Top Mistakes to Avoid During Invisalign Treatment
Meet Dr. Stacie Morrison
Dr. Stacie Morrison, a proud Wyoming native, grew up in Cheyenne and began her journey in dentistry at the University of Wyoming before earning her dental degree from the University of Nebraska College of Dentistry. After practicing in her hometown for several years, she realized her heart belonged in Laramie's warm, close-knit community. Fueled by a dream to build her dental practice, she returned to Laramie to create a space where personalized, compassionate care thrives.
Beyond the dental chair, Dr. Morrison enjoys life with her husband Jake and their two sons, Lincoln and Lachlan. You'll often find her cheering on local teams, from Laramie High School to her alma mater, the University of Wyoming. A former college cheerleader herself, Dr. Morrison now channels that same spirit into helping patients achieve confident, healthy smiles, especially through her passion for Invisalign!
Introduction
Invisalign is a popular and effective way to straighten teeth without the use of metal wires typically found in traditional braces. But as simple as the process may seem, Invisalign requires consistency, attention, and some commitment to see the best results. At Summit View Dentistry, we've helped countless patients improve their smiles with Invisalign. However, we've also seen what can go wrong when the treatment isn't followed correctly. Led by Dr. Stacie Morrison, a Gold Invisalign provider with advanced training, our practice specializes in efficient, customized Invisalign treatment. While most Invisalign cases take around 11 months, Dr. Morrison's techniques average just 6 months. But to get those faster, beautiful results, you must avoid some common Invisalign mistakes.
In this blog, we'll guide you through the top mistakes people make during Invisalign treatment and help you stay on track for a healthier, straighter smile.
1. Not Wearing Trays 24/7
One of the biggest mistakes patients make is not wearing their trays enough. Invisalign trays must be worn 24 hours a day, except when cleaning your teeth.
At Summit View Dentistry, once you approve your ClinCheck, which includes an animation created by Dr. Morrison to show how your teeth will move, you'll begin your first tray. To stay on schedule, you must wear your aligners at all times, except when brushing and flossing your teeth. Discover Dr. Stacie Morrison's insights on Invisalign treatment mistakes to avoid delays or complications during this process.
Even small breaks from wearing the trays can delay progress or cause your teeth to shift back into their original position.
Avoid This By:
Wearing your aligners as prescribed. Use a phone reminder or tracking app to stay accountable.
2. Removing Trays for Too Long
It's okay to remove your trays to brush, floss, and rinse, but many patients also take them out to brush, floss and forget to put them back in. The more you delay reinserting the trays, the less pressure is applied to your teeth, which slows down movement.
Also, constantly removing them throughout the day adds up.
Avoid This By:
Limit the number of times you remove your trays. If you do take them out, put them back in immediately after you're done brushing and flossing.
3. Not Cleaning Trays Properly
Aligners can become cloudy, smelly, or stained if not cleaned regularly. Some patients use hot water to clean them, which warps the plastic and ruins the fit. Others skip cleaning altogether, which can lead to bacterial buildup. Get Dr. Stacie Morrison's recommendations for staying on track with Invisalign to keep your aligners clean and your treatment progressing smoothly.
Avoid This By:
Cleaning your aligners daily using cool or lukewarm water and a soft toothbrush. Avoid toothpaste, as it can scratch the trays. Ask us about Invisalign cleaning crystals for better hygiene.
4. Skipping Your Monitoring Visits
While Invisalign doesn't require as many in-office visits as braces, regular monitoring is still important. At Summit View Dentistry, we'll send you home with multiple trays; however, you will still need to return for check-ins.
Dr. Morrison uses these visits to make sure your teeth are moving according to the ClinCheck. Delaying or skipping these appointments may result in unexpected tooth movement, necessitating corrective action.
Avoid This By:
Keeping every scheduled appointment, even if your teeth look fine to you. We track progress with precision.
5. Not Following Dr. Morrison's Instructions on Attachments and IPR
Some patients resist when they hear about attachments or interproximal reduction (IPR). Attachments are small, tooth-colored buttons placed on teeth to help guide them into position. IPR is a method of polishing between teeth to create tiny gaps that relieve crowding.
Both are common and safe procedures that enhance the effectiveness of Invisalign.
Avoid This By:
Trusting Dr. Morrison's judgment. With her advanced training, these tools help shorten treatment time and improve results.
