6 Maintenance Errors with Invisalign and How to Avoid Them

Do you have Invisalign and keep making mistakes? If so, then you could be doing more harm than good. You must ensure that you take great care of your teeth, as you never know when something will go wrong.

This might happen for many reasons, including other mental or physical issues. There are many maintenance errors with Invisalign.

Be aware of them here so that you can continue your Invisalign journey!

1. Failed to Monitor Invisalign Progress

Maintenance errors with Invisalign come in many forms, but one of the most common is failing to monitor Invisalign’s progress.  Over the course of treatment, your teeth will take on different shapes and the trays must be changed to ensure they still fit.

To avoid this, it is essential to attend regular Invisalign check-up appointments and follow through with the treatment plan. If aligners are not worn consistently, treatment effects will not be as efficient and may not meet expectations.

2. Not Keeping Invisalign Clean

Having Invisalign is a great way to straighten your teeth without traditional braces.  Invisalign must be kept clean to maintain it and keep it in working order.  Without cleaning, the aligners can become discolored, produce bad odors, and allow bacteria to accumulate.

To avoid these issues, Invisalign should be cleaned daily with lukewarm water. Invisalign cases should also be kept clean to help carry and store the aligners hygienically.

3. Forget to Remove Invisalign Before Eating

This can lead to staining, chips, or damage to the aligners. To avoid this, always carefully remove your aligners before eating. Make sure to keep your Invisalign out of the reach of pets, children, and others who might not know how to handle it properly.

4. Not Putting Invisalign Back In After Eating

This error can result in staining on the aligners and cause the Invisalign to fit poorly once they are put back on. Wearing Invisalign for an extended period of time can also result in a longer treatment time.

To avoid this, patients should keep a container with them at all times to contain their aligners while not in use. Always contact experts like the Top Dentist In My Area if the aligners fit differently from normal.

5. Using Mouthwash to Clean Your Aligner

Using mouthwash can cause the plastic of the aligner to become changes color or become brittle, creating irreversible damage.  It is important to remember that mouth washing and other cleaning and whitening products are too harsh for the plastic of the aligners. One way to avoid these mistakes is by using denture cleaning tablets specifically made for Invisalign, which are much gentler and more effective for cleaning the aligners.

6. Not Using the Right Tools

Invisalign is a great convenience for orthodontic patients, but if the Invisalign cleaning tools needed for the proper maintenance of the aligners are not used correctly, errors can occur. Unsanitized molding trays, saliva from cleaning with fingers, and rough surfaces on toothbrushes are all common causes of eroding aligners.

It is essential to ensure the right tools are available at all times. Tools such as cleaning tablets and special cleaning kits are necessary.

Correcting the Common Maintenance Errors with Invisalign

Proper maintenance of Invisalign can make the process run smoother and improve overall treatment results. It is crucial to follow the instructions provided by both the manufacturer and orthodontist, as well as practice good hygiene. If you are experiencing any maintenance errors with Invisalign, remember to contact your orthodontist for help.

For more great tips and advice, check out our blog.