Thanks to modern technology and advancements in orthodontics, people today no longer have to deal with crooked or misaligned teeth and the issues that accompany them. With Invisalign, teeth straightening has been made easier, and what’s even better? The treatment comes with several benefits like; being less invasive and comfortable compared to metal braces, minimal food restrictions, virtually invisible, fewer dental visits, and, of course, a confident smile. However, just because Invisalign is a highly appealing orthodontic solution doesn’t mean that it does not require effort on your part. You will only achieve the desired outcome when you avoid mistakes and use the aligners correctly. Below are 10 mistakes you should avoid when using Invisalign.
1. Consuming Food and Drinks While Wearing Invisalign
One great thing about Invisalign is that it offers you the flexibility of removing your aligners whenever you want to, so there should be no reason why you should keep your aligners in while eating or drinking. Unless what you are consuming is water, your Invisalign aligners should be taken out before eating or drinking, as food and colored drinks can stain them.
2. Not Doing Enough Research About Your Potential Invisalign Provider
One thing you need to bear in mind is that not every dental practice is certified to provide patients with Invisalign. So, you will need to properly research your potential provider to ensure that they have the proper experience and certifications to provide you with the treatment. The Invisalign provider you choose should be one that has the proper certifications and experience like Sherwood Park Dental Practice, a professional atmosphere, and positive reviews from past and current patients.
3. Not Following Your Dentist’s Advice
One of the worst mistakes you can make during your Invisalign journey is to ignore your dentist’s advice or not do a follow-up. This is because, during the course of your treatment, your dentist will give you several aligner trays that are to be worn over specific periods of time. These trays are created specifically for you and depending on how much progress you’ve made; your dentist will tell you when to switch out one tray for the next. If you switch out the trays too early or wear a particular tray for too long, the progress you’ve made will be negatively impacted, so, follow-up appointments with your dentist are necessary.
Your dentist will also give you detailed instructions on how to properly wear and care for your aligners in order to achieve the best outcome from your treatment.
4. Not Wearing Your Aligners Enough
Wearing your aligners for the recommended duration of time is the best way to achieve a favorable outcome with Invisalign. So, avoid making the mistake of forgetting to put them back on whenever you take them off to either eat, drink or brush your teeth. For best results, dentists recommend wearing your aligners for 22 hours a day.
5. Smoking While Wearing Invisalign
Smoking is another habit that can hamper your progress when using Invisalign. In addition to being bad for your overall oral health, smoking while wearing your aligners can cause stains that no amount of cleaning will get rid of.
6. Forgetting Thorough Oral Cleaning
Because Invisalign aligners cover the complete structure of your teeth, you will need to go the extra mile with your oral cleanliness. Avoid forgetting to brush and floss your teeth properly before wearing them. This ensures that there is no bacterial build-up under the trays. After eating, ensure that you brush and thoroughly rinse out your mouth to avoid transferring food particles into the aligners.
7. Assuming Quick Results
Avoid the mistake of thinking that Invisalign can provide you with a quick fix. The treatment takes time as the aligners slowly move your teeth into the desired position. Don’t be discouraged if you do not immediately notice any changes. Depending on the nature of your teeth’s misalignment, your Invisalign treatment can take anywhere between 8 months to a few years to give the desired results.
8. Using Toothpaste to Clean Your Aligners
Apart from caring for your teeth and mouth, you will also need to take proper care of your aligners, and using the right cleaning materials is very important (the wrong ones can discolor your aligners). Avoid using toothpaste to clean your aligners; use an unscented soap with no colored dyes instead. Alternatively, you can go for Invisalign cleaning crystals.
9. Keeping Your Trays Out in the Open
Avoid leaving your aligners out in the open anytime you take them out to eat or drink. This is because they are clear and you might accidentally drop them or even throw them out. It is advisable that you always have your case with you so you can safely store your aligners while eating.
10. Not Filing Your Treatment With Insurance
Many people believe that because Invisalign is a cosmetic treatment, it is not covered by dental insurance. While this may be true for some insurance companies, it is always advised that you call your insurer to confirm whether or not they cover Invisalign. You can also have your dentist call on your behalf, as they will know all the right questions to ask.
Conclusion:
Invisalign is a great treatment option for misaligned and crooked teeth. However, achieving the best outcome weighs heavily on your adherence to wearing your aligners correctly. Avoiding the above mistakes ensures that you fully reap the benefits of your Invisalign treatment.
