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The Smile Space
The Smile Space

Invisalign is an innovative dental technology that offers people an alternative to metal braces. It uses custom-made aligners to move teeth into their proper positions gradually. Invisalign aligners are made of a thin, clear plastic that is almost invisible when worn.

Invisalign aligners straighten teeth and address dental issues like gaps between teeth, overbites, underbites, crowding, and misaligned teeth. This can help improve the appearance of a person’s smile, but it also helps to improve their oral health. Straighter teeth are more resistant to tooth decay, making them easier to keep clean. Additionally, wearing Invisalign correctly helps reduce the risk of gum disease.

It is important to wear Invisalign aligners as instructed by your dentist. The aligners must be worn for at least 22 hours per day; how they are worn will depend on your treatment plan. Your dentist can provide detailed instructions on wearing and caring for your Invisalign aligners properly. Wearing Invisalign correctly can help you get the full benefits of Invisalign in the shortest amount of time.

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Summary of the Article

Wearing the aligners for at least 22 hours each day is important to keep your Invisalign treatment on track. If the Invisalign aligners are not worn for this time, it can lead to a longer treatment time and possibly even a relapse of the teeth moving back to their original position.

Invisalign utilises a series of custom-made aligners that gradually move teeth into desired positions over the average treatment time.

The aligners should always be worn unless eating, brushing, or flossing.

Regularly scheduled dental appointments to check treatment progress are critical for achieving optimal results.

Invisalign treatment offers a variety of benefits, including an improved smile, improved oral health, and the ability to take out aligners for special occasions.

Benefits of Wearing Invisalign Correctly

Wearing Invisalign correctly can benefit your dental health and overall lifestyle. From improved comfort and better hygiene to achieving a straight smile, the benefits of Invisalign are an excellent choice for those looking to improve their smiles.

  • Comfort.
    Invisalign is much more comfortable than traditional braces. The aligners are designed to fit the shape of your mouth, so they won’t cause as much irritation or discomfort as traditional metal braces.
  • Improved oral health. Invisalign allows for better dental hygiene. Food particles can get stuck in the brackets with traditional braces, metal brackets, and metal wires, resulting in cavities and other complications. Since the Invisalign aligners are removable, you can brush and floss your teeth normally, leading to a healthy smile.
  • Address dental problems.
    With minimal effort, Invisalign can help manage existing dental problems, such as crooked teeth, overcrowded teeth, or a misaligned bite.
  • Prevent further dental issues.
    By addressing your bite and aligning your teeth properly, Invisalign can help to reduce the chances of oral health issues like periodontal disease.
  • Non-invasive.
    Invisalign uses non-invasive scanning technology to create your aligners. You won’t have to worry about uncomfortable impressions or x-rays.
  • Boost self-esteem.
    Changes to your smile can dramatically affect how you feel about yourself, and Invisalign can help you achieve the confident smile you always wanted.
  • Fewer dental appointments.
    Instead of going to your dentist every few months to adjust your brackets, Invisalign offers convenience as aligners may be switched out at home. But do take note that regular visits to check on your progress are still a crucial part of the Invisalign treatment.
  • No food or drink restrictions.
    One of the many benefits of Invisalign patients love is that you can eat any food and drink without worrying about avoiding chewy or sticky foods that can damage your regular braces.

What Are the Risks of Wearing Invisalign Incorrectly?

Here are the risks of wearing Invisalign incorrectly:

  • Poor tooth alignment:
    Wearing Invisalign’s aligners as directed is essential for achieving the desired tooth alignment and a beautiful smile. If the aligners are not worn as prescribed, teeth may not move in the right direction, and the desired results may not be achieved.
  • Increased treatment time:
    Not wearing the aligners as required can cause additional time for it to complete your orthodontic treatment. The aligners will not be able to move teeth into the desired position as efficiently, making it take longer to achieve your desired outcome.
  • Damage to teeth:
    Wearing the aligners too long or too infrequently can cause excessive friction on teeth and gums. This can lead to discomfort and damage to your oral health.

Following your dentist’s instructions is vital to avoid the risks of wearing Invisalign incorrectly. Wearing the aligners properly will help to achieve an amazing smile in the desired time frame and with minimal discomfort or risk of injury.

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What Are Some Factors That May Be Damaging to Invisalign?

  • Poor oral hygiene:
    Not brushing and flossing properly can create plaque build-up around the Invisalign aligners and cause them to stick to your teeth, leading to damage.

  • Wearing the aligners too long:
    Leaving the Invisalign aligners in for more than 22 hours a day can cause them to break down and damage your teeth.

  • Chewing on the aligners:
    Chewing on your Invisalign aligners can cause them to become misshapen and damage your teeth.

