Invisalign is a clear alternative to traditional braces, and it is becoming a more and more popular method of orthodontic treatment. It is a more discrete way to straighten your teeth, and it is pretty invisible. Clearly, the pros over regular braces are apparent, but you should know that there are things to watch out for, especially concerning hygiene.
Invisalign requires careful attention and care to be effective. If you wear Invisalign or are planning to explore it, you should be ready to make some lifestyle changes to see good results from this treatment. This blog post highlights the common mistakes made with Invisalign use. These mistakes will affect the outcome of your orthodontic treatment, which is why you should avoid them.
Common Mistakes Made With Wearing Invisalign
Wearing Aligners All the Time
While it is advised that you keep your aligners on as much as possible, you cannot have them in your mouth all the time. Eating with your aligners on is a no-no. This is because you are at risk for bacteria and food particles to build up, which will stain your aligners. If you have food stuck on your aligners, it may give off bad breath and be impossible to clean entirely when you finally take your tray out. Bacteria buildup will also deteriorate the health of your gum, and this defeats the purpose of healthier, straighter teeth. It is best to take your aligners out when eating. This also applies to drinks like red wine or hot drinks, as they can stain your aligners or cause them to bend.
Irregular Maintenance
Cleaning your Invisalign daily is necessary to keep your teeth healthy. You should not skip the cleaning process as the build-up of bacteria can harm your teeth. Asides from mealtime, you should set a time in the day to clean your aligners, preferably at nightfall. This way, your teeth are healthy, and your aligners can function well.
Maintenance Mistakes
Errors with cleaning and maintaining Invisalign may compromise the effectiveness of your aligners. For example, you should not use mouthwashes or cleaning agents with alcohol to clean your aligners. This is because they can break down the core components that make your aligners as clear and fit as they do. The same goes for using hot water on your aligners.
You should get an Invisalign cleaning kit so your aligners are correctly cleaned. If you cannot access one, you should use a soft toothbrush and toothpaste to clean it daily.
In addition, it is not uncommon to find that Invisalign users put their aligners away after removing them instead of immediately cleaning them. You should not do this as the bacteria on the aligners from your mouth could fester and put your oral health at risk. Your aligners do not belong on the counter or just about anywhere either. There is a risk of bacterial growth, as leaving your aligners on an open surface will cause bacteria to grow even faster. Rather than this, store your aligners in a clean, airtight container and ensure the storage container is kept clean too.
At Beauty Smile Orthodontics, we have a mission to help our clients achieve their smile goals. Need a consultation for orthodontic treatment? Contact us here.