Most people enter Invisalign treatment with eagerness and determination. They’ve made the decision to straighten their smile and can’t wait to watch it happen. This treatment does require dedication and attention to detail, though, and it can’t get the job of transformation done all on its own. As you follow the rules for wearing Invisalign, here are three of the worst habits to avoid.
1. Not Flossing
Poor oral hygiene is a serious problem for everyone, but flossing in particular could tank the Invisalign journey you’re on. Those trays you wear in your mouth for 20 to 22 hours a day hold onto your teeth tightly and that means they hold in bacteria, food, and other particles, which can seriously increase the risk of tooth decay and damaged trays.
Because you have Invisalign, you are fortunate enough to remove your trays and brush and floss normally. Take advantage of this perk and keep your teeth as clean as you possibly can.
2. Neglecting to Put the Trays Back In
Invisalign quickly establishes itself as a constant in daily life but it’s normal to forget your routine occasionally. Unfortunately, chronic forgetfulness can become a serious problem. For Invisalign to be effective, the trays must be worn all day, every day, with only breaks for meals, snacks, and cleanings. Not putting an aligner back in, losing a tray, or breaking a tray can cause treatment to get pushed past the original completion time.
3. Drinking While Wearing Invisalign Trays
The only thing it’s safe to bathe your trays in while they’re on your teeth is water. Any other liquid can leave behind unwanted residue. Take out your trays before you drink anything. Budget your time accordingly to make sure Invisalign isn’t out too often or for too long – you might have to guzzle faster than usual. Keep the following details in mind:
- Coffee: You may need this drink to get through your day, but remove your aligners before drinking. Think about how much coffee can stain tooth enamel alone – it will absolutely do the same to Invisalign aligners.
- Soda: Some people drink dark colas through a straw to minimize the chances of stained teeth, but that liquid still hits your teeth whether you like it or not. A straw isn’t enough to keep Invisalign clear or teeth safe from sugar.
- Alcohol: Whether beer, wine, or a clear adult beverage, any alcohol leaves behind residue and sugars that damage trays and stick between Invisalign and tooth enamel, leaving you at risk for tooth decay.
- Energy drinks: They might pep you up after a workout, but energy drinks are stuffed full of sugar, not just electrolytes, and their acidity will do a number on your teeth and Invisalign.
Get Invisalign Treatment in Red Bank
Invisalign isn’t difficult to wear and the treatment is fast when compared to other orthodontic options. Keep your trays discreet, clean, and doing their job by avoiding bad habits. Schedule a consultation with certified Invisalign provider Dr. Carole Sherrod Jewell at Red Bank Dentistry in Red Bank, NJ, to learn more.
