5 Common Invisalign® Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Invisalign® has revolutionized orthodontic treatment by offering a nearly invisible and convenient way to straighten your teeth. But as effective as it is, achieving your dream smile depends on how well you follow your treatment plan. Here at Goehring Dental in Austin, TX, we’ve seen how a few common missteps can impact progress—and we’re here to help you avoid them.
What are the top five Invisalign® mistakes and how to avoid them?
Mistake #1: Not Wearing Your Aligners for the Recommended Time
For Invisalign® to work its “magic”, you need to wear your aligners for 20–22 hours a day. Falling short of this time can slow your progress, extend your treatment, and even compromise your results.
How to Avoid It:
Staying on track with wear time can be easier with a few tricks
Set phone reminders to put your aligners back in after meals or brushing.
Use an Invisalign® tracker app to monitor your daily wear time.
Keep your aligner case handy to remind yourself to pop them back in.
Consistency is the key to keeping your treatment moving forward.
Mistake #2: Skipping Proper Cleaning
Your aligners will become your smile’s “best friend” during treatment—they will need care, too! Failing to clean them properly can lead to a buildup of plaque, discoloration, or even unpleasant smells. Dirty aligners can also negatively impact your oral health.
How to Avoid It:
Rinse your aligners with lukewarm water each time you remove them.
Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and mild soap to gently clean them. (Skip the toothpaste—it’s too abrasive!)
Give them a daily soak in Invisalign® cleaning crystals or denture cleaner for a deeper clean.
A clean aligner means a cleaner, healthier smile!
Mistake #3: Eating or Drinking While Wearing Aligners
While water is fine, eating or drinking anything else with your aligners in is a major NO-NO. Foods and beverages can stain or warp the plastic, making your aligners less effective and your smile less brilliant.
How to Avoid It:
Always remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water.
Keep a protective case with you to store them safely during meals.
Brush your teeth before reinserting your aligners to prevent trapping food particles or bacteria.
Taking these steps keeps your aligners clear and your treatment on track.
Mistake #4: Delaying the Switch to Your Next Set of Aligners
Invisalign® works by gradually moving your teeth with a series of aligners, but delaying the switch to your next set can throw off your treatment timeline. It’s crucial to follow the schedule provided by your dentist or orthodontist.
How to Avoid It:
Mark your calendar or set phone alerts to remind you when it’s time to switch.
If you misplace or damage a set of aligners, contact your dentist immediately to avoid interruptions.
Sticking to your schedule ensures steady progress and keeps your treatment plan on track.
Mistake #5: Neglecting Retainers After Treatment
After you’ve finished your Invisalign® treatment you’ll move forward with new retainers. Without retainers, your teeth can gradually shift back to their original positions, undoing all the progress you’ve made.
How to Avoid It:
Follow your dentist’s instructions for wearing retainers, whether it’s full-time at first or just at night later on.
Clean and store your retainers properly to keep them in good condition.
Keep a backup retainer to avoid disruptions if one gets damaged or lost.
Retainers are the finishing touch to your Invisalign® journey, ensuring your beautiful smile lasts for years to come.
Avoiding these common mistakes is key to achieving your dream smile.
At Goehring Dental, we’re here to make your Invisalign® experience as seamless as possible. If you have questions about your treatment, need guidance, or are ready to start your journey to a beautifully aligned smile, contact us today. Let’s work together to create the confident smile you deserve! Give us a call at (512) 892-8822 or contact us by filling out the form below.
