6 Common Invisalign Mistakes to Avoid (And How to Fix Them)

Leaving Them on When Eating or Drinking

It may seem tempting to eat or drink with your Invisalign on, and while it's best to avoid doing so, occasional exceptions can be made with caution. We recommend drinking only water while your aligners are in. If you choose to eat or drink with them on, be sure to remove and clean the aligners immediately afterward. One important Invisalign tip is to brush and floss your teeth before putting the aligners back on to prevent contamination and preserve oral hygiene.

Clear aligners are largely comfortable and preferred by most people compared to braces since they don't break easily and don't trap food between wires. However, eating or drinking (anything other than water) while wearing them can stain or damage the aligners and make chewing uncomfortable. Food particles can also get trapped between the aligners and your teeth, leading to cavities, bad breath, and enamel damage.

Not Cleaning Them After Removal

Even when taking water only with your aligners on, it is still wrong to take them out and put them away without rinsing them. People are always in a hurry to take off their aligners, especially during a meal, and in the process, they may forget to rinse them. By doing this, you not only risk the longevity of the product but also your oral health.

Always make sure you rinse your aligners immediately after taking them off to remove any existing bacteria and make them easier to clean in the future. Doing this will prevent them from getting stained or sticky and ensure that they are fresh and clean when you put them back on.

Using Toothpaste on Your Invisalign

While many people believe toothpaste should not be used on aligners, a small amount of non-abrasive toothpaste is actually acceptable and even recommended by Invisalign. Avoid using abrasive formulas that could scratch or dull the aligners, and steer clear of harsh soaps or alcohol-based mouthwashes, as these can damage the material and leave an unpleasant taste or smell.

The best way to clean your aligners is with lukewarm water and a soft‑bristle toothbrush. Extremely hot water may warp the aligners, while cold water may not clean them effectively.

Poor Oral Health

Invisalign may help fix your bite and smile, but it won't fix your oral health, and it may, in fact, be less effective if your mouth is in a poor state. Poor oral hygiene will make your problems worse when you put on an aligner. Start by changing your hygiene habits to improve your oral health: brush twice daily, floss once daily, and attend regular dental checkups.

Using Improper Cleaning Tools

Your Invisalign aligners may deteriorate more quickly if you use improper cleaning tools. To prevent damage, consider using a specialized cleaning kit designed for aligners—not your teeth. These kits help keep them clear, clean, and in optimal condition. If you're unsure where to get one, contact your orthodontist for recommendations.

Skipping Daily Maintenance Routine

Invisalign clear aligners will need daily maintenance to keep them in tip‑top shape. Failure to do this may lead to bacteria from the aligners passing to the teeth, exacerbating your dental issues. Ensure you clean your aligners right before bedtime so you can put them back on in the morning with a fresh, clean feeling.

Your Qualified Orthodontist for Invisalign

Getting a qualified orthodontist to solve all your aligner needs can be challenging. At Discover Orthodontics, we are committed to providing the best services in Invisalign clear aligners and other forms of dental services. As a reputable Brampton & Burlington orthodontist, we have an eye for detail to ensure that your smile turns heads and your dental journey is a success. Call us today for more Invisalign tips.