You’ve started your Invisalign® journey to a straighter smile. That’s a huge step! But getting the aligners is only half the battle. Your results depend entirely on how you handle your treatment day-to-day.
To get the stunning, lasting smile you’re dreaming of, you need to be committed. Small mistakes can slow down your progress, affect your final results, or even cause dental problems. To make sure your journey is as smooth and successful as possible, the team at Carnegie Dental Wellness has put together a list of the top 10 teeth-straightening mistakes you’ll want to avoid.
1. Not Wearing Your Aligners Enough
This is the most common and critical mistake. Invisalign aligners only work when they’re in your mouth. For optimal results, you must wear them for 20 to 22 hours every day.
It can be tempting to take them out for more than just meals or cleaning, but doing so will significantly slow down your progress. Your teeth need consistent pressure to move according to your treatment plan.
Tip
Only remove your aligners to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush your teeth. Put them back in immediately afterward. Set timers if you need reminders!
2. Eating or Drinking with Aligners In
Aside from cool or room-temperature water, you should never eat or drink with your aligners in. Avoid:
- Sugary and Acidic Drinks: These stick around, getting trapped between the aligners and your teeth, creating a perfect environment for bacteria to thrive and cavities to form.
- Hot Beverages: Drinks like coffee or tea can warp the plastic, rendering the aligners ineffective. After all, their shape is meticulously crafted to straighten your smile.
- Any Foods: Eating with your Invisalign in your mouth will not only damage the aligners but also stain them.
Tip
Always remove your aligners before meals and snacks. Brush your teeth before putting them back in.
3. Neglecting Oral Hygiene
Because aligners fit snugly over your teeth, they can trap food particles and bacteria. Failing to maintain excellent oral hygiene can lead to plaque buildup, bad breath, and tooth decay. You must brush and floss your teeth after every meal before reinserting your aligners. This prevents trapping debris against your teeth for hours.
Tip
Create a portable dental kit with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss to carry with you. This makes it easy to clean your teeth on the go.
4. Not Cleaning Your Invisalign Properly
Your aligners need cleaning just like your teeth do. Plaque and bacteria can accumulate on them, leading to discoloration and odors. Simply rinsing them with water isn’t enough. Many people make the mistake of using hot water, which can distort the plastic, or abrasive toothpaste, which can create tiny scratches where bacteria can hide.
Tip
Clean your aligners daily by gently brushing them with a soft-bristle toothbrush and a clear, antibacterial soap. You can also use specialized Invisalign cleaning crystals or denture cleaner. In fact, one study found that the combination of cleaning crystals and brushing provided the best cleaning results.
5. Skipping Dental Check-Ins
Your follow-up appointments with our Central Park South dentist are essential. During these visits, we monitor your progress, make any necessary adjustments, and provide you with your next set of aligners.
Skipping these check-ins means we can’t keep your teeth moving as planned. This can cause significant delays in your treatment timeline.
Tip
Schedule your appointments in advance and treat them as a priority. Keep up with your regular dental checkups as well!
6. Improperly Storing Your Invisalign
When you take your aligners out, it’s easy to wrap them in a napkin and set them aside. Unfortunately, this is a common way for aligners to get thrown away accidentally. They can also be damaged or exposed to bacteria when left out in the open.
Tip
Always use the protective case provided with your Invisalign kit. Make it a habit to put your aligners in their case every time you remove them.
7. Advancing to the Next Aligner Tray Too Soon
It can be exciting to feel like you’re straightening your teeth quickly, but switching to your next set of aligners before our Central Park South dentist advises is a mistake. Each tray is designed to achieve a specific movement over a set period. Moving on too early means your teeth may not be ready for the next stage, which can disrupt the entire process, not to mention make it uncomfortable.
Tip
Stick to the schedule our dentist provides. Trust the process and change your aligners only on the recommended day.
8. Not Using Your “Chewies”
The team at Carnegie Dental Wellness may provide you with small, cylindrical cushions called “chewies.” These help close any air gaps between your teeth and the aligners, making sure you achieve a snug fit. A proper fit is necessary for Invisalign to apply the right amount of pressure to move your teeth effectively.
Tip
Use your chewies for a few minutes each day, especially when you switch to a new tray. This helps the aligner seat correctly over your teeth.
9. Smoking with Aligners In
Smoking is harmful to your overall health and your oral health. When it comes to Invisalign, smoking while wearing your aligners will quickly cause them to yellow and become stained. The nicotine and tar can permanently discolor the clear plastic, defeating the purpose of a discreet orthodontic treatment.
Tip
The best solution is to quit smoking. If you must smoke, always remove your aligners first and be sure to brush your teeth thoroughly before putting them back in.
10. Forgetting to Wear Your Retainer
The process of straightening teeth isn’t over when you finish with all your aligners. You’ll need to wear an Invisalign retainer to keep your newly aligned teeth in place.
Your teeth have a natural tendency to shift back to their original positions. Failing to wear your retainer as prescribed can undo all the hard work and investment you put into your smile.
Tip
Follow our Central Park South dentist’s instructions for retainer wear precisely. Initially, you will likely need to wear it full-time, eventually transitioning to nighttime wear for life.
Book Now to Begin Invisalign the Right Way
Are you ready to start straightening teeth? The team at Carnegie Dental Wellness is here to provide personalized care and expert advice for every step in the process. Book your consultation today to avoid the missteps and set yourself up for success with Invisalign.