Invisalign clear aligners often provide the perfect alternative to traditional braces.
Its popularity is mainly due to the fact that alongside its effectiveness, it is extremely discreet and requires virtually no compromises. It is no coincidence that more and more people are choosing it for themselves – both adults and teenagers.
However, it should be known that the effectiveness of Invisalign invisible orthodontics is highly dependent on the patient's attitude and correct use. Improper application can negatively affect the final result.
We have compiled the common mistakes patients make during invisible brace treatment. If you also want a good result, be sure to follow the advice given in the article!
The most common mistakes when using Invisalign clear aligners
They aren't wearing the rails long enough
Undoubtedly, one of the most common mistakes in invisible orthodontics is that patients often misuse its greatest advantage.
This orthodontic method requires great self-discipline, as the success is practically left to the user. The aligners must be worn for at least 20-22 hours every day for the treatment to achieve the desired results.
In practice, this means it is generally only recommended to remove them when eating and brushing your teeth, but not in other situations.
Many people only wear them for a few hours or just at night, which not only disrupts the entire treatment plan but also significantly reduces effectiveness.
The essence of Invisalign clear aligners is that the aligners can exert continuous pressure on the affected teeth. If this cannot be achieved, the outcome of the treatment will be unpredictable.
They do not follow the replacement period related to the rails
Invisible orthodontics is always based on a very strict schedule, which in our case means that according to the treatment plan, the received aligners must be changed at certain intervals.
Only with this method can it be ensured that tooth movement is gradual, although it is important to point out here that only prematurely changed aligners can cause problems, prolonged aligner use will at worst only result in retention or a slowing of the effect.
During treatment, the splints need to be changed on average weekly – unless your dentist has instructed otherwise. This is because how a patient's teeth react to movement can vary from person to person.
Therefore, you should never deviate from the invisible braces schedule based on your own decision, only on the instruction of your dentist!
The tracks are not being cleaned properly
Although it does not fundamentally affect the effectiveness of orthodontic treatment, from a dental perspective, it is a huge mistake for patients not to clean their aligners properly during Invisalign treatment.
This is a problem because a lot of pathogens can accumulate on the surface of the braces, so even if you brush your teeth after every meal, if you don't pay attention to the hygiene of your braces, then the harmful bacteria will return to the surface of your teeth.
Another common mistake is cleaning the aligners with toothpaste and a toothbrush. This is unnecessary and can actually scratch the surface. It is sufficient to rinse the aligners thoroughly with tap water each time they are put back in.
For cleaning, no tools or accessories are needed, and it doesn't need to be rinsed with mouthwash either. Although the latter won't cause any harm, it is a needless waste.
They do not take proper care of their oral hygiene
Maintaining proper oral hygiene is very important during invisible orthodontics for several reasons. Firstly, it's part of basic hygiene, which can help preserve your natural teeth for as long as possible.
On the other hand, because if we reinsert the aligners onto our teeth after eating or drinking coffee or a sugary soft drink without brushing our teeth, the bacteria stuck there will immediately begin their destructive activity, leading to tooth decay.
Furthermore, it should be highlighted that larger food particles or debris can prevent the orthodontic aligners from fitting correctly, which is not only uncomfortable but can also affect the effectiveness of the treatment.
It is therefore very important when using invisible braces to brush your teeth and rinse your mouth after every meal and consumption of sugary drinks – even if this may cause inconvenience in many cases.
They clean the braces with water that is too hot
Although with cheaper copies you also need to pay close attention to ensure the invisible braces are not damaged, Invisalign, however, is made from a superior quality material that excellently resists external factors, but improper use or cleaning can still damage it.
Many people regularly clean their braces with warm or hot water because they believe it makes it easier to remove bacteria and pathogens, when in reality this is a misconception.
Do not clean transparent aligners with hot or boiling water, as the high temperature can cause them to deform. This is often not visible to the eye, but it can misdirect the treatment and disrupt the entire plan.
Therefore, always use lukewarm or cold water to clean your braces and do not soak them or expose them to direct heat in any other way, for example, do not place them next to a radiator, and also protect them from sunlight, as both heat and UV radiation can damage them.
Invisalign final consultation
He's wearing invisible braces
In relation to invisible brace treatment, a very common question is whether it's okay to eat or chew with them in. Here, there is a clear and firm stance from both the manufacturers and dentists: eating and even chewing gum with the aligners is forbidden!
These solutions were not designed for this purpose, as during chewing, not only can the aligners move out of place, but they are also subjected to forces that can cause damage, potentially disrupting or jeopardising the treatment plan.
If the invisible orthodontic aligner is damaged, it can most often be remanufactured and replaced, but in addition to incurring extra costs, it can also extend the treatment by weeks.
In addition, food particles can get under the clear aligners during meals and become lodged there. Furthermore, harmful bacteria can reach the tooth surface with saliva, which can also cause tooth decay.
Therefore, for the duration of the treatment, you will need to temporarily give up chewing gum and snacking, and schedule your meals a little more carefully, so that we can ensure your teeth are properly cleaned after each such instance.
They are skipping their regular check-ups
Another common and general mistake with invisible braces is that patients skip their scheduled check-ups. Since they have the quantity of aligners given out proportionally to the treatment plan in their hands, many do not bother with follow-ups, but this extends and prolongs the treatment duration.
Indeed, a check-up is essential for success! During the examination, the dentist can detect dental problems early on, which can prevent future discomfort.
For example, the treatment plan may need to be modified because the tooth movements are not progressing as expected, meaning a splint may need to be worn for longer than prescribed, but poor oral hygiene can also be detected, thus preventing tooth decay.
It is worth noting that invisible braces do not require nearly as many check-ups as the traditional type, and these appointments are typically shorter. Therefore, to successfully complete the plan, it is recommended to attend your dental appointments as scheduled.
