Common Mistakes to Avoid When Starting an Invisalign

Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment that people have been investing in over traditional dental treatments. People prefer this over traditional braces because of its convenience. These are aligners made from transparent plastic material as opposed to the metal brackets and wires braces have. The aligner fits perfectly over your teeth, which are nearly invisible, allowing individuals to straighten their teeth without a noticeable appearance.

Starting your Invisalign journey can be exciting for many reasons. Although this can be an effective method to achieve a healthier and confident smile, it requires careful consideration. If you do not use your Invisalign correctly, it can hinder appearance and results. It is important you avoid making these mistakes while on Invisalign to ensure you have a smooth experience.

Invisalign is an investment in transforming your smile and appearance in the long run. In this blog, we are going to go through some of the common mistakes to avoid when starting an Invisalign. This is to help you get the most out of your Invisalign journey and experience the best outcome.

Key Mistakes to Avoid When Starting Invisalign
 

Let’s look at some of the most common mistakes that Invisalign users must avoid:

Not Wearing Aligners Enough

When you start your Invisalign journey, your dentist or orthodontist will advise you to wear aligners for 20–22 hours. This is an important step to ensure you get the desired results. The way these aligners work is by applying pressure to your teeth, which makes them shift into the correct positions. What happens when you skip wearing them for the recommended time is a delay in progress. You may also notice over time the aligners may not fit over your teeth properly, causing discomfort or a new set of aligners. This can lead to increased costs and increased discomfort. Sticking to your recommended wear time is important for a successful and timely Invisalign treatment.

Improper Cleaning of Aligners

One of the common mistakes to avoid when starting an Invisalign is improper oral hygiene. Cleaning your aligners out is important to ensure they are clear and hygienic. The recommended way to clean your aligners is by washing them in lukewarm water. This prevents the buildup of saliva and plaque so that the aligners do not yellow over time. Also, this step is important for your oral hygiene. Avoid using soap or other abrasive chemicals, as they can leave residue and odours. Washing the aligners with hot water may cause the plastic to warp, compromising its shape. You can use toothpaste or bristled toothbrushes for cleaning only if you are on a strict budget during the time, not recommended for daily cleaning. Soaking your aligners daily in cleaning crystals or denture cleaning solution is an ideal way to ensure they remain intact and hygienic. You should clean your aligners as soon as you take them off.

Skipping Dental Appointments

To ensure you get the most out of your Invisalign aligners, follow through with your appointments. Regular dental check-ups and adjustments are important to optimize the effectiveness of your aligners. With every scheduled visit, your dentist will be able to monitor your progress to check how far along the treatment you are. Skipping these appointments will simply hinder progression. These appointments are important to address any issues that may come up from the get-go, such as misalignment. So, make sure you go through with your regular check-ups with your dentist or orthodontist.

Not Following Dietary Guidelines

Eating and drinking with your Invisalign is a huge no-no. Protecting the aligners is important for the efficiency of your treatment. In the case you do have your aligners on while eating, avoid eating hard or crunchy items like nuts and popcorn kernels. These can potentially break, crack, or distort the Invisalign. Avoid sticky foods like gum as they cling to the aligner, making it difficult to clean, which causes buildup or cavities. Beverages such as coffee, tea, and red wine should be avoided. These tend to stain the aligners, causing them to yellow over time. Also, avoid having hot beverages with your aligners on to prevent them from contorting. Ensuring that you stick to these dietary guidelines will help the effectiveness of your treatment.

Read to know: Food Restrictions During Invisalign: All You Need To Know

Ignoring Discomfort or Problems

If you are experiencing issues with your Invisalign, it is best to address them right away. The issues may be pain, discomfort, or misalignment. Ignoring these issues right from the beginning will cause further problems down the road. Also, it is important for the progression of your treatment that you do not have any broken aligners put in. It can lead to lifelong complications such as improper tooth movement. Communicate with your orthodontist when experiencing pain or other symptoms so that your Invisalign journey is hassle-free.

Also read, Tips for Managing Discomfort with Invisalign

Lack of Proper Oral Hygiene

When you are on your Invisalign journey, make sure that you are extra conscious of your hygiene routine. This is important for the health of your teeth and to ensure the aligners perform effectively. A lack of oral hygiene will lead to additional issues such as plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease. This will delay the Invisalign treatment, causing people to possibly start over, which makes them lose time and money. As the aligners are fitted right onto your teeth, food particles or bacteria will potentially cause decay and infection. Consequences include bad breath, staining, gum, and teeth damage. So remember to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. If possible, brush and floss after every meal or before putting your aligners back in.

Your journey towards healthier and straighter teeth can be hassle-free by keeping the above tips in mind. The key points covered in this blog will help you ensure a smoother, more effective treatment process and better results. For more personalized guidance, you must consult with your dentist or orthodontist to get the support you require. They will provide you with personalized recommendations throughout your Invisalign journey. If you are someone considering, or undergoing Invisalign treatment, it is important you stay informed and on top of your treatment.

Are you ready to start your Invisalign journey to improve dental health? Get in touch with Dentique Dental Clinic today!
Continue Reading What to Expect During Your First Invisalign Appointment.