4 Things That Can Ruin Your Invisalign Treatment

Invisalign has taken the world of modern dentistry by storm! These awesome aligners are able to straighten teeth conveniently and discreetly, giving patients beautiful and healthy smiles without the hassle of wearing traditional braces. However, there are still many things that can influence and ultimately deter your Invisalign’s progress! Keep reading to learn more about four of the most common ways that patients compromise their treatment, so you can avoid those pitfalls and ensure that your new smile is delivered right on schedule.

#1: Not Cleaning the Trays

Your trays need to be properly cleaned every day using an appropriate cleaning solution (avoid using things like bleach and hot water). This helps them to maintain their transparency and seem invisible while they’re being worn. If you don’t clean your trays regularly, they can become stained just like your natural teeth! Additionally, leftover food particles can stick to your trays and become trapped against your teeth, which increases the risk of tooth decay. It is absolutely in your best interest to clean your trays daily to prevent any unnecessary interruptions to your treatment.

#2: Eating or Drinking While Wearing the Trays

One of the most important things to remember throughout your Invisalign treatment is that under no circumstances should you eat or drink anything while wearing your trays! The only exception to this rule is drinking water. Your trays aren’t strong enough to endure the pressure of biting and chewing and can easily become damaged—even from chewing soft foods! Certain items and beverages including coffee, tea, wine and more can also stain your trays, compromising their transparency.

#3: Not Properly Storing the Trays

You should be wearing your Invisalign trays for about 22 hours each day. When they aren’t being worn, your trays should be stored in their designated carrying case. This will greatly help to prevent them from becoming lost or damaged due to things outside of your control. Your trays are small, clear, and fragile, so keep tabs on them to ensure that they can continue to do their job. Replacement trays can sometimes take up to a month to prepare and waiting around for one will only drag out your treatment process!

#4: Poor Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene is still incredibly crucial throughout the Invisalign treatment process; your teeth and aligners alike are susceptible to bacteria! Food particles can also easily become stuck between your trays and your teeth, greatly increased the risk of tooth decay and dirtying your trays. Needing a cavity filled can delay your treatment by several weeks, so ensure that you’re brushing your teeth, flossing, and using a mouthwash daily to keep your mouth healthy and your trays clean.

As awesome as Invisalign is, there are sadly still many things that can derail your treatment progress. But knowing what to avoid and how to properly care for your trays will ensure that they’re capable of correcting your teeth and giving you the smile of your dreams.

About the Practice

Infinite Smiles Dentistry is honored to serve patients and families in the Owasso, OK area under the leadership of Dr. Mark Gaches. Dr. Gaches received his dental doctorate from the University of Southern California and has taken countless hours of continuing education in a wide range of fields. His practice is pleased to offer several available services including Invisalign. If you have any questions about Invisalign or would like to schedule an appointment, feel free to contact the practice online or over the phone: (918) 928-2383.