Clear aligners are custom-made, removable, transparent trays that straighten the teeth over time by applying pressure. While not for everyone, they are perfect for patients with less complex orthodontic needs who want a discreet, flexible treatment option in as little as six months! At Bennett Orthodontics, we are proud to be a provider of Invisalign, one of the leading clear aligner brands, for our teen and adult patients.
To help you get the most out of your treatment with Invisalign clear aligners, we have compiled a list of the most common issues we see in our patients and how to fix them.
Neglecting To Wear The Trays.
One of the most significant benefits of clear aligners is their removability! It allows patients to have 0 food restrictions while in treatment and the ability to remove the trays for special occasions like important pictures or events.
For the trays to be effective, however, they must be worn for twenty to twenty-two hours a day. Forgetting to wear them slows the straightening of your teeth and prolongs overall treatment time. For example, not wearing the trays means your teeth could attempt to move back to their original positions and not be ready for the next tray on time.
We understand the adjustment period might be a little uncomfortable as you get used to the trays, but the more you wear them, the quicker that goes away!
Not brushing, flossing, or rinsing!
It is as important as ever that you maintain a proper oral hygiene routine for a happy, healthy mouth. Your teeth, gums, and aligners can get a build-up of bacteria and plaque that could cause tooth decay, infections, gum disease, and even tooth loss if not cleaned! On the plus side, your clear aligners do not complicate your oral hygiene routine.
For your gums and teeth, just remove the trays to brush and floss like normal! To clean your aligners, run them under lukewarm water and gently brush them with unscented, antibacterial soap. For a deeper clean, you can use Invisalign Cleaning Crystals. Do not use toothpaste or scrub your aligners with force, as this can damage their surface and make them uncomfortable and more visible when worn. Daily cleaning also keeps your mouth and aligners from developing an unpleasant taste and smell, increasing your likelihood of wearing them.
Taking a few minutes twice a day lowers your chances of problems occurring that could prolong treatment or damage your smile. It also helps keep your breath and the trays smelling and tasting nice!
Bonus: We recommend rinsing the mouth with water before wearing the trays again after a meal. The water will remove any leftover food or drink residue that can stain your teeth or trays!
Failing to Use the Protective Carrying Case.
While durable, Invisalign trays are still prone to becoming lost or broken. To prevent them from becoming your pet’s chew toy or being found in a restaurant trash can, place your Invisalign clear aligners in their protective case when you are not wearing them. The case acts as a barrier against physical harm, and because it makes it more visual real estate than your thin, transparent trays, it makes them easier to keep up with or find if misplaced.
Trying to Skip Ahead.
Our entire team at Bennett Orthodontics is just as excited to see your final smile as you are! That is why Dr. Bennett created your personalized treatment plan to straighten your teeth and jaw as quickly and safely as possible.
We know it can be tempting to advance to the next tray a day or two early or skip a tray entirely, but this will only slow your transformation! Trying to force on a tray that does not fit could result in unnecessary pain or damage to the aligners. Wearing the wrong tray for too long could alter your teeth’s movement path. Both scenarios increase your risk of needing replacement trays or adjustments made to your treatment program and schedule, resulting in longer treatment.
Throwing Away Old Aligners.
At Bennett Orthodontics, we understand that life is unpredictable. Sometimes, aligners get lost or broken, no matter how hard you try. That’s okay! If you find yourself in need of a replacement tray or set, make an appointment with our office right away!
To keep you on track if this happens, we encourage our patients to keep their previous trays after switching to the next one. While waiting for your new trays, you can wear the last tray to keep your teeth from regressing or shifting too much. Remember, do not skip ahead or wear a different tray than what is scheduled without Dr. Bennett’s approval.
Are you interested in finding out more about Invisalign?
Are you interested in finding out more about Invisalign?We know you need an excellent team and quality information to get the best experience and orthodontic results possible. Dr. Bennett and our entire team at Bennett Orthodontics would love to answer all your questions and tell you everything you want and need to know about Invisalign!
We know Invisalign might not be suitable for everyone, and we can provide information about all of our treatment options to help you find the best one for your smile goals. Call or visit us today to schedule your free consultation! We look forward to transforming your smile!