A crucial part of the Invisalign treatment process is visiting your orthodontist periodically so they can monitor the movement of your teeth. So, what happens if your teeth aren’t moving as anticipated? Before ordering more aligners or adjusting your treatment plan, it can be helpful to get a better understanding of why your teeth may not be tracking properly with Invisalign. With this in mind, here are three reasons this happens.
1. Your Teeth Are Colliding While Moving
If your teeth overlap, then there’s a good chance that they will collide as they are being shifted into their properly aligned positions. If that happens, then your orthodontist can intervene with interproximal reduction. This painless, safe, and quick solution allows them to carefully reshape one or more of your teeth, giving them the space to move more easily.
2. You Aren’t Wearing Your Aligners Enough
Remember, your aligners only work while you’re wearing them. That’s why wearing them for 20-22 hours a day is a crucial part of each patient’s treatment plan.
If you are having trouble meeting the wear time, then try designating a certain amount of time for each meal. For example, dedicating 30 minutes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a snack will still leave some extra time for cleaning your teeth and aligners. Of course, you can adjust this timeframe as needed – it’s a helpful starting off point.
If you aren’t wearing your aligners consistently because they are dirty, then we recommend first rinsing them thoroughly with water and then using a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean each surface. Next, submerge them completely in a mixture of warm water and a packet of cleaning crystals (the ones that came in your Invisalign welcome kit).
3. Your Aligners Aren’t Seated in Properly
Simply put, your aligners are custom-made just for you. So, there should be no gaps between your trays and your teeth – they should fit perfectly. If you do see a space between them, then they likely aren’t seated in properly. In that case, we recommend doing chewing exercises each time you put your aligners back in. That way, your trays are snugly against your teeth, ensuring you stay on track with your treatment plan.
If your teeth aren’t moving as anticipated, don’t worry – your orthodontist can work with you to find a solution. That way, there are minimal-to-no delays in your treatment plan.
About the Practice
At Simply Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we have a board-certified pediatric dentist as well as an orthodontist with more than 20 years of experience! As a result, patients in the Clinton area can confidently trust our team with their routine checkups, last-minute emergency care, cosmetic treatments, and more. If you have a question about the Invisalign treatment process, you’re always welcome to get in touch with our team via our website or by phone at (978) 612-6222.