Have you decided it’s time for a straighter smile? Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment for adults and teens, alike. That’s because it branches out from the traditional way of thinking when it comes to braces. Rather than deal with metal wires and brackets, they offer clear aligner trays. This makes them unnoticeable. Plus, they are removable. Therefore, you can also enjoy a quick selfie, family photo session, and eat all the foods you like. You also brush and floss your teeth as you normally would. Invisalign offers the best of both worlds. You can aim for perfect pearly whites, and still live your best life!
With that said, like any other orthodontics treatment, there are ways you can jeopardize your progress. Below are the 4 most common mistakes patients make with Invisalign.
Top 4 Common Mistakes Patients Make With This Treatment
1. Eating With Them In
One of the first pieces of advice your dentist will give you with Invisalign is to never eat with the aligners. You must wear the trays at least 20 to 22 hours a day to see results, giving you plenty of time to enjoy one of our great restaurants in Aberdeen like; Mason’s Restaurant & Grocery, Thai Orchid Restaurant or Texas Roadhouse.
Firstly, eating with your Invisalign will be uncomfortable. Secondly, chewing while they are in your mouth will create too much pressure on them. This can cause damage to the trays. They can also get unnecessarily dirty.
There are instances where you may feel as if you are “on the go” or “in hurry”. However, taking the time to remove your Invisalign before each meal and snack time is worth it. Damaging this treatment will affect your progress.
2. Not Keeping Them Clean
A cleaning powder or cleaning kit comes with each set of Invisalign trays. This only lasts so long, and you may have to purchase more to keep your aligners clean. You can find these at big box stores or online.
It’s worth the investment to clean your trays daily. The very thought of dirty aligners on your teeth all day is unhygienic. This is not good for your teeth or the trays. Plus, you want to take care of your Invisalign the best you can. Damaging a set means you’ll delay your straightening, as you wait for new trays to come in. They can be challenging to replace. As well, added trays mean more money you’ll have to spend. While dental insurance covers some costs with Invisalign, part of it is out-of-pocket. You want to protect your investment, as much as possible.
3. Oops, I Did It Again!
If you are forgetful, Invisalign might not be for you. If you place an object somewhere one moment, and then can’t recall where it is the next, you could have issues.
One of the benefits of this orthodontics treatment is the convenience of taking the trays out. But, if you can’t remember where your aligners are when it’s time to pop them back in, you’ll be in trouble. Sounds crazy that someone could misplace their clear trays. However, it happens far more than one would think. Some patients have even accidentally thrown their Invisalign in the garbage! Much like damaging them, this delays your straightened smile. In addition, it will cost you more money to replace the aligners in your set. It’s best to always have your Invisalign carrying case. Place them in the case whenever you remove them. It’s the easiest way to avoid losing your aligners!
4. Drinking Beverages Other Than Water
The rule of thumb with Invisalign is to only drink water while the trays are in your mouth. Some may break this rule here and there. Still, it’s not a good idea to make it a regular habit. First, sugary drinks can get into the aligners and cause tooth decay. Additionally, some beverages (like coffee and red wine) can not only stain your teeth but your aligners, too. So you can still enjoy Triangle Wine Company and Wine Cellar & Tasting Room in Southern Pines, just make sure to take them out. While this won’t hurt the trays, stained aligners will look awkward when you put them on. Many people gravitate towards Invisalign because they are clear and go unnoticeable. Staining them will only place a spotlight on your mouth.
Looking For Invisalign In Aberdeen?
Whether you are an adult or teenager, you can achieve your smile goals with Invisalign. At Kuhn Dental Associates, we see a lot of patients for orthodontic consultations. We can help explain the different options and systems to see if Invisalign is the perfect fit. We help answer questions, provide advice, and offer tips on how to best take care of your clear aligners. Should you find yourself damaging or misplacing a tray, we can help with that, too.
If you want to learn more, please call (910) 692-4450 today for an appointment with our Invisalign specialist, Dr. Grimshaw. You can also schedule a visit online.
