Tips for Optimal Results: 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid About Invisalign Treatment

In the past few decades, Invisalign has transformed over 20 million smiles. Invisalign is an innovative system that uses clear, removable aligners to correct gapped, crowded, and misaligned teeth. Although Invisalign aligners in San Diego, California, are effective, certain mishaps can prolong treatment even for seemingly minor issues. Brighton Dental shares five common mistakes patients make and how to avoid them to optimize your Invisalign experience. 

1. Not wearing the aligners for the recommended hours.

The beauty of Invisalign is that you can remove the aligners when eating or cleaning your teeth. Their removability means you enjoy your treatment without limitations to everyday life. However, with freedom comes responsibility. While removable, the aligners should be worn almost full-time to work within the predicted treatment plan. If you have trouble following the treatment plan, you can set reminders on your phone or ask a friend or relative to keep you accountable. 

2. Eating or drinking with aligners

One common mistake first-time Invisalign users make? Eating or drinking with their aligners on. Unless it’s plain water, remove your aligners before you consume anything. Food and drinks can stain, warp, or cloud the clear trays, making them less effective and less invisible. And let’s be honest, chewing with a mouthguard-like device isn’t comfortable either!

3. Neglecting maintenance

Just because you’re straightening your teeth doesn’t mean you can hit pause on your oral hygiene routine. Keeping both your aligners and your smile clean is more important than ever.

To keep your aligners healthy, rinse them after every meal to wash away food particles. Clean them daily with a soft toothbrush and mild, non-abrasive soap. If you Google “how to clean Invisalign aligners,” you may see some people recommend toothpaste. However, toothpaste is suitable for your teeth, but not aligners. It has abrasive ingredients that can scratch and cloud the plastic material.

And remember, your teeth and gums still need attention! Brush and floss at least twice daily. Staying on top of your oral hygiene prevents bad breath, staining, and infections—it ensures your smile looks just as great as it feels when your Invisalign journey is complete.

4. Inappropriate handling

Avoid dropping your aligners. This can break them, resulting in expensive replacements. Similarly, don’t wrap your aligners in a towel or tissue—they can easily be mistaken for trash and thrown away. The best way to store your aligners when not in your mouth is to keep them in the provided case. Lastly, protect your aligners from pets and children to prevent accidental damage or loss. 

5. Not wearing a retainer.

Once your aligners come off, it’s a rewarding time, but that isn’t the end of your orthodontic journey. Your San Diego Invisalign dentist will provide you with a retainer to keep your teeth securely in their new, aligned positions. Skipping this important step can lead to orthodontic relapse, undoing months of hard work. The dentist will recommend wearing a retainer almost full-time in the first few months before transitioning to nightly wear.

Invisalign treatment near me in San Diego, California

Do you want to learn more about Invisalign maintenance? Or are you ready to start your Invisalign journey? Brighton Dental is here to help every step of the way. Call (619) 831-8559 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Paige Woods. 

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