Functional Medicine
A healthy body begins with healthy teeth. Misaligned teeth do not just negatively affect the appearance of your smile. They can also increase your risk of cavities, gum disease and even headaches. If you have crooked teeth, you may be able to gradually straighten them with Invisalign.
Here are some common mistakes to avoid with these clear aligners.
Failing to Wear Your Aligners Long Enough
One of the advantages of Invisalign is that you can take out your aligners to eat and brush your teeth. However, understand that you still have to wear your aligners at least 22 hours a day to achieve optimal results. Do not forget to put your aligners back in your mouth after you get done eating a meal or tending to your oral hygiene.
Thinking You’ll Get Instant Results
When it comes to things like teeth straightening, many people want instant results. However, that just is not reality. Although Invisalign works faster than traditional braces, you still will not see results overnight. You have to be patient. Treatment time can take anywhere from six months to two years. Several factors can affect the length of your treatment, such as your age, orthodontic issue and how closely you follow your treatment plan.
Leaving Your Aligners Exposed
When you remove your aligners to eat or brush your teeth, do not leave them on the table. If you do that, they may get exposed to bacteria or get misplaced. Instead, put your aligners in a protective case to keep them safe.
Cleaning Aligners with Toothpaste
At first, it might make sense to clean your aligners with toothpaste. However, as the dental professionals can confirm, toothpaste can damage your aligners and cause discoloration. Instead, clean your aligners on a regular basis with a gentle antibacterial soap.
Neglecting to Clean Your Aligners
Cleaning your Invisalign aligners might not be the most exciting task, but it is a necessary one. Even if you remove your aligners each time you eat, the bacteria in your mouth will still come in contact with your aligners. Bacteria buildup can eventually cause discoloration and make you more susceptible to dental issues.
Smoking
It is common knowledge that smoking is harmful to your dental and overall health. It turns out that it can also negatively affect your Invisalign treatment. For one thing, smoking tobacco can discolor your aligners, which can be quite noticeable. It can also increase your risk of gum disease, which can make it uncomfortable to wear aligners.
Skipping Appointments
When you have Invisalign braces, you will have to see your orthodontist periodically for checkups. It is important to attend all of these appointments even if you are not in the mood. Otherwise, you could jeopardize your treatment plan. If you absolutely have to miss an appointment, you should reschedule as soon as possible.
If you are interested in Invisalign, you should schedule an appointment with your orthodontist soon to see if you are a good candidate or not.
