Even though Invisalign allows people to straighten their teeth discreetly and comfortably, patients still want the treatment to go as fast as possible so they can finish and show off their new smiles! This is completely understandable, but there are a few obstacles that can pop up along the way and cause annoying delays. Thankfully, we’re going to cover them today so you won’t be caught off guard! Here are the top 4 ways people RUIN their Invisalign treatment (and how to avoid them!).
Not Cleaning the Trays
Just like your teeth, Invisalign trays need to be cleaned every day. This will help maintain their transparency so they practically disappear when you put them on, because otherwise, they could develop stains. Daily cleaning and soaking also remove leftover food particles that can stick to the trays and become trapped against the teeth, increasing the risk of tooth decay. Speaking of which…
Not Brushing & Flossing
Oral hygiene is incredibly important, and this is especially true for Invisalign patients. When a person takes off their trays to eat, food particles and plaque accumulate on the teeth. When the trays go back on, these icky substances are pressed right into the enamel. This cannot only lead to bad breath and odd-smelling trays, but cavities as well! A cavity needs to be treated immediately and can easily add weeks or even months to an Invisalign treatment. So, a patient should brush, floss, and rinse after every meal and snack before putting their trays back on to keep the sugar bugs away.
Eating or Drinking While Still Wearing Trays
A patient should take their trays out if they are eating or drinking anything other than unflavored water. The trays aren’t strong enough to endure the forces of chewing, so they can easily break even while munching on relatively soft foods. Beverages like coffee, tea, wine, and others can discolor the trays in addition to trapping sugar against the teeth.
Not Storing the Trays in Their Case
If your Invisalign trays aren’t in your mouth, they should always be put in their designated storage case. Why? Because they tend to “disappear” otherwise! Every year, countless trays are placed onto napkins and accidentally thrown away, or they’re set out on the bathroom counter and seemingly “wander off.” The trays are small and transparent, so as you can imagine, they’re easy to misplace! You should bring your Invisalign case wherever you go, and if your trays come out, they should only go one place so you always know where they are. Otherwise, you may need to get a replacement tray, which can sometimes take up to a month!
Between avoiding these common pitfalls and maintaining routine progress checks here at Shirck Orthodontics, we can help a patient race through their Invisalign treatment and have their brand-new smile ready before they know it. A little extra care can save you weeks or even months of time, so be sure to keep these tips in mind throughout your treatment!
About the Author
Dr. Jeffrey Shirck is a board-certified orthodontist who has been an Elite Invisalign Provider since 2017. He’s able to provide personalized orthodontic care for patients of all ages, including Invisalign and Invisalign TEEN. To learn if clear aligners would work for you or your child, you can schedule a FREE in-person consultation by clicking here.