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Invisalign is an excellent option if you don’t want metal braces. They are made of a special clear plastic, so it is not obtrusive. Many people love how they are practically invisible and are much more affordable compared to traditional braces.
However, to do their job and correct misaligned teeth, you must use them properly to achieve the best results. Here are common mistakes users make with their Invisalign.
Eating or Drinking with Invisalign
It’s important to remove your Invisalign before eating. Food particles and sugary drinks can easily become trapped between your Invisalign and your teeth, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Bacteria, as we all know, cause tooth decay. It’s no good to have perfect rows of teeth if they’re riddled with cavities.
Besides that, eating hard or crunchy food can damage your Invisalign. The impact can lead your Invisalign to dig into your gums and cause bleeding and irritation.
Remove your Invisalign before eating to prevent unwanted effects. Before putting them back on, make sure to brush your teeth to prevent bacteria from becoming trapped between your teeth and the Invisalign.
Quitting Too Early
Realigning teeth is a journey that will take a while. Invisalign is not a quick fix, so you’ll need to keep at it.
There is no universal time frame for when you’ll start seeing results. It depends on the person. For some, they can witness changes happening after a year. For others, it can take several years of consistent use before they can see total improvement. Several factors can affect how quickly or slowly your process will take.
Consult your dentist so they can explain the process in more depth. They can give you a better estimate because they can observe your teeth in person every time you come by for your appointment.
Not Cleaning Them Properly
It’s already given that you should keep your Invisalign clean. You put it in your mouth, after all. However, you shouldn’t use just any kind of soap to cleanse it.
Toothpaste makes sense, no? If it works for your teeth, it should be appropriate for your Invisalign, right? Wrong! Do not use toothpaste. Most tubes of toothpaste have an abrasive component in them that makes them efficient at cleaning your teeth. The same abrasive additive can damage your Invisalign over time. They can also affect the color of your Invisalign, making them look more visible if you clean them with toothpaste.
You can use a clear soap with no scents or dyes and give it a thorough rinse with water, so you don’t wind up eating soap. You can also use unique products designed to clean Invisalign specifically. Another option is to use products for cleaning retainers.
Not Wearing Them Long Enough
You need to wear your Invisalign about twenty hours per day so they can do their job. The longer you leave them off, the longer it will take for them to realign your teeth.
The best way to get the most hours in is to wear your Invisalign in your sleep. It will take a while to get used to, but it will be worth it once you see the effects it’ll have.
Conclusion
There’s nothing shameful about a crooked smile, but it could lead to health issues like gum diseases or jaw problems. Invisalign is a wonderful invention reshaping how we approach misaligned teeth. Modern technology has made it more accessible and more affordable. By avoiding these mistakes and eliminating user errors, we can guarantee to get the most out of this treatment.
Are you trying to find an affordable dentist in Ann Arbor, Waterford, and Ypsilanti? Reach out to Dental House MI today! We’re a dental practice that offers restorative dentistry, preventive dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and so much more.
