Getting straight teeth with Invisalign is exciting! Many people choose these clear braces because they look better than metal ones. But did you know that common mistakes people make with Invisalign can slow down your progress? A dentist near you sees these problems every day. Let’s talk about what not to do so you can get the best smile possible.
What Is Invisalign Treatment?
Invisalign works by using clear plastic trays known as aligners to gradually shift your teeth into the desired position. They are specially created for your mouth. And you need to wear each set for two weeks or so, then replace it with the next set. This cycle goes on until your teeth are aligned.
The treatment works well, but only if you follow the rules. Many patients make simple mistakes that can hurt their results. Let’s look at the biggest problems and how to avoid them with guidance from your dental clinic in Ottawa.
Mistake #1: Not Wearing Your Aligners Enough Hours Each Day
This is the biggest mistake patients make. Does not wearing Invisalign enough affect results? Yes, it does! Your aligners need to be in your mouth for at least 20-22 hours every day. That means you only take them out to eat, drink, and brush your teeth.
Some patients think wearing them for 12-15 hours is enough. This is wrong. When you do not wear your aligners long enough, your teeth don’t move or shift properly. They might even move back to their old positions.
What happens when you don’t wear them enough:
- Your treatment takes longer
- Your teeth don’t fit in the next aligner
- You might need extra aligners
- Your final results won’t be as good
How to remember: Set phone alarms to remind you to put your aligners back in after having meals.
Mistake #2: Skipping Days or Taking Breaks
Can you skip days with Invisalign aligners? No, you should never skip days. Some patients take their aligners out for special events like parties or photos. Others forget to wear them on weekends or vacations.
When you skip days, your teeth start moving back. This is called relapse. Even one day can cause problems. Your next aligner might not fit, and you’ll have to go backward in your treatment.
| Time Without Aligners | What Happens to Your Teeth |
| 4-6 hours | Teeth stay in place |
| 8-12 hours | Slight movement backward |
| 24-48 hours | Noticeable relapse |
| 3+ days | May need to restart with the previous aligner |
Remember: Your teeth are always trying to move back to their old spots. Only constant pressure from aligners keeps them moving forward. If you are using Invisalign in Ottawa, following your dentist’s instructions is essential for the best results.
Mistake #3: Not Cleaning Your Aligners and Teeth Properly
Uncleaned aligners can create many issues. Food particles and bacteria get trapped or stuck, resulting in
- Bad breath
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Stained aligners
- White spots on teeth
Proper cleaning routine:
- Rinse aligners with cold water when removing them
- Brush teeth after each meal before replacing aligners
- Gently clean aligners employing a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear soap
- Never use hot water (it warps the plastic)
- Soak aligners in cleaning solution daily
Some patients believe they can replace aligners without brushing teeth. This traps food and sugar against teeth all day long, leading to cavities.
Mistake #4: What Not to Do During Invisalign Treatment—Eating and Drinking Wrong
You should only drink water while wearing your aligners. Everything else can cause problems
Never drink with aligners in:
- Coffee or tea (causes staining)
- Soda (sugar and acid damage teeth)
- Juice (high sugar content)
- Sports drinks (acid can weaken teeth)
Never eat with aligners in:
- Any food can crack or break your aligners
- Food gets trapped and causes decay
- Chewing can change the shape of your aligners
The correct way: Remove your aligners, eat or drink, brush your teeth, and reinsert aligners. This may sound like more effort, but it keeps your teeth and aligners safe.
Mistake #5: Not Following Up with Your Dentist
Follow-up appointments are crucial for Invisalign treatment. Some patients avoid appointments because they believe everything is going well. It’s a mistake.
Why regular visits matter:
- Your Ottawa dentist near you checks if teeth are moving correctly
- Issues are detected early
- You receive your next series of aligners
- Your dentist can clarify questions
- Adjustments may be performed if necessary
Most patients must go every 6-8 weeks. Skipping appointments can prolong your treatment and damage your final results.
How to Get the Best Results from Invisalign
Following these simple rules will help you succeed:
- Wear aligners 20-22 hours daily – Set phone reminders
- Never skip days – Even one day can cause problems
- Keep everything clean – Brush teeth and clean aligners regularly
- Only drink water with aligners in
- Keep all dental appointments – Your dentist monitors your progress
- Store aligners safely – Use the case provided
- Switch to new aligners on schedule – Usually every 1-2 weeks
- Be patient – Good results take time
When to Call Your Dentist
Contact your dental office if you notice:
- Aligners don’t fit properly
- Pain that doesn’t go away after 2-3 days
- Broken or cracked aligners
- Lost aligners
- Teeth not moving as expected
Final Thoughts
Invisalign can give you a beautiful, straight smile. But success depends on following the rules. The common mistakes people make with Invisalign are easy to avoid when you know what they are.
Straighten Your Teeth Comfortably With Invisalign!
If you want to straighten your teeth comfortably, then Dr. Sirwan Dental can help with Invisalign. Our dental team provides clear aligners that fit perfectly in your mouth and are easy to wear. We focus on safe, effective, and personalized care for both teens and adults.
Call Dr. Sirwan Dental now to schedule your appointment!