Six Common Mistakes to Avoid with Clear Aligners

Welcome to the world of straightening your smile with clear aligners, the modern approach for aligning your teeth with less visible, comfortable aligners. But even with the simplicity and convenience of clear aligners, you must avoid certain pitfalls to ensure a seamless treatment. Irvington Dental provides common missteps you should avoid to get the most out of your treatment. From oral hygiene habits to dietary choices, we are here to help patients in Streamwood, Illinois, navigate their orthodontic journey. 

1. Failure to wear aligners for the recommended hours

To get the best results from clear aligner treatment, consistency is key. The standard guideline is to wear aligners for 20-22 hours daily, except when eating or cleaning your teeth. This means you wear your aligners while you sleep. Failing to comply with treatment can prolong treatment even for seemingly minor issues.  

2. Eating with your aligners on

Although you must wear the aligners almost full-time, you should avoid eating or drinking anything except water with them. Food and colored beverages can stain, warp, or damage the plastic. Additionally, eating with aligners traps food and sugars against your teeth, increasing the risk of decay and gum issues. Remove your aligners before meals and wear them back once you’re done. 

3. Improper cleaning of your aligners

Keeping your aligners clean is as crucial as cleaning your teeth. Otherwise, your aligners may develop stains or a foul odor. Rinse your aligners with cold or warm water after every meal. Clean your aligners daily with a soft brush, non-abrasive soap solution, or denture cleanser. A mistake many people make is to clean aligners with toothpaste. While toothpaste is suitable for your teeth, it can damage your aligners. 

Also, ensure you clean your teeth diligently before reinserting your aligners. Food stuck on your teeth can result in decay, bad breath, and gum disease. Good oral hygiene creates a healthy environment throughout your orthodontic treatment. 

4. Neglecting follow-up appointments

Patients progress through treatment by switching from one aligner to another at home. Unfortunately, many patients tend to neglect scheduled check-in appointments. These check-ups allow us to monitor the treatment progress and ensure that everything goes as expected. Missing these visits can delay progress or result in less-than-ideal outcomes. 

5. Failing to use a retainer after treatment

Many patients mistakenly believe that treatment ends when the last aligner comes off. Unfortunately, your teeth can return to their old positions, undoing months of progress. Our dentist will strongly emphasize that you wear a retainer to preserve your new smile for many years. 

6. Improper handling

Your aligners are resilient, but don’t drop them to avoid damage. Also, don’t wrap your aligners in a napkin. It’s the easiest way to lose your aligners, as they can be easily thrown away as trash. Always keep your aligners in the provided case when not in use. Also, store your aligners away from the reach of your pets. Cats and dogs are easily attracted to saliva and can easily chew or bat around your aligners. 

Clear aligners in Streamwood, Illinois

Irvington Dental is excited to provide clear aligners as an effective, discreet, and comfortable alternative to metal braces. Ready to start? Call (331) 245-2969 and reserve your orthodontic consultation. Change your smile and life with us!

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