Crooked or misaligned teeth, uneven bite, or gaps between the teeth make people conscious. The traditional way to fix them is by using braces, which can again make people conscious. But luckily, people with misaligned teeth can now choose Invisalign, thanks to the advancement in technology. These are transparent, discreet ‘braces’, which means that people will not even notice that you are wearing them.
If you are considering Invisalign treatment or currently undergoing one, ensure you don’t make these Invisalign mistakes.
6 Mistakes Most People Make with Invisalign
- Not Seeking Treatment from an Orthodontist
Typically, orthodontists have the right kind of experience to perform orthodontics procedures like putting braces or Invisalign. They undergo special training in the field, thus making them experts. Though some dentists offer Invisalign treatment, they may lack the experience or expertise to offer the necessary treatment.
Ensure you go to an orthodontist and not a dentist if you are seeking Invisalign treatment.
- Skipping Research
Do a little research before Invisalign treatment. It will make you feel more confident and comfortable during the first visit. You will get a better understanding of the procedure. Note down all the questions you have and request for some before-after pics of previous patients. This will give you an idea of the quality of the orthodontist’s work. Based on that, you can decide whether you want to go ahead with the treatment or not.
- Not Wearing the Invisalign Aligners for the Recommended Time
One advantage of Invisalign is that they are removable. You can easily remove them before eating or starting your oral hygiene routine. However, you need to put them for the recommended time of 20-22 hours every day without fail. Most forget about putting them back on after they take the aligners off.
Doing this will affect your results or even prolong the treatment. Trying to fix the damage caused by not wearing aligners regularly will also increase the cost of the treatment.
- Overlooking Aligner Care
You must take proper care of your aligners. Period. This includes taking them out before eating and drinking, washing them properly, and keeping it away from heat. You must also put the aligners in their box when you take them out. Never leave them out in the open where they can get damaged. Following a Lax Oral Hygiene Routine
Invisalign is removable, which means there is no excuse not to brush and floss properly. You need to take the aligners out and follow a strict oral hygiene routine of brushing, flossing, and mouthwash.
Make sure you brush after every meal and put your aligners back on. If you don’t clean food debris or plaque properly, it will lead to tooth decay, thus ruining your smile.
- Expecting a Quick Fix
Yes, Invisalign offers many benefits compared to its counterparts like traditional braces which include being transparent and removable. However, they all share one common factor – the treatment will take some time before you can see any results.
Invisalign doesn’t offer a quick fix, though it will be more comfortable than other alternatives. The treatment duration depends on the individual case and averages between six to twelve months. So, it may be a while before you start noticing big changes. However, you can be sure that Invisalign is shifting the teeth incrementally every day to their right positions.
If you follow the doctor’s instructions carefully and follow the schedule, you will get results sooner than later.
Final Words
By avoiding these Invisalign mistakes, you will stay on track with your treatment and get the results you want. You will get that picture-perfect smile that features a straight set of pearly whites. Make an appointment with Thurman Orthodontics if you are interested in getting the Invisalign treatment.
Dr. Brian Thurman has spent his entire life enjoying all the beauty that California has to offer. A Fresno native, he still escapes to the ocean or the mountains whenever his busy schedule allows. Driven by his love for natural beauty, Dr. Thurman enjoys creating beautiful smiles and healthy bites that last a lifetime. He is proud to be the only Ivy League trained Orthodontist in the Fresno/Clovis area.