Here’s How You Can Accidentally Ruin Your Invisalign Treatment

With an average treatment timeline of just 12 to 18 months, it’s not hard to see why 12+ million patients have chosen Invisalign. After all, traditional braces can often take well over two years to complete! Naturally, you want to see the results as quickly as possible, which is why it’s so important to stay on-track with your treatment plan. With this in mind, read on to learn five ways you can accidentally ruin your Invisalign treatment.

1. Using Hot Water to Clean Your Aligners

While your aligners are crafted from high-quality materials, they aren’t indestructible. On the contrary, something as simple as using hot water to rinse or clean them can warp their shape, rendering them virtually useless. That’s why it’s important to use lukewarm water instead!

2. Not Meeting the 20-22 Hour a Day Wear Time

Since your aligners only work while you’re wearing them, it’s of the utmost importance that you keep them in for 20-22 hours a day. If you’re having trouble keeping track, try using the timer on the Invisalign app! Allocating time for meals and oral hygiene can also help, like 15 minutes for breakfast, 30 minutes for lunch, 30 minutes for dinner, and 30 minutes for snacks can help too.

3. Skipping Your Check-In Visits with Your Orthodontist

Depending on your treatment, your orthodontist may give you all of your trays upfront. Even if that’s the case for you, you can’t skip your check-in visits. Each appointment allows them to monitor the movement of your teeth, ensure they are tracking properly, and answer any questions you have about the process.

4. Not Implementing a Solid Oral Hygiene Regimen

If you develop a cavity during the Invisalign process, your treatment will be put on hold until it’s treated. The best way to prevent that from happening is by implementing a solid oral hygiene regimen. In addition to brushing and flossing after each meal, make sure to rinse with mouthwash daily and avoid unhealthy dental habits, like smoking and chewing on ice.

5. Drinking Beverages Other than Water with Your Aligners In

Drinking coffee, soda, and the like with your aligners in won’t just stain them, it will also increase your chances of developing tooth decay. As previously mentioned, this can bring your treatment to a standstill. So, when you have your aligners in, stick to water!

About the Practice

At Lakewood Orthodontics, patients can benefit from the experience, talent, and expertise of our incredible orthodontist, Dr. Patricia A. Simon. With our exceptional team at her side, she’s proud to offer a multitude of teeth-straightening solutions, including Invisalign. If you would like to learn more about the treatment process or you want to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (214) 826-9000.