Invisalign’s introduction in the US in 1999 and in India in 2016 was a revolutionary move in orthodontics. What made them trending was the features, invisible treatment, convenient usage, and faster results.
What we have heard and read so far about Invisalign are the benefits, outcomes, treatment procedure, and how to use them. What we don’t know are the mistakes we tend to make while using them.
Scrolling down, you will find information about the mistakes and updated precautionary tips, tools, and technologies for 2026.
What Are Clear Aligners?
They are transparent, custom-made, removable trays that align with your rows of teeth and shift to the desired position gradually.
They are customized with the results from the digital scans and 3D imaging. The materials used are BPA-free, medical-grade plastic. They make the aligners comfortable and almost invisible.
A series of aligners will be provided to switch every one to two weeks. These sets shift the rows of teeth to position by applying gentle pressure until they are properly aligned.They can be easily maintained as they do not have any complicated mechanisms like the traditional braces.Aligners should be worn 22 hours daily and regularly cleaned for proper functioning and effective results. The treatment duration is ideally 6 to 24 months, but will vary according to the severity.
The advisable issues for aligners are crowding, gaps, or minor bite problems.
The 6 Most Common Mistakes to Avoid
6 mistakes are commonly found in using and maintaining aligners. Each is explained below.
1. Wearing Aligners Less Than 22 Hours a Day
22 hours a day is the ideal prescribed time needed for the aligners to shift the teeth into place. As part of the shifting process, the aligners might be tight, making it uncomfortable to reinsert.Â
Wearing the aligners consistently according to the treatment plan will gradually correct your alignment issues. Disrupting that time will not get you the desired results.Â
Effective tips to avoid forgetting are tracking apps and carrying the aligners everywhere.
Orthodontist have introduced tracking apps like the TrayMinder app, which monitor your daily progress and remind you to wear aligners. These apps have features like timers and activity tracking that show how long you have used it and how many more days you have to wear it.
Store your aligners in a case and take them along wherever you are. With the help of apps or normal phone reminders or alerts, you can remove and reinsert them according to your use
2. Eating or Drinking with Aligners In
Apart from water, other drinks and beverages should be drunk after removing the aligners. If you keep the aligners on and have food and drinks, it will leave stains, create odour, and build up bacteria inside the aligners. Hot items change the aligner’s shape, which affects the fit and treatment progress. Therefore, stained and warped aligners won’t be able to deliver the right results.
The only solution is the timely removal, cleaning, and reinstalling. During the day, before eating or drinking anything other than water, remove the aligners and rinse them under running water. Then reinstall them after you rinse your mouth after having food. At night, brush them without any paste under the running water.
An update on aligners in 2026 is in the materials. They are made with heat-resistant materials and quick-clean kits. These make hygiene maintenance and alignment accuracy easier.
3. Leaving Aligners Out of the Case
Aligners left open can be easily lost, damaged, or contaminated. The exposure can warp or cause bacterial buildup. A short break in wearing them can shift teeth backwards. These issues can delay the estimated treatment time and the expected results.
 There are smart aligner cases like nCase SmartCase that track the activity, locate misplaced trays, and remind to remove and reinstall via apps and Bluetooth. Using these cases and apps will help avoid the break in using aligners. Â
4. Cleaning Aligners the Wrong Way
A common misconception is that washing aligners in hot water, or cleaning them with harsh toothpaste or coloured soaps, will make the aligners extra clean. It will not make it anymore cleaner; it will only warp, scratch, discolour, change the fitting, or create an odour. These damages will change the invisibility and affect the shifting. The lack of proper hygiene can also increase bacteria buildup, bad breath, or gum irritation.
Proper washing, timely removal, and storing them in a protective case are effective solutions.
Every day before and after breakfast and lunch, remove the aligners and rinse them in lukewarm water. During the night, brush them with a soft toothbrush without any paste. After removing them, keep them safely in a protective case to avoid damage or contamination.
5: Poor Oral Hygiene While Wearing Aligners
Wearing aligners without properly brushing and rinsing the mouth will create plaque buildup, bad breath, tooth decay, or gum irritation. Lack of hygiene can affect the effectiveness of aligner treatment and cause staining or discolouration of the teeth and aligners.
Brushing, flossing, rinsing, avoiding sugary or coloured drinks, and periodic dental cleanings and check-ups will maintain the effectiveness of the aligners.
6. Skipping or Delaying Dental Check-ups
Delaying and skipping check-ups will create issues like plaque buildup, cavities, or gum irritation. These issues may seem small at first, but they could gradually develop into pain, infections, and costly treatments. Scheduled check-ups will detect any kinds of issues in the teeth, gums, and jawbone at an early stage. Six-month routine check-ups and digital reminders, and AI-based dental monitoring apps are effective solutions.
Why Is Dr Bobby the Smart Choice?
Proper alignment is a result of effective treatment and proper maintenance. While proper maintenance is your side, effective treatment is our job. And we aim to please.
Our team consists of experienced specialists and surgeons who are efficient enough to correct your alignment with the right Invisalign treatment. We have expertise in rectifying all kinds of alignment issues.
Clear aligners offer a substantial guarantee of giving you the perfect aligned smile in 6 to 24 months, and this can vary depending on the alignment condition. Other time durations than the treatment time prescribed by the orthodontist could be due to the lack of oral hygiene, or forgetting to remove and reinsert the aligners.
A properly aligned smile is an essential rather than an aesthetic choice. If you are facing or feeling any alignment issues, do not wait or doubt. At Dr Bobby’s Orthodontics & Dental Speciality Care, we will rectify all kinds of problems and make your smile a bright and shining trademark everyone will remember.
Call us at +91 80789 61573 or email us at info@drbobbysdentalclinic.com.Â
No, toothpaste is too abrasive and can scratch your aligners. Use recommended cleaning solutions instead.
They turn yellow due to food stains, poor cleaning, or drinking colored beverages while wearing them. Proper hygiene prevents discoloration.
Yes, you can soak them occasionally, but not daily. Over-soaking may damage certain materials depending on the retainer type.
Most retainers should be stored dry in a protective case, unless your dentist advises otherwise.
Use a gentle, non-abrasive toothpaste if needed, but avoid whitening pastes to prevent scratching or cloudiness.