How to Stop Invisalign and Clear Aligner Breakage
Invisalign and clear aligners have become popular options for orthodontic treatment, especially among adults who want to straighten their teeth discreetly. However, one common problem that patients and dentists encounter is aligner breakage. Aligner breakage can lead to delays in treatment, discomfort, and added expenses. Here are some tips for patients and dentists to prevent aligner breakage and keep treatment on track.
For patients:
1. Handle with care: Invisalign and clear aligners are made from a durable material, but they are not indestructible. Be gentle when removing and inserting aligners. Avoid biting down on the aligners or using excessive force when snapping them into place.
2. Clean properly: Proper hygiene is crucial to keep aligners in good condition. Clean aligners daily with a soft-bristled brush and mild soap or Invisalign cleaning crystals. Avoid using hot water or abrasive cleaners that can damage the aligners.
3. Avoid eating or drinking with aligners: Food particles and drinks can stain aligners and weaken their structure. Always remove aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. Make sure to clean your teeth thoroughly before reinserting aligners.
4. Store properly: When not used, store aligners in a clean, dry case. Avoid leaving them out in the open, where they can become damaged or contaminated.
For dentists:
1. Evaluate patients carefully: Before prescribing aligners, dentists should evaluate patients carefully to ensure they are good candidates for this treatment. Patients with severe malocclusions or other dental problems may not be suitable for aligner treatment.
2. Monitor patients closely: During treatment, dentists should monitor patients closely to detect any signs of aligner breakage. Regular appointments are essential to check the fit and condition of aligners and make adjustments as needed.
3. Educate patients: Proper aligner care is crucial to prevent breakage. Dentists should provide detailed instructions on handling, cleaning, and storing aligners. They should also emphasize the importance of wearing aligners as directed and avoiding eating or drinking with them.
4. Provide backup aligners: In case of breakage, dentists should provide backup aligners to prevent delays in treatment. They should also be prepared to adjust the treatment plan to ensure that progress is not hindered.
Wrapping Up
The cause of aligner breakage could be due to a patient’s mistake or a doctor’s mistake. The dentist should encourage the patients to bring their old aligners and instruct them to save their last five aligners and bring them to each appointment. Use an Invisalign virtual workflow like the Invisalign Practice app or independent companies such as In-Hand Dental. The virtual workflow requires checking in every aligner through the app, and it can easily complete a full Invisalign case in three to four appointments. Give your patients a nice storage container for their aligners and label them to make it a cool experience.