No one wants to show their crooked teeth whenever they flash a smile. That’s why most patients prefer to wear their dental Invisalign to align their teeth without the “metal cruncher” look. It is an excellent alternative to traditional braces for teeth realignment. However, just like everything else, proper maintenance is a must when wearing transparent aligners. So, if you’re planning to use transparent aligners, make sure to avoid these mistakes to reap its benefits.
Common mistakes to avoid when wearing a dental Invisalign
Consuming drinks and food while wearing it
Traditional Invisalign offers patients the option to remove their aligners anytime they want. However, there are still a few of those who forget to remove their aligners when they consume foods and drinks. Neglecting to remove your aligners may cause food debris and liquids to get stuck inside it, causing it to get stained over time. That’s why it’s best to remove your aligners before enjoying your meal or drink to prevent it from happening.
Neglecting to wear it within the advised time frame
Your dentist will advise you to wear your dental Invisalign for a specific period to properly fix your malocclusion problem. The general wear time is at least 22 hours a day, which means that you must wear them even while you’re sleeping. Failure to do so will lengthen the time frame to treat your crooked teeth.
Disregarding proper oral cleaning
Traditional Invisalign is a clear aligner tray that completely covers the entire teeth structure to correct its alignment. Since it’s a contained tray, it’s a must to maintain your oral hygiene before you put them back. You should not forget to brush your teeth or even floss them daily before and after wearing them. Keeping a good oral hygiene regimen prevents bacterial buildup which may cause your teeth to decay.
Not storing it properly
It’s best to store your transparent aligners properly whenever you’re not wearing it. Overlooking its proper storage may cause bacteria to form in its surface. You should regularly wash your clear aligners and store it once it’s dry. Also, ensure to practice proper oral hygiene to maintain your dental health.
Using the same set of aligners
Invisible aligners need to get replaced over a specific period. Doing so will prevent your teeth from getting decalcified. Decalcification of teeth is the buildup of plaque which is a constant process. Patients who wear braces are more prone to decalcification due to improper oral hygiene. That’s why you need to replace your dental Invisalign based on your dentist’s treatment plan.
Assuming a fast outcome
One of the biggest mistakes that patients make when they wear new invisible braces is to assume that it’s a quick fix. However, like any other orthodontic treatment, an Invisalign treatment in London, Ontario takes a considerable amount of time before you see results. It usually takes at least 12 months or more to see visible improvement, depending on the level of your malocclusion. That’s why it’s crucial to wear it according to your dentist’s prescribed period.
How to maintain your dental Invisalign?
Fortunately, maintaining it is quite easy. All you need to do is to rinse your aligners each night and brush them mildly using your toothbrush to keep it clean. Also, you need to use the cleaning system that’s specially designed for your aligners.
Learning how to maintain a traditional Invisalign is a must to every wearer. More importantly, ensure to avoid these mistakes so you can achieve the best results. It’s always best to ask your Invisalign dentist about it as well as the other treatment options to help straighten your misaligned teeth.