6. Starting the Next Tray Too Early or Late
Each set of Invisalign trays is designed to be worn for a specific period, usually about a week. Changing trays too soon can shock the teeth and lead to discomfort or poor movement.
Waiting too long slows progress. Dr. Stacie Morrison's tips on avoiding Invisalign treatment mistakes can help ensure you change trays at the right time and stay on schedule.
Avoid This By:
Following the schedule Dr. Morrison gives you. If you're unsure whether to change trays, call us before making the switch.
7. Forgetting to Clean Your Teeth Before Reinserting Trays
Putting aligners back in without brushing or rinsing your teeth traps food and bacteria between the trays and your enamel. This can cause cavities, plaque buildup, and bad breath.
Avoid This By:
Carrying a travel toothbrush, floss, and mouthwash to clean your mouth before reinserting trays, especially after meals or snacks.
8. Leaving Trays Out in the Open
It's easy to wrap your trays in a napkin during meals, but this is how many people accidentally throw them away or leave them exposed to bacteria.
Avoid This By:
Always place your trays in the case provided by Summit View Dentistry. Never leave them exposed on a surface.
9. Not Using Retainers After Treatment
Finishing your Invisalign treatment doesn't mean you're done forever. Teeth naturally want to shift back to their old position. That's why we provide a set of custom retainers once treatment is complete.
Dr. Morrison recommends wearing retainers full-time for the first 3 months post-treatment.
Avoid This By:
Wearing your retainers exactly as advised. This protects the work you've done and prevents future misalignment.
10. Not Communicating Discomfort or Issues
Some patients experience tightness, irritation, or unexpected tooth movement but don't reach out to their provider. Invisalign should be snug but not painful. If something feels off, please let us know. Dr. Stacie Morrison's guide to what not to do during Invisalign treatment emphasizes the importance of speaking up when discomfort arises.
Avoid This By:
Call Summit View Dentistry if you feel any unusual discomfort or if an attachment falls off. We're here to help make treatment smooth.
11. Misplacing or Losing Trays
Losing a tray can disrupt your treatment and delay results. Some patients try to wear an older or newer tray instead, which isn't always safe or effective.
Aoid This By:
Call our office if you lose a tray. Dr. Morrison can advise whether to proceed or obtain a replacement. Always use the protective case.
12. Comparing Your Progress to Others
Everyone's teeth move at different rates. Some patients worry they're "behind" when comparing their smile journey to that of friends or social media. Discover Dr. Stacie Morrison's insights on Invisalign treatment mistakes to understand why comparing progress can be misleading and unhelpful.
Avoid This By:
Focusing on your personal treatment plan. At Summit View Dentistry, we customize everything to your smile. Dr. Morrison's advanced training often means quicker results, but every journey is different.
Frequently Asked Question
1. How long does Invisalign treatment take with Dr. Morrison?
While average Invisalign cases take about 11 months, Dr. Morrison's advanced training allows her to complete many cases in just 6 months.
2. Do I have to wear Invisalign trays while sleeping?
Yes. Trays should be worn 24 hours a day, including while sleeping. They're only removed for brushing and flossing.
3. What is IPR, and is it safe?
IPR (interproximal reduction) is the gentle polishing between teeth to create space for alignment. It's a common and safe part of many Invisalign treatments.
Conclusion
Invisalign can deliver fantastic results, especially when supervised by a skilled provider like Dr. Stacie Morrison, a Gold Invisalign Provider at Summit View Dentistry. Her efficient and individualized approach means you could be done with treatment in just six months. But success isn't just about the trays, it's about how you use them.
Avoiding common mistakes, such as inconsistent wear, poor hygiene, skipping visits, and neglecting post-treatment retainers, can make the difference between a flawless smile and prolonged correction. If you're starting or already using Invisalign, keep these tips in mind and don't hesitate to contact our team with any questions you may have. Get Dr. Stacie Morrison's recommendations for staying on track with Invisalign to maintain steady progress and long-lasting results.
Your smile is a partnership, and at Summit View Dentistry, we're here every step of the way.
Remember
Wear your aligners 24/7, follow Dr. Morrison's instructions closely, and attend all scheduled check-ins. A little consistency goes a long way toward achieving your perfect smile at Summit View Dentistry.
Disclaimer
This blog is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional dental advice. Treatment plans and recommendations vary from individual to individual. Please consult Dr. Stacie Morrison at Summit View Dentistry for a personalized Invisalign assessment. Always follow your provider's instructions for best results.