5 Things You May Be Doing That Could Be Damaging Your Invisalign

Posted on January 9, 2024

Invisalign is a revolutionary treatment that helps discreetly correct misalignment issues. Many people are opting for this treatment over traditional braces. According to Invisalign.com, more than 14 million individuals have undergone Invisalign treatment. However, taking proper care of your adult orthodontics treatment is essential. Here are a few common ways people accidentally damage them.

1. Improper Removal

Properly removing your Invisalign trays is essential. Remove them gently instead of using a lot of force. Always lift your Invisalign trays on both sides simultaneously instead of lifting one side to remove them. Lifting them evenly ensures you don’t put unnecessary stress on the trays.

2. Poor Eating Habits

Invisalign trays are so comfortable you can easily forget you’re wearing them. You may feel embarrassed about needing adult orthodontics treatment, so you don’t want to take them out when you eat. However, these trays are not designed for you to eat with them. Doing so can cause significant wear and tear to them. You’ll find you need them replaced much sooner.

3. Poor Drinking Habits

Taking out your Invisalign trays whenever you want to drink something can seem like a pain, but this is crucial to protecting them. Hot beverages, like hot chocolate, can change the shape of the trays. This can make your treatment ineffective. You’ll have to spend more money to replace the trays, too. Drinking with a straw is not recommended, either. Instead, remove them.

4. Improper Cleaning

You should only clean your aligners in cool or lukewarm water and stick to cleaners specially designed for them. Hot water can distort your aligners to change their shape. Cleaners like toothpaste can be too harsh for delicate aligners. Toothpaste can leave tiny scratches because it’s so abrasive. Ask your orthodontist what cleaner they recommend.

5. Lack of Hygiene

Maintaining proper oral hygiene when wearing aligners is crucial. Not brushing and flossing regularly can build up plaque and bacteria in your mouth. This can result in severe oral health issues, like cavities and tooth decay, impacting your treatment. Following an excellent oral care routine while wearing alignment trays is essential.

Invisalign is a popular choice in adult orthodontics. However, taking precautions is vital to ensure you don’t accidentally mess up your aligners. Contact Chelian Orthodontics if you have questions about properly caring for your Invisalign trays.