Unlocking success – Learn the 7 mistakes to avoid with aligners for a flawless smile

The Invisalign treatment has brought a revolution in the field of modern orthodontics, offering an invisible solution for teens and adults alike. Invisalign, like traditional braces and any dental procedure, requires proper care to maximize its effectiveness. The Orthodontists recommend avoiding certain practices during your Invisalign treatment for optimal results. This article outlines the common mistakes to avoid when living with aligners.

Not Cleaning Your Invisalign Aligners

• Ensuring the cleanliness of your clear aligners is essential. Soak in Invisalign cleaning crystals daily. It is imperative to remove your Invisalign aligners before drinking anything other than water. Highly pigmented beverages like coffee, red wine, and tea may stain the clear aligners. Moreover, rinse your mouth with water before reinserting your aligners.

Make an effort to brush and floss after every meal whenever possible. This routine helps keep your teeth and aligners clean, preventing the buildup of bacteria that can lead to bad breath. If brushing and flossing aren’t immediately feasible, consider rinsing your mouth with warm water or chewing sugarless gum as an alternative solution.

Rushing Invisalign Treatment

• Invisalign clear aligners gradually straighten teeth by applying gentle, consistent pressure. Typically, this process takes six to twelve months or more, allowing teeth to shift slowly.

Rushing the treatment could lead to dental resorption, weakening the teeth and increasing the risk of tooth loss. Therefore, it is essential to stay patient and adhere to the prescribed Invisalign treatment plan.

Not Wearing Your Invisalign Retainer

• After completing your Invisalign treatment, wearing a retainer is essential to maintain the teeth alignment. Retainers are often made from wires or transparent plastic. They are specialized orthodontic appliances designed to secure teeth in their positions. Failing to wear your retainers may result in the gradual shifting of your teeth back to their original positions.

Inconsistently Wearing Your Invisalign Aligners

• Achieving optimal results requires wearing your aligners for approximately 22 hours each day. Failing to wear them for more than two hours daily may result in treatment delays. Neglecting the recommended wearing time could extend the overall treatment duration.

Leaving Your Invisalign Exposed

• While it may be tempting to store your aligners in pockets or wrap them in napkins for convenience, it’s crucial always to keep them in their designated case when not in use.

The proper case ensures better protection, minimizing the risk of damage to your aligners. Frequent loss or breakage may necessitate the purchase of replacements, potentially causing delays in completing your treatment.

Wearing Your Invisalign Aligners While Eating

• Whether it’s a quick snack or a proper meal, it’s essential to remove your Invisalign aligners before eating. The pressure exerted during chewing and biting can be too much for the aligners.

Failing to remove them before eating may damage your clear aligners. It’s also advisable to avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods such as raw carrots, almonds, caramels, jelly beans, licorice, popcorn, and sour candies while using Invisalign.

Damaging Your Invisalign Clear Aligners

• Keeping your aligners safe relies on adhering to proper Invisalign care. Handle your transparent aligners with caution to prevent breakage or scratches, especially when removing them. Additionally, refrain from using your tongue to examine the edges of the aligners, as this practice poses the risk of tongue scratches.

Transform your smile and boost your confidence with Invisalign Treatment. Contact Icon Dental Orthodontics today to schedule an appointment for your orthodontic needs in Seattle or Everett. Our expert dentists are dedicated to providing the best orthodontic treatment, from prevention and diagnosis to treatment and beyond. Trust us to help you achieve a healthier, more beautiful smile. For consultations or bookings, call us at (206) 225-2882 for Seattle and (425) 337-2400 for Everett appointments.