12th August 2020
Common Problems & Solutions For Invisalign Braces
It’s always exciting to start a new treatment, especially one with results as incredible as Invisalign. But that doesn’t mean there can’t be some teething problems with Invisalign treatment along the way (pun unintended). In this post, our private dentist in Wolverhampton can look over what could cause issues during your treatment, and some easy solutions for each situation.
1. Lack of commitment to treatment
One of the most common problems with Invisalign is if the patient simply is not wearing their aligners for long enough. It is strongly recommended to wear your Invisalign braces for 20-22 hours every day, even during sleep, to see optimum results from Invisalign. Your Invisalign journey can take much longer if you don’t, and your teeth could slip back into their old positions.
Solution: If you’ve gone for long periods without wearing them, you might even need a new scan and a new set of aligners. Don’t leave it too long before seeing one of our dentists in Wolverhampton as you could need to start your treatment from scratch.
2. Lost aligners
Don’t worry – your dentist will be able to provide a new set for you. Our top tip? Always make sure you put your Invisalign braces back in their case whenever you remove them.
Solution: Pop in your previous tray, or if you’re close to swapping for the next set, you might be able to start early. Contact your Invisalign dentist in Wolverhampton as soon as possible.
3. Aligners becoming discoloured
If you smoke, don’t remove your Invisalign when eating and drinking, and have a poor dental routine, staining and plaque build-up could occur on your aligners.
Solution: It’s important to stop smoking, take your Invisalign out when recommended, and brush both your teeth and your aligners regularly.
4. Removal difficulty
This can happen sometimes when you switch to a new set. There’s definitely a knack to taking them in and out, which gets easier over time, but there are some sets that may be more tricky than others.
Solution: We always recommend putting the new ones in at night-time, to give your teeth time to adjust overnight. You will get used to removing your aligners and it will get easier!
5. Bad breath
Occasionally some may experience bad breath when on Invisalign, this happens when oral hygiene and cleaning aren’t satisfactory. Bad breath is the result of a build-up of bacteria in the mouth, which can lead to plaque, decay and tooth loss (in that order).
Solution: Ensure you’re brushing properly, two times a day, and that you’re cleaning your Invisalign aligners as well. We can give you pointers on how to do this if you’re finding things difficult.
6. Discomfort
Toothache or discomfort with Invisalign happens for one of two reasons.
New retainers pain and solution: For those who find their teeth ache or there’s a tightness, it might be because you’ve recently changed Invisalign aligners. But don’t worry, this means your aligners are working in moving your teeth to their new, straighter position. Over-the-counter medicines like paracetamol can offer relief, or you could switch to softer foods while you adjust. Our private dentist in Wolverhampton might be able to give you some extra tips, too.
Friction pain and solution: If your aligner is rubbing against your cheeks or tongue, try an ulcer gel to make it more comfortable. You can ask your Invisalign dentist to take a look at the aligners if a sharp edge is causing irritation (we don’t advise any DIY methods here, in case you damage your set).
7. Initial speech changes
Occasionally Invisalign users develop a temporary lisp when adjusting to a new set of aligners. Or, if you’ve just started your treatment, you might have excess saliva in your mouth to begin with. Both of these should pass.
8. Excess saliva
When you first begin treatment, your body will recognise there is something foreign in your mouth so will try and use digestion methods to break it down (saliva). This will pass over a brief adjustment period, resist the urge to remove your aligners for more than two hours a day.
9. Kissing issues
If they are affecting your ability to kiss your partner comfortably, remember you get two hours without Invisalign every day, you could try and time this with date time.
I have another kind of problem apart from Invisalign! How can you help?
If you’re having other problems with Invisalign braces, get in touch with our expert dentists in Wolverhampton, and we’ll do our best to help.
