With no dietary restrictions and removable aligners, Invisalign is a relatively hassle-free orthodontic treatment. Of course, there are still some rules you must follow. Otherwise, you risk falling off-track with your treatment plan, requiring more time and money to be invested in the process. To prevent this from happening, keep reading to learn a few ways you can accidentally ruin your Invisalign treatment.
Not Wearing Your Aligners for 22 Hours a Day
Wearing your aligners for 22 hours a day is essential. After all, your trays only work while you’re wearing them! The longer they’re out, the less likely you are to stay on-track with your treatment plan. So, be mindful of your wear time. One way to break down the two hours of “free time” is 15 minutes for breakfast, 30 minutes for lunch, and 45 minutes for dinner. The remaining time should be used to complete your oral hygiene regimen.
Not Storing Your Trays Properly
Although it may be tempting, never place your trays in a napkin or on a plate. That’s one of the most common ways they get misplaced! Instead, rinse them off and place them in their designated storage case. If you do accidentally lose your aligners, do your best not to panic. Try to find them and, if you can’t, get in touch with your dental team to determine the next best steps.
Using Harsh Products to Clear Your Aligners
Bleach and other household cleaners should never be used to clean your aligners since they can warp their shape, rendering them virtually useless. To keep yours clean, use some water and a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently remove food particles, plaque, and other debris. If your aligners need a deeper clean, then use one of the packets of cleaning crystals!
Switching Trays on the Wrong Day
Depending on your treatment plan, you may switch trays every 7, 10, or 14 days. Whatever the case may be, it’s of the utmost importance that you switch on the right day. That’s because each aligner is custom-made for that particular phase of your treatment plan, guiding your teeth into their properly aligned positions over time. So, if you’ve had trouble with this in the past, try something new, like setting a reminder on your phone or using the Invisalign app.
Eating Sugar in Excess
It’s well known that sugar is one of the biggest culprits of cavities. Since tooth decay needs to be addressed immediately, this can naturally derail your treatment plan. With this in mind, do your best to keep your consumption of sugary treats to a minimum. When you do indulge, make sure to rinse your mouth out with water and brush your teeth shortly after.
After investing your valuable time and money into Invisalign treatment, you naturally don’t want to fall off-track. The good news is that you can help prevent that from happening by avoiding the above!
About the Author
Dr. Gajera attended dental school in India before pursuing higher education at New York University. Now, he has well over a decade of experience in the world of dentistry! Throughout that time, he’s undergone additional training on everything from Invisalign to dental implants. Plus, he is an active member of multiple professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. If you have a question about the Invisalign treatment process or you’d simply like to schedule a consultation, then don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (817) 785-3290.