Invisalign has quickly become one of the most popular orthodontic treatments available. However, it is not perfect, and there are a few common problems that people experience. Here is a deep dive into five of the most common problems with Invisalign and what you can do to fix them.
Keep in mind that every case is different, so if you are experiencing any of these issues, be sure to speak with a dentist near you for further assistance.
But first, here’s a quick rundown of Invisalign.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a type of clear aligner that helps to gradually shift your teeth into the desired position. A dentist or orthodontist will take an imprint of your teeth and then create a custom treatment plan for you.
They will also provide you with a series of clear aligners that you will need to wear for 20-22 hours per day. As you progress through the treatment, you will swap out your old aligners for new ones that are slightly different, which helps to shift your teeth incrementally. The entire treatment process usually takes anywhere from 9 to 18 months.
Now that you’ve gotten the hang of Invisalign, let’s get into the common problems with Invisalign.
5 common problems with Invisalign and their solutions
1. Your Aligners Don’t Fit Properly
One of the most common problems people experience with Invisalign is that their aligners don’t seem to fit properly. This can be extremely frustrating, especially since you are supposed to be wearing them for most of the day. If your aligners don’t fit properly, it can cause a lot of discomfort and may even cause your treatment to take longer.
Nevertheless, here are a few things you can do if your aligners don’t seem to be fitting properly. Of course, the first thing you should do is consult with a dentist or orthodontist. They will be able to look at your mouth and see if anything needs to be adjusted.
In some cases, they may need to order you a new set of aligners. Another thing you can do is try adjusting the fit of your aligners yourself. This can be a tricky process, so it is important to be careful. Alternatively, you can use your aligner chewies to help fit your aligner properly to your teeth.
2. You Are Not Wearing Them Enough
For Invisalign to work properly, you need to be wearing your aligners for 20-22 hours per day. This can be a challenge for some people, especially if you are not used to wearing them. Suppose you are not wearing your aligners enough. In that case, it can cause your treatment to take longer and may even cause your teeth to shift back into their original position.
However, there are a few things that you can do to make sure that you’re wearing your aligners enough. First, it is important to set a daily alarm or reminder on your phone so that you don’t forget to put them in.
You can also try wearing them while you are doing things around the house so that you get used to having them in. And lastly, make sure to keep them safe so that you don’t lose them.
3. Discomfort
Another common problem with Invisalign is discomfort. This is expected since your aligners are constantly putting pressure on your teeth to move them into place. However, the discomfort should not be so severe that it is unbearable.
If you are experiencing a lot of discomfort, it is important to consult with an experienced dentist or orthodontist. They may be able to make some adjustments to your treatment plan.
Fortunately, there are also a few things that you can do to help with the discomfort. First, make sure that you wear your aligners for the recommended amount of time. This will help your teeth get used to the pressure, and eventually, the discomfort will subside.
You can also try using over-the-counter pain medication to help with the discomfort. And finally, make sure to take a break from wearing your aligners if the discomfort is too severe.
4. Discoloration of aligners
Over time, your Invisalign aligners may start to discolor. This is usually due to smoking, eating certain foods, or drinking coffee or tea. While the aligners are made of tough material, they are not impervious to staining.
Nonetheless, here are a few things that you can do to help prevent your aligners from staining.
- Avoid eating foods or drinking beverages that are known to cause staining.
- Brush your aligners with a toothbrush and toothpaste after eating or drinking anything.
- Try using a recommended whitening mouthwash to help keep your aligners clean.
5. Speech issues
One of the most common complaints about Invisalign is that it can cause speech problems. This is because the aligners can act as a barrier between your tongue and teeth, making it difficult to produce certain sounds.
Regardless, here are a few things that you can do to help with this problem.
- Try practicing speaking with your aligners to get used to the feeling.
- Make sure that your aligners fit snugly against your teeth so that they don’t move around when you talk.
- Ensure you use a soft toothbrush to brush your aligners so that they don’t irritate your tongue.
Extra tip:
Even though Invisalign is a great treatment option, it’s not perfect. Sometimes the results are not as planned, and you may need to wear your aligners for longer than expected. This can be frustrating, but it’s important to remember that your orthodontist or dentist is doing their best to give you the best possible results.
If you are not happy with the results of your Invisalign treatment, there are a few things that you can do. First, you can consult with a reputable dentist or orthodontist to see if anything can be done to improve the results.
Second, you can try wearing your aligners for a longer period to see if that makes a difference. And lastly, you can consider getting a new set of aligners or switching to a different treatment option altogether.
Tips on caring for Invisalign
Here are some tips to help you properly care for your Invisalign aligners.
1. Wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day
2. Brush your aligners with a toothbrush and toothpaste after every meal
3. Avoid eating foods or drinking beverages that can cause staining
4. Rinse your aligners with water after eating or drinking anything
5. Store your aligners in a clean, dry place when you’re not wearing them
6. Don’t smoke while wearing your aligners
7. See your orthodontist or dentist for regular checkups
8. Be patient – the results of your treatment will take time to achieve
Bottomline
While Invisalign is a great way to straighten your teeth, there are still some common problems you might experience while going through the treatment process. Fortunately, these problems are easily fixable. By following these tips above, you can avoid common problems and ensure that your treatment is a success.
Nonetheless, if you are experiencing any of these problems, consult with a dentist at Seaway Family Dental. They will be able to help you get back on track and ensure that your treatment is successful.