Invisalign is a modern orthodontic method that has allowed millions of people to straighten their smiles with removable clear aligners. Unlike irremovable traditional braces, these appliances are virtually invisible when worn and allow patients to eat and drink anything they like as long as they clean their teeth properly afterward. Here’s a quick overview of a few issues that can arise during the Invisalign process and how you can keep your treatment complication-free.
Watch Out for Dental Stains and Tooth Decay
Invisalign clear aligners are designed to fit snugly over either dental arch to exert the consistent pressure necessary to gradually shift your teeth into healthier positions. However, this also means that any lingering plaque and food residue on your teeth will be protected from your mouth’s natural cleaning process while you are wearing these appliances. If you don’t carefully clean your teeth after eating or drinking anything but water, this can lead to unsightly dental stains and treatment-delaying tooth decay.
Dental Drift Can Delay Your Treatment
If you wear your Invisalign clear aligners enough, you should be able to see that your teeth are significantly straighter after several weeks. However, your teeth will immediately begin to drift back to their former positions as soon as you remove your aligners, so failing to wear these devices sufficiently each day will slow your treatment process considerably. In some cases, this can even require adjustments to your treatment plan such as additional sets of clear aligners, which can be costly.
How Can I Prevent These Issues?
Luckily, you can easily prevent tooth decay, enamel stains, and dental drift by complying with your dentist’s treatment instructions. These will probably include:
- Wearing your aligners at least twenty hours each day.
- Removing your aligners before consuming anything but water.
- Thoroughly brushing and flossing each time before reinserting your aligners.
- Cleaning your aligners at least once a day.
- Switching to the next set of aligners in your sequence every two weeks or so.
Don’t let preventable complications hinder you on your journey to a healthier and more beautiful smile. Adhering to your dentist’s instructions will allow you to keep your treatment as brief as possible while achieving magnificent results.
About the Practice
Meadowbrook Dentistry offers outstanding oral health services to the Plainview community. With Drs. Miguel A. Casañas and Bryan Tamburro at the helm, the staff treats each patient with exemplary courtesy and compassionate service. Areas of expertise include cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and Invisalign services. To learn more about the Invisalign process, contact the practice online or dial (516) 788-7209.