Invisalign treatment in Westborough is a convenient and effective method for correcting dental misalignment. For it to succeed, however, patients must adhere to some basic guidelines. This blog post discusses some common mistakes with Invisalign that you should avoid if you want to avoid unnecessary speed bumps on your path to a straighter, healthier smile.
Mistake #1: Not Cleaning the Aligners Daily
You should take a bit of time each day to clean your aligners. Failing to do so could lead to dental health problems, bad breath, and other issues. You can gently brush your aligners each day with mild, clear soap or with an Invisalign-brand cleaning solution. It is also helpful to soak your aligners for 15 – 30 minutes each day to kill bacteria and ensure they retain their clear, subtle appearance.
Mistake #2: Eating and Drinking While Wearing the Aligners
Once in a while, you might be tempted to eat a little snack or sip on some coffee without taking your aligners out of your mouth. Doing so is unwise for a few reasons:
- Bacteria and food particles could get trapped in your aligners, increasing your risk of dental decay.
- The aligners could easily get warped if they are exposed to hot coffee, or if you chew tough foods while wearing them.
- Highly pigmented foods and beverages can stain the aligners.
The only thing you should consume while wearing your aligners is plain water.
Mistake #3: Not Wearing the Aligners Enough
You should wear your aligners for 20 – 22 hours each day. This allows them to apply the pressure to your teeth that is needed in order to move them toward their ideal positions. If you neglect wearing your aligners, your tooth movements will be slower, and when you switch to a new aligner, it may feel uncomfortably tight. You should remove your aligners only at mealtimes and when you tend to your oral hygiene.
Mistake #4: Not Storing the Aligners Properly
Some patients tend to wrap their aligners in a napkin while they eat, which increases the risk that they will get thrown out with the trash. Others might place their aligners out in the open where they could easily fall to the floor or get snatched up by a curious pet.
Whenever you are not wearing your aligners, you should know exactly where they are. You can keep track of them by always placing them in a designated storage case whenever they are not in your mouth, in your hand, or soaking in a cleaning solution.
Hopefully, your orthodontic treatment goes smoothly from beginning to end. Adhering to the above-listed Invisalign dos and don’ts in Westborough will increase the chances of that happening.
Meet the Practice
The team at All Dental in Westborough offers high-quality care in a comfortable, professional environment. Invisalign is one of the many treatments that we offer. If you have questions about what to expect with it, we would be pleased to speak with you. Get in touch with our knowledgeable team at 508-870-1911.