Invisalign may be a great option for a straighter smile, but for treatment to be successful, you must be diligent in wearing your clear aligners. Today our dentists explain what happens if you get off track with your treatment and some of the things you can do to get back on schedule.
Treatment with Invisalign
Treating orthodontic issues with Invisalign is a popular option for many adults and teens. Invisalign provides a discreet treatment option that is fairly easy to fit into a busy lifestyle. However, Invisalign wearers must be diligent in wearing their clear aligners for at least 22 hours a day or their treatment can start to go off track.
What happens if you don't wear your aligners enough?
If you aren't wearing your Invisalign clear aligners as often as you should be, you may notice that there are gaps between your teeth and the aligners or that your aligners are not fitting properly.
This is because your custom treatment plan is based on a 22-hour minimum and a certain amount of movement with each set of aligners. If you aren't wearing your aligners enough, your teeth will not be moving as fast and aren’t as likely to keep up with the progression of your treatment.
What can you do if you get off track with your treatment?
If you get off track with your Invisalign treatment, there are a few things you can do to help get yourself back on schedule:
Talk to Your Dentist
The first thing you should do if you notice that something is off about your treatment is make an appointment with your dentist. They will be able to assess your smile and give you advice on the best way to get back on track. Don't be embarrassed! We see patients all the time who need a little extra help or adjustments to their treatment. We want to see your treatment succeed and make sure you are getting the full value of your investment.
Backtracking
Your dentist may suggest that you backtrack to a previous set of aligners and wear it until your teeth catch up. This way when you switch to your new set your teeth are in the right position and treatment can successfully move forward. Your dentist will tell you which set to switch to and how long you should be wearing it for.
Treatment Revision
If your previous sets are not fitting correctly, your dentist may need to revise your treatment plan and create a new set or sets of aligners to get you back on track. The sooner you can see your dentist the better as you will be less likely to need an extensive revision to your treatment plan.
By working with your dentist and staying committed to your treatment, you will have the smile you’ve been hoping for in no time!