Invisalign is a dental alignment method that has only grown in popularity over the years. Their convenience and benefits make them a top choice for Tampa patients. However, new users should be aware of detrimental Invisalign mistakes to ensure they get the best results.
Invisalign professionals in Tampa know how to ensure your Invisalign’s safety. Keep reading to learn about eight common Invisalign mistakes new users should remember to avoid.
1. Eating or Drinking While Wearing Aligners
One of the most common mistakes people make includes eating and drinking while wearing their Invisalign. Invisalign trays are prone to staining and food sticking in them. Bacteria multiply quickly, leaving a foul film of plaque on your Invisalign and teeth.
Regardless of your diet, plaque will build up on your Invisalign. Regularly cleaning your Invisalign and brushing your teeth will prevent plaque buildup. Failure to do so can result in tooth decay and other oral problems.
It’s crucial to brush your teeth before putting your trays on. Without brushing, the leftover residue and bacteria from your meals can transfer to the Invisalign.
2. Not Remembering To Clean Aligners
Despite the short-term hygiene improvements, forgetting to clean your aligners represents another mistake new Invisalign users often make. Like your teeth, you should clean aligners every day. Regular cleaning prevents bacteria from growing and causing discoloration.
Most patients wear Invisalign as they sleep, giving bacteria a chance to spread throughout your trays overnight. Starting the day off with fresh teeth will fix this problem.
Brushing your teeth when you wake up resolves foul odors and kills bacteria. Wash your trays with soap when you brush your teeth, and soak them in denture cleaner to remove plaque. The routine won’t be so difficult after you see the benefits.
3. Not Wearing Aligners Long Enough
As with braces, Invisalign can cause oral discomfort as teeth shift. Many patients take the trays off in an attempt to alleviate the pain. Unfortunately, not wearing your Invisalign for long enough each day can slow your progress.
You should wear the aligners for the amount of time directed by your dentist. Taking them out on occasion won’t significantly harm your progress, such as when:
- Eating or drinking
- Playing sports
- Brushing your teeth
- Cleaning the trays
If you wear your Invisalign for as close to the directed amount as possible and follow your dentist’s orders, you’ll experience good results.
4. Cleaning Aligners With Toothpaste
For many patients, it makes sense to clean Invisalign aligners with toothpaste as you would brush your teeth. However, Invisalign’s delicate material requires special care. Using toothpaste to clean your aligners can cause discoloration.
Your aligners must be bacteria-free before wearing them again. Otherwise, you contaminate your mouth further, resulting in bad breath and a foul taste.
Instead of using toothpaste, use a gentle antibacterial soap. A fragrance- and dye-free soap will eliminate bacteria and help you scrub off plaque without discoloring your Invisalign. Try brushing them with baking soda and water to neutralize foul odors.
5. Expecting Instant Results
Many new users get Invisalign, believing that they’ll have noticeable results overnight. Unfortunately, FastBraces in Tampa will not yield immediate results. Despite FastBraces’ quicker alignment speed than traditional braces, it still takes significant time before you will see changes.
Your treatment time depends on your teeth problems and how consistently you wear the aligners. Patients with bite problems or small palettes may need additional treatments before getting Invisalign.
Following your dentist’s instructions will get you the best results. While it won’t be instant, having a straight, beautiful smile will be worth the wait.
6. Smoking While Wearing Aligners
We’ve already highlighted the importance of not eating or drinking with aligners, but smoking is also something you should avoid. Smoking increases your chance of getting gum disease and many other problems. For Invisalign wearers, it can exacerbate mouth problems.
New Invisalign users should avoid smoking at all. Coating your mouth in sticky tar and other contaminants will only damage your aligners. You won’t want to pay for a new set.
Patients who wear their Invisalign during the day need clear, clean aligners. Smoking causes staining from tar and other harmful substances. Stained aligners will make your clean, white teeth look yellow and dirty.
7. Leaving Trays Exposed
Taking good care of your aligners will ensure they last long. Leaving them lying around creates the perfect scenario for you to toss them in the trash or misplace them accidentally.
Clear aligners are easy to miss when you’re not in the habit of putting them back in after eating. New users may forget this new routine.
Trays can easily pick up bacteria, including airborne contaminants. Don’t leave them out on the table, on a napkin, or in your pocket.
Invisalign aligners come with a protective case that makes transporting and storing them easy. Put your aligners in their case to avoid damage and keep yourself safe. Keep them in your bag or another safe place until you need them again.
8. Ignoring the Dentist’s Advice
Straightening your teeth with Invisalign is a detailed process. Your dentist will provide everything you need for a successful treatment and advise you on how and when to wear them. However, ignoring the dentist’s advice is a common mistake new patients make.
Because Invisalign has a tight window for switching aligners, you’ll need to follow your dentist’s advice precisely. That way, you can ensure excellent results and finish treatment quickly.
At Westchase Smiles Institute, we provide compassionate and comprehensive dental care whether you need a general cleaning or extensive procedures. Avoid Invisalign mistakes and choose cosmetic dentistry by Westchase Smiles Institute in Tampa. Contact us at (813) 920-9144 to schedule an appointment.
