Invisalign is a treatment option for aligning your teeth that does not use traditional metal braces. The process uses clear plastic trays, often referred to as “aligners” that are custom-made and fit snugly over the teeth. This treatment can be used to straighten crooked or misaligned teeth, close gaps between them, and correct overbites or underbites. It has become increasingly popular due to its convenience and comfort in comparison with traditional metal braces.

However, if you want to get the most out of your Invisalign experience, there are some mistakes you should know about. Read on to learn more about how best to avoid these common pitfalls.

Invisalign is a great option for straightening teeth without dealing with metal braces and brackets. However, as with any dental or orthodontic treatment, there are things to watch for so that you can get the best results from your Invisalign experience. From taking proper care of your aligners to avoiding certain foods, this guide will help you identify common mistakes that people make when using Invisalign so that you can avoid them.

Incorrectly Wearing Your Aligners

When wearing your Invisalign aligners, you should be sure to wear them for at least 20-22 hours a day. This is important in order to ensure that your teeth are being moved at the correct rate and that they eventually end up in the desired position. If you don’t wear your aligners enough, it can lead to prolonged treatment time or even negative results.

Not Wearing Them Long Enough

It is essential to wear your Invisalign aligners for the prescribed amount of time each day in order for them to effectively work as intended. If you don’t follow your orthodontist’s instructions and only wear them for shorter periods of time, it could cause slower progress or even incorrect results.

Wearing Them Too Long

On the other hand, wearing your aligners for too long could also be detrimental. If you wear them longer than 20-22 hours a day, it can lead to gum irritation and cause discomfort or pain. You should also make sure to remove your aligners before eating or drinking, in order to avoid discoloration of the plastic and damage to the surface of your teeth.

Not Cleaning Your Aligners Properly

It is important to remember that you need to clean your Invisalign aligners on a daily basis in order to prevent the buildup of bacteria and other debris that can accumulate over time. When you brush your teeth, you should also be sure to remove and clean your aligners with a special cleaning solution or warm water.

Avoid Certain Foods

There are certain foods that can damage both the plastic of your aligners and the surface of your teeth. In order to get the most out of your Invisalign treatment, you should avoid eating overly crunchy foods like popcorn kernels, peanuts, or hard candy as these can all cause significant damage. You should also stay away from sticky sweets such as gummy bears or caramel apples; these types of foods can adhere to the surface of your aligners and make them difficult to remove when it comes time for brushing or flossing.

Sticky Foods

Sticky foods like gummy bears, caramel apples, and even some types of hard candy can be difficult to remove from your aligners. Not only do these foods make it more difficult to brush and floss after eating, but they can also cause discoloration or damage to the surface of your teeth. It’s best to avoid them altogether while undergoing Invisalign treatment.

Hard Foods

Hard foods such as popcorn kernels, nuts, and hard candy should also be avoided when wearing Invisalign aligners. These types of food can cause damage both to the plastic of your aligners as well as the surface of your teeth. Eating these types of food could lead to an extended treatment time or even negative results.

Poor Oral Hygiene

When undergoing any type of orthodontic treatment, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene habits in order to prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and other problems. This is especially important when using Invisalign because the aligners can trap food and bacteria against your teeth if they are not cleaned properly. You should brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day, and be sure to clean your aligners on a daily basis as well.

Not Brushing Enough

It is essential to brush your teeth at least twice a day in order to remove plaque and bacteria that can build up over time. Not brushing enough can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and other problems. It is also important to brush your aligners on a daily basis in order to keep them clean and free from debris.

Not Flossing Enough

In addition to brushing, it is important to floss on a regular basis in order to remove food particles and bacteria trapped between your teeth that cannot be removed by brushing alone. When using Invisalign, you should make sure to floss at least once a day in order to maintain optimal oral health.

Conclusion

Wearing Invisalign aligners is an effective way of straightening crooked teeth, but there are certain mistakes you should avoid in order to ensure that you get the most out of your treatment. Make sure to avoid sticky and hard foods, clean your aligners regularly, and brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day in order to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.