orthodontic journey? You should make every effort to avoid these five Invisalign mistakes:
Not Wearing Your Aligners Enough
Invisalign aligners can only do their job when they are in your mouth. In order for them to be optimally effective, you should wear them for 20 – 22 hours a day (the closer to 22 hours, the better). It is best to remove them only at mealtimes and to carry out your oral hygiene routine. If you do not wear them enough, you could cause delays in your treatment and increase your discomfort when you transition to a new aligner.
Eating or Drinking While Wearing Your Aligners
The only thing you should consume while wearing your aligners is plain water. Foods could get stuck on your Invisalign or damage it. Hot beverages can cause your aligners to warp, and sweet drinks could allow sugar to get trapped against your teeth. Pigmented items could stain your aligners.
Not Keeping Up with Oral Hygiene
Not only can missteps in oral hygiene increase your risk of gum disease and cavities, but they can also cause your Invisalign aligners to become stained or accumulate odors.
Here are a few oral hygiene tips for Invisalign patients:
- Thoroughly rinse your aligners after each meal, before inserting them back in your mouth.
- Floss and brush after each meal, before you place Invisalign back in your mouth. You may need to keep a small oral hygiene kit with you when you leave home.
- Give your aligners a thorough cleaning each night with Invisalign-brand cleaner or another product that your orthodontist recommends.
Not Storing Your Aligners Properly
You should never leave your aligners in the open when you take them out of your mouth. They could collect dust and bacteria. There is also the possibility that a curious pet could get ahold of them. Also, keep in mind that you should not wrap your aligners in a napkin while you are eating; you might accidentally throw them away after your meal!
Whenever you are not wearing your aligners or cleaning them, they should be placed in a designated storage case.
Failing to Use Accessories as Directed
You may be directed to wear elastics (small rubber bands) on your aligners. These are important for correcting bite alignment issues. It might seem a bit annoying to start using them at first, but complying with your orthodontist’s directions is vital for the ultimate success of your Invisalign treatment.
Adapting to life with Invisalign can take a bit of time, but as long you avoid the mistakes mentioned in this article, you can expect your treatment to go smoothly.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Amin Mason is the board-certified orthodontist who takes the lead at Polaris Orthodontic Center. Our team proudly offers Invisalign and many other teeth-straightening treatments. If you would like to find out how we may be able to serve you, contact us at 614-781-6990.
