Many people who have undergone orthodontic treatments with both traditional braces and Invisalign report that clear aligners are an easier, more comfortable, and more convenient way to straighten teeth. While Invisalign offers a range of benefits that make the alignment process less stressful, it still requires a significant amount of discipline on the patient’s part. Here’s a brief guide to a few complications that can occur during Invisalign treatment and how you can keep your realignment as smooth as possible.
Treatment Delays Will Lead to Dismay
Invisalign patients will need to wear their aligners for at least twenty hours each day to keep their orthodontic processes on track, and neglecting to meet this crucial wear time will lead to a frustrating lack of progress. This can make it necessary to craft new clear aligners to get the treatment back up to speed as well as additional appointments to monitor its progress, and these factors may be represented on the bill. Complying with your dentist’s wear time instructions will help keep your Invisalign treatment brief and economical.
Losing one’s aligner can also lead to treatment delays, and this often happens due to the appliance accidentally being thrown away after a meal. You can avoid this issue by always carrying a protective case for your aligners so you can store them safely when necessary.
Tooth Decay and Dental Discoloration Will Cause Delays and Consternation
Excellent oral hygiene is absolutely essential during Invisalign treatment, and failing to keep your teeth clean can lead to unsightly dental stains as well as painful tooth decay that can lead to treatment delays. Invisalign clear aligners are crafted to fit snugly over either arch of teeth so they can exert the consistent pressure necessary to gradually straighten the smile. Unfortunately, this tight fit will protect any germs, food residues, or chemicals clinging to the teeth from the mouth’s natural cleaning process when the aligners are worn.
If the patient does not thoroughly brush and floss each time before inserting their clear aligners, the bacteria and harsh chemicals accumulating on their teeth will be able to wreak havoc on their smile. Tooth decay will have to be resolved with restorative treatment before the Invisalign process can continue, and dental stains may require professional teeth whitening to resolve. These procedures will contribute to the patient’s overall bill.
It’s best for Invisalign patients to carry oral hygiene kits that include a toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss so they can clean their teeth whenever necessary as well as protective cases to keep their aligners safe while they are not wearing them. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best ways to keep your treatment on track.
About the Practice
Goodman Dental Care offers exemplary oral health services to the Annapolis community. With Drs. Gary and Jeremy Goodman in charge, the staff treats each patient with personalized care and old-fashioned customer service. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as Invisalign services. To learn more about how you can avoid complications during Invisalign treatment, contact the practice on the web or dial (410) 263-1919.