From the number of trays you need to whether or not you’re straightening one or both arches of teeth, there are several factors that influence the length of a patient’s Invisalign treatment. One crucial aspect that is often forgotten is your compliance with your dentist’s guidelines. In fact, neglecting them can add weeks, months, or potentially years to your plan! To help prevent that from happening, keep reading to learn a few common ways patients ruin their Invisalign treatment (and what to do instead).
1. Not Wearing Your Aligners for 22 Hours a Day
One of the biggest perks of Invisalign is that the trays are removable. That does come with one small trade-off: they only work while you’re wearing them. So, you must wear your aligners for 20-22 hours a day to stay on-track with your treatment plan. Neglecting to do so will result in your teeth not tracking properly, which may require a bigger investment of your time and money. If you’re having trouble meeting the wear time, try giving yourself allotted times for meals, like 30 minutes for breakfast, 30 minutes for lunch, and 45 minutes for dinner.
2. Skipping Your Check-In Visits
Many patients wonder, “If I have my aligners, why do I have to go in for a check-in visit?” Well, there are a few reasons! First, these routine appointments allow your dentist to monitor how your teeth are tracking. If one of your teeth isn’t moving properly, they can identify it early on and share recommendations before it results in a delay in your treatment plan. These visits also give you an opportunity to check in with your provider on how your treatment is going and ask any questions you have, like if it’s normal for your teeth to feel loose. (Spoiler alert: it is!).
3. Cleaning Your Aligners the Wrong Way
Unfortunately, many patients overcomplicate the process of cleaning their aligners. Simply put, you don’t need to use abrasive products like bleach, mouthwash, or even toothpaste. Instead, rinse your trays with lukewarm water and use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub each surface. Using the wrong products, like mouthwash or hot water, can seriously damage your aligners, rendering them virtually useless.
4. Placing Your Aligners in a Napkin While You Eat
Out of sheer convenience, you may put your aligners neatly in a napkin instead of their aligner case. However, this is one of the most common ways they get misplaced; they accidentally end up in the trash! Losing an aligner can seriously delay your treatment, potentially adding weeks or months to your plan. That’s why patients are encouraged to always rinse them off and place them carefully in their designated case instead.
About the Practice
Salmon Brook Dental is here to help patients of all ages discreetly get the beautiful, functional, and healthy smile they desire. In addition to having a phenomenal team and offering a wide range of treatments, there is also the added convenience of early morning, evening, and weekend hours throughout the week! So, if you ever have a question about your treatment, we’re here for you. To schedule your next appointment or schedule a consultation to find out if you’re a candidate for Invisalign, get in touch with our team via our website or by phone at (860) 653-4551.