7 Invisalign Mistakes to Avoid for New Users
Invisalign is one of the most popular orthodontic treatments available today. Its clear aligners are practically invisible, making it a great choice for both adults and teenagers who want to straighten their teeth without anyone knowing they’re wearing braces. But as with anything new, there is a learning curve when it comes to Invisalign. To help you get the most out of your treatment, we’ve compiled a list of 7 Invisalign mistakes to avoid.
1. Leaving Your Aligners Out
One of the most common mistakes new Invisalign patients make is taking their aligners out for longer than necessary. While it’s true that you need to remove your aligners to eat and drink, you should be putting them back in as soon as possible afterwards. The longer you leave your aligners out, the more likely you are to lose them or damage them. And since each set of aligners is custom-made specifically for you, losing an aligner can put your entire treatment off schedule.
2. Eating With Your Aligners On
We get it, you’re busy and sometimes you need to eat on the go. But resist the temptation to eat with your aligners in! Not only is it bad for your teeth (since food can get trapped in the aligners and cause tooth decay), but it can also damage your aligners. Chewing on hard foods like candy or ice can crack or break your aligners, which means you’ll have to get replacement aligners made – and that will add time and cost to your treatment
3. Smoking With Your Aligners
Smoking is dangerous for your health anyway, but did you know it’s also bad for your Invisalign treatment? The nicotine in cigarettes can cause permanent yellow stains on your clear aligners, making them virtually impossible to clean. Not to mention, smoking can also contribute to gum disease – which can impact the success of your orthodontic treatment
4. Forgetting to Clean Your Aligners
Since Invisalign aligners are practically invisible, it’s easy to forget that they need to be cleaned just like your regular teeth do. But failing to clean your aligners can lead to a build-up of bacteria which not only causes bad breath but can also lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Be sure to brush your aligners at least twice a day (preferably with a toothbrush designed specifically for cleaningInvisalign) and soak them in denture cleaner at least once a week.
5. Leaving Trays in the Open
Leaving your Invisalign trays out in the open is not only unsightly, but it can also lead to them getting damaged or lost. Be sure to store your trays in their provided case when you’re not wearing them – and keep the case closed so that dust or other particles don’t get into the trays and cause them harm.
6. Cleaning the Trays with Toothpaste
You might think that using toothpaste would be a good way to clean your Invisalign trays since it’s designed specifically for cleaning teeth…but you would be wrong! Toothpaste contains abrasive ingredients which can scratch or damage the surface of Invisalign trays beyond repair . If you want to use something other than waterto clean your trays , opt for denture cleaner instead.
7 . Expecting Fast Results
In general , most people wear Invisalign for about 12 months . However , depending on how crooked your teeth are , treatment may last anywhere from 6 months t o 2 years . It’s important t o have realistic expectations when starting Invisalign so that you don’t get discouraged if results take longer than expected . Remember , even small changes can make a big difference!
Conclusion
As you can see , there are a few things you should avoid if you want to make the most of your Invisalign treatment . But as long as you take good care of your aligners and follow the instructions of your orthodontist , you’ll be on your way to a straighter smile in no time!
