In this article, we One of the most underrated perks of Invisalign is that the average treatment timeline is only 12-18 months (which is considerably shorter than traditional braces). That said, it is possible for you to fall off-track with your treatment plan, adding weeks or months onto the backend. If your teeth aren’t moving as anticipated with clear aligners, keep reading to learn a few potential reasons why that may be and what to do to get back on track!

 

Reason #1: Your Teeth Are Colliding

Picture a crowd of people trying to squeeze through a door. That’s what can happen if your teeth crowd together; movement is nearly impossible because there simply isn’t enough room. Fortunately, there is a solution: interproximal reduction. Commonly referred to as “IPR,” this allows your dentist to slightly shave down the sides of your teeth so they don’t collide against each other. Don’t worry – the process is completely painless. Plus, it only takes a minute or two to complete!

Reason #2: You Aren’t Wearing Your Aligners for 20+ Hours

Remember, your aligners won’t work if you don’t wear them! That’s why patients are encouraged to keep them on for a minimum of 20 hours a day. If you’re not quite sure how close or far you are from the mark, use the stopwatch on your phone as a guide.

Tip: If you’re having trouble meeting the recommended wear time day in and day out, try creating a schedule, like 30 minutes for breakfast, 30 minutes for lunch, 10 minutes for snacks, and 40 minutes for dinner.

Reason #3: There Is Space Between Your Trays and Your Teeth

Simply put, there should not be a gap between your trays and your teeth when you put them on. If that happens, then use your chewies! Biting on these small foam tubes for five minutes after you put your aligners back on will help them seat into position. That way, your aligners can gently guide your teeth into their properly aligned positions.

About the Practice

For our team at Aesthetic Family Dentistry, providing patient-centered care and creating custom treatment plans is just the beginning. We also are here to be an on-going resource for our patients – from answering questions to sharing recommendations. That way, our patients have a gorgeous