5 Invisalign Mistakes to Avoid for Optimal Results

Millions of people enjoy straighter teeth and more beautiful smiles thanks to Invisalign, a popular alternative to traditional braces. Invlisang uses clear plastic aligners to straighten teeth over time, featuring a “see-through” design that makes them virtually invisible.

Invisalign treatment is simple, but that doesn’t mean it’s a no-brainer. You must still follow care guidelines and avoid common mistakes that might delay your progress and extend your treatment time.

At Austin Advanced Dentistry, Aditi Saxena, DDS, and her team offer state-of-the-art Invisalign treatment for preteens, teens, and adults in Austin, Texas, helping every patient enjoy a more beautiful smile. In this post, learn about five mistakes that could interfere with your Invisalign treatment.

1. Wearing aligners when eating or drinking

Invisalign aligners are very comfortable, and once they’re in place, it can be tempting to leave them in your mouth while you eat or drink. The problem is that although the aligners are durable, they’re not designed to withstand the pressures involved in chewing and biting, and eating with them in place can quickly lead to damage or even breakage.

Foods and many drinks can leave sticky residues behind, providing a food source for bacteria that cause cavities and bad breath. Plus, pigments in foods and drinks can stain your aligners so they’re no longer invisible. 

One more tip: Rinse your mouth thoroughly before putting your aligners back in to prevent trapping food particles underneath the aligner.

2. Wearing your aligners for less than the prescribed time

Aligners are designed to be worn for 22 hours a day, every day during your treatment. Your aligners should only be out of your mouth during meals and snacks and when brushing and flossing your teeth.

Your aligners can’t work unless you’re wearing them. Leaving them out for long periods can delay your progress and require you to wear your aligners for a longer period.

3. Cleaning them with an abrasive toothpaste

It’s important to clean your aligners when you brush your teeth to keep them clean and remove plaque and bacteria. Using your toothbrush and toothpaste seems like a natural way to keep your aligners clean and fresh.

But many toothpastes include abrasives, especially whitening toothpastes. These products can scratch your aligners and make them more visible. Instead, use a gentle antibacterial soap without any dyes and fragrances and a soft-bristled brush, and rinse thoroughly afterward with lukewarm water.

4. Not changing your aligners on time

During your treatment, you’ll wear several sets of aligners. Each aligner has a slightly different shape. It’s these differences that gradually shift your teeth into their proper positions.

You’ll swap out your current aligners for the next set in your series every few weeks or so. Forgetting to change aligners or changing them too soon or too late can lead to problems with your treatment. Likewise, if you break or lose an aligner, call the office before moving on to the next set.

5. Storing your aligners improperly

Speaking of breaking an aligner, it’s very important to take care when storing it outside your mouth. Don’t shove your aligners in a purse, pocket, or backpack. Don’t wrap them in a napkin, either, since that increases the risk of you throwing them out at the end of the meal.

Instead, slip them into their case, where they’ll stay protected and free from germs and debris. Don’t store them in direct heat, since that could warp them and affect how they fit.

Invisalign aligners can give you a more beautiful smile, and by avoiding these common mistakes, you can enjoy your results even faster. To learn more about Invisalign treatment, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at Austin Advanced Dentistry today.