For many patients looking to straighten their teeth, Invisalign® has been a revolutionary procedure. However, just like with any other form of treatment, some common orthodontic errors can be made and lead to less-than-ideal outcomes.
We’ve put together a list of the top six common orthodontic mistakes to help you stay clear of these common pitfalls and make the most of your treatment.
Common Orthodontic Mistakes
#1 – Leaving the aligners on all the time
Although Invisalign® is intended to be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day, many patients make the error of wearing them constantly. Despite the fact that it might seem advantageous, doing this can make the aligners loose and less effective at fitting. As a result, the overall effectiveness of the treatment may suffer.
For about two hours, you will have to take out your aligners. You can spread out this time over a longer period of time or in smaller increments throughout the day as you eat and brush your teeth. Just remember to brush your teeth and your aligners after each time you remove them.
#2 – Wearing the aligners while eating
Another orthodontic mistake is eating while wearing your Invisalign® aligners. They might even become warped or stained as a result. Additionally, it can be very uncomfortable. Prior to eating, take out your aligners, and brush your teeth.
If you do eat while wearing aligners, make sure to brush them as soon as you can. Invisalign’s cleaning crystals can also be used to assist in clearing any buildup.
#3 – Using strong mouthwash and a hard-bristled toothbrush to clean the aligners
Using strong mouthwash to clean the aligners is another one of the most typical orthodontic mistakes made with Invisalign®. Because mouthwash contains alcohol, which can dry them out and make them brittle, doing this might actually cause harm to the aligners.
To clean your aligners, only use mild soap or cleaning crystals from Invisalign®. Toothpaste is also not a good idea because it can be abrasive and harm the aligners. Not plastic, but toothpaste is intended specifically to clean teeth.
A hard-bristled toothbrush should also be avoided because it can scratch the aligners and make them cloudy. Instead, gently brush the aligners using a toothbrush with soft bristles. This will assist in cleaning up any buildup without endangering them.
#4 – Not practicing good oral health habits during treatment
The best results from your Invisalign® treatment will come from good oral hygiene practices, so make sure to adopt them. This entails using mouthwash, daily flossing, and at least two daily brushes. During treatment, if you don’t take care of your teeth, you could develop cavities or other issues that would cause the process to take longer.
Additionally, sugary foods and drinks should be avoided because they can result in cavities. If you do consume sugary foods or beverages, remember to brush and floss your teeth right away.
#5 – Not keeping the aligners in a case
It’s crucial to store your Invisalign® aligners in a case when not using them. This will lessen the possibility of loss and damage while also assisting in protecting them from bacterial exposure.
Be sure to get in touch with your orthodontist as soon as possible if you do manage to lose an aligner. In order to continue your treatment, they can give you a replacement.
#6 – Not seeing your orthodontist regularly
Finally, failing to visit your orthodontist frequently is one of the most typical orthodontic errors. It’s critical to keep all of your appointments so they can track your development and make any necessary modifications.
If you don’t show up for an appointment, your treatment may take longer and you might not get the best results. To avoid forgetting, be sure to schedule your appointments in advance and write them down on your calendar.