  • Not following instructions:
    If your dentist’s instructions are not followed correctly, such as not wearing the aligners for the recommended amount of time or wearing aligners that are too tight, it can lead to damage to the aligners, your teeth, and your gums.

  • Playing sports or partaking in other activities while wearing the aligners:
    Wearing them while playing sports or partaking in other activities, such as yoga or swimming, can cause them to become loose or damaged.

  • Neglecting cleaning:
    Not cleaning your Invisalign aligners regularly can lead to bacteria build-up and an unpleasant odour.

  • Not changing as instructed:
    Failing to change your aligners according to your dentist’s instructions can lead to misalignment and damage to your teeth.

Tips for Wearing Invisalign Correctly

  • Wear your aligners for at least 22 hours per day:
    Wear your aligners for at least 22 hours daily and switch to the next aligner according to the schedule provided by your dentist. This is key to getting the results you want.

  • Clean your aligners regularly:
    Cleaning your aligners helps to reduce the risk of staining and plaque build-up, as well as keep your mouth clean and healthy. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with non-abrasive toothpaste.

  • Avoid eating hard and sticky foods:
    They can damage your aligners or even cause them to come out of your mouth. Stick to softer foods that won’t damage your aligners.

  • Take out your aligners before brushing and flossing:
    Take them out before you brush and floss your teeth, as this will help keep them clean and free from bacteria.

Proper Maintenance of Invisalign

  1. Brush your aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. This will help keep your aligners clean from bacteria and other contaminants that can linger in your mouth.

  2. Rinse your aligners with lukewarm water at least twice a day. This will help eliminate any food particles that can accumulate on your aligners.

  3. Regularly check your aligners for any signs of wear and tear. If you see any cracks, chips, or discolouration, you should contact your dentist immediately to decide on the right course of action.

  4. Always keep your aligners in their case when you’re not wearing them. This will help keep them clean and prevent them from getting damaged.

  5. Avoid drinking hot beverages when wearing your aligners. The heat from the beverages can cause the plastic to warp, which can cause significant damage to your teeth.

  6. Visit your dentist for regular check-ups and cleaning appointments. This is important so your dentist can see if your aligners are properly aligned, and if your smile is healthy.

Common Mistakes in Wearing Invisalign

  • Not wearing them long enough.
    You must wear your aligners for at least 20-22 hours daily to achieve the desired results.

  • Not cleaning your Invisalign.
    It is important to clean your aligners every day with clear soap and lukewarm water. This will help prevent bacteria from building up and causing bad breath or gum disease.

  • Not changing aligners on schedule.
    If you fail to change aligners on schedule, you could slow down the progress of your treatment.

Invisalign aligners can help you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile, but it is important to avoid these common mistakes to avoid the risks of wearing Invisalign incorrectly. 

How to Know if Invisalign is Worn Correctly

For the treatment to be effective, Invisalign must be worn correctly. Here are some tips to help you know if you are wearing your Invisalign correctly:

  1. Are the aligners fitting correctly? T
    o check that your Invisalign fits correctly, make sure it is snug and not moving around when wearing it. If the aligner is loose or ill-fitting, you may need to adjust it or get a new set of aligners from your dentist.

  2. Are you wearing your aligners for the correct amount of time?
    For the Invisalign treatment to be effective, you must wear the aligners for at least 20-22 hours daily. The treatment process may be slowed down if you do not follow this guideline.

  3. Are you cleaning your aligners regularly?
    To avoid bacteria or tooth decay, clean your aligners daily with a soft toothbrush and water or a denture-cleaning compound.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you are wearing your Invisalign aligners correctly. With proper use and maintenance, Invisalign can effectively help you achieve a straighter smile.

Final Thoughts

Wearing Invisalign correctly is essential to achieve the beautiful smile you desire. The advantages of this treatment include its discreet look and convenience. The importance of wearing your Invisalign correctly cannot be underestimated. The right care of your aligners and teeth will help you achieve your desired result faster and more accurately. With proper wear and care, you’ll achieve your beautiful smile in no time.

Visit The Smile Space dental clinic for comprehensive Invisalign treatment and excellent oral health care. The friendly and professional team of dentists at The Smile Space will help you with your treatment, answer any questions, and provide personalised advice on how to get the most out of your Invisalign aligners. Schedule your appointment today and start enjoying the many benefits of Invisalign.

Dr. Joseph Coorey

Author

Dr. Joseph Coorey

Dr. Joseph Coorey, or just Joey as many of his patients call him, graduated from the University of Sydney in 2010. Joey is passionate about dentistry, particularly Dentofacial Orthopaedics and Orthodontics, with a goal for appropriate airway development, healthy jaw joints, and proper function in adults and children.

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