6 Common Invisalign Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Not Wearing Aligners Enough

The patient needs to wear the aligners for 20–22 hours each day. It maintains a steady pressure and guides the teeth into their proper position. Invisalign treatment results are highly dependent on the compliance of the patient. Non-compliance causes delays in the treatment and poor results. The teeth start moving back to their old position when the aligners are removed for a longer time. Then, the aligners feel tight and cause pain and soreness, as these are custom-made according to the teeth's position and structure. Build a routine of wearing aligners consistently. Keep the aligners in the mouth except for eating, drinking, or oral cleaning. Use technology systems like alarms or calendar alerts to set reminders for aligner wearing. 

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Eating or Drinking with Aligners In

It is advised to remove the aligners while eating or drinking. Dark colored beverages like berries, coffee, or tea can cause stains on the aligners. Hot drinks such as tea or coffee can distort the medical-grade plastic used in aligners. Food trapping results in plaque buildup and bacterial production in the aligners. The pressure due to crunchy pr chewy food can deform the plastic. These changes in the plastic structure affect the treatment process, as the intended amount of pressure on the teeth changes. Always remove aligners while eating or drinking, except water. Carry the travel kit in the office or while traveling to maintain good hygiene. 

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Improper Cleaning of Aligners

Clean the aligners frequently to remove any trapped food particles and rinse out the saliva and bacteria from them. Prevent using abrasive toothpaste or harsh chemicals as they can stain the aligners and result in scratching. Aligners become cloudy due to scratches, increasing the rate of bacterial production. Use of hot water in cleaning warps the plastic, ultimately deforming the aligners. Use antibacterial soap and lukewarm water to clean any debris or saliva. Hydrogen peroxide with water, Invisalign cleaning crystals, or dental cleaning tablets are used for deep cleaning. The Invisalign crystals are dissolved in water, and the aligners are placed for 15 minutes in it. After soaking, the aligners are placed in their case to reduce contact with airborne bacteria.

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Skipping Oral Hygiene

Skipping oral hygiene with Invisalign treatment affects the duration of the treatment and the oral health of the patient. It results in cavities as the bacteria feed on the debris or particles of trapped food. The acid production destroys the tooth enamel. Plaque accumulates in the gum lines, resulting in gingivitis. It is a disease in which the gum becomes red, inflamed, and bleeds. Gingivitis can result in periodontitis, in which the bone supporting the teeth gets damaged. There is damage to tooth loss in severe cases. Floss and brush the teeth after each meal. Keep the aligners clean and carry the travel kit while travelling or in the office to build a habit. 

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Not Storing Aligners Properly

The patients forget their aligners in vulnerable places while eating or drinking. It is important to place the aligners properly to save them from dust or to prevent them from getting lost. Leaving the aligners in the open air exposes them to airborne bacteria. Avoid placing them in high-temperature areas to prevent them from warping. When removed, animals are attracted to the scent of an aligner, and they chew them, which damages the aligners and also creates health issues in the patient. Prefer using their case to store them. Wrapping them in a tissue or napkin creates a risk of throwing them away. Consider choosing a bright-colored case to spot it easily in case of losing. 

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Missing Orthodontist Appointments

Skipping the orthodontist appointment is a common mistake in this treatment. Most people think there’s no need for appointments compared to braces, yet the appointments are necessary to track the performance. Orthodontists monitor the movements of the teeth and give a new set of aligners according to need. Delaying the appointments can create unnoticed issues, delayed adjustments, and hence slow down the process. Set a reminder for appointments and maintain consistent communication to discuss any changes or issues with the orthodontist. In case of discomfort or soreness, contact the orthodontist to avoid any serious issues later on. 

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How Can You Ensure Invisalign Success?

Invisalign treatment succeeds with proper cleaning, maintaining hygiene, discipline, and regular checkups. Adhere to wearing aligners for 20-22 hours a day to complete the process in the predicted timelines. Follow the schedule of changing the aligner after a week or two to keep consistent pressure on the teeth. Keep the travel kit while traveling or in the office to maintain proper hygiene and cleaning. Brush the teeth and floss daily to remove trapped food particles from areas that are difficult to reach. Avoid using harmful cleaning agents or toothpaste, as they ruin the appearance of the aligners. Keep the aligners safely stored and attend all scheduled appointments to monitor treatment progress. Orthodontists suggest using attachment or elastic bands in complex cases to keep the treatment process on track.