All orthodontic treatment options require a commitment to the process. Teeth cannot straighten on their own, so it’s necessary that you remain steadfast in following the steps that are required so that you can experience the desired results. But did you know there are several ways to ruin Invisalign treatment? Read on to learn what can cause a delay while wearing clear aligners as well as what you can do to stay on track.
Poor Oral Hygiene Can Cause Problems
Invisalign is meant to make oral hygiene routines easier because you can remove your trays before brushing and flossing. However, if you neglect to take care of your teeth, you run the risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay – all of which can create significant problems for your smile.
Not only will you be required to undergo additional restorative treatment (i.e., tooth-colored fillings, dental crowns, periodontal therapy), but you’ll further delay your results.
Eating or Drinking with Invisalign Can Damage Aligners
You might assume that eating and drinking with your aligners is fine, but it is not. Although they are durable, they’re not indestructible. Biting down and placing this type of force on your trays will only cause them to wear down and break over time. This can halt your progress in achieving a straighter smile.
Also, consuming any kind of beverage apart from water has the potential of staining your aligners. If this should happen, you’ll be required to have new trays created if you cannot move forward to the next set in the series.
It’s best to drink only water if you plan to wear your trays but otherwise, remove them before eating or drinking anything.
Rinsing with Hot Water Will Warp Your Trays
When it comes time to clean your aligners, you must avoid using hot water. The trays are made of clear plastic, so any exposure to heat will cause them to become warped thus ruining your aligners. New ones will need to be created, but this takes time.
Instead, make sure the water is lukewarm before attempting to rinse off any cleaning solution. This will keep your trays fully intact and bacteria-free so that you can continue on your path toward a straighter smile.
One of the greatest benefits of Invisalign is that it can often produce faster results than traditional braces. To take advantage of this, you must adhere to the instructions provided to you by your dentist. This will ensure that you avoid any pitfalls and experience beautiful results on time.
About Grand Dental – Wilmington
At Grand Dental – Wilmington, our trusted professionals are eager to help patients embrace straighter, healthier smiles. With treatment options like Invisalign, we can work to shift teeth in the right direction, fixing issues of crookedness, gaps, and bite misalignment. If you want to improve your oral health, aesthetics, and confidence with clear aligners, visit our website or call (815) 240-8822.