More and more patients these days are turning to Invisalign for straighter and more confident smiles, and truth be told, the treatment has all kinds of unique advantages compared to other orthodontic solutions. One of the biggest benefits of Invisalign is that it’s designed to move your teeth in small, predictable steps—so needless to say, it can be frustrating for it to seem like your teeth aren’t moving like they’re supposed to. However, this is more common than you may think, and it’s also fixable! Here’s what you need to know.
Why Your Teeth May Not Be Moving as Planned
Invisalign aligners need to be worn 20 to 22 hours per day in order to work properly, and if they’re removed too often or left out for extended periods, your teeth won’t receive the consistent pressure they need to move. Even small lapses, like a day or two here and there, can add up over time and greatly set back your progress.
The teeth will lag behind the aligners, leading to them not fitting well or applying the incorrect amount of force. You might notice small gaps between the aligners and teeth, or certain teeth might not touch the aligners fully. Of course, they may also stop fitting altogether, which is a red flag.
Of course, teeth are also stubborn, and everyone’s smiles respond differently to orthodontic treatment—so sometimes, a lack of movement could be due to age, bone density, or other factors out of your control.
Must-Know Tips for Invisalign Success
Here’s how you can give your Invisalign treatment the best chance for success:
- Wear your aligners as directed, which is usually 20 to 22 hours a day. They can only do their job when they’re in!
- Swap to each new set of trays as instructed by your orthodontist.
- Store your aligners in their case whenever they aren’t being worn.
- Use Invisalign chewies daily, which are small rubber cylinders that can help seat your aligners properly.
- Attend all of your check-in appointments with your orthodontist.
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene throughout treatment, since cavities and other issues can cause delays.
It’s not uncommon for patients to need some refinements at the end of their Invisalign journey, which are extra sets of aligners designed to “fine-tune” your smile and ensure the final results are what was planned. So if you’re going through treatment and thinking that things aren’t going as planned, stay the course and trust in your orthodontist!
About the Practice
Our team here at Simply Orthodontics has served patients and families in Randolph and the surrounding areas for several years, offering a wide range of orthodontic services for all ages, including Invisalign clear aligners. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule an appointment for yourself or a loved one, you can call or reach out online for more information or assistance. Telephone: (781) 767-7200.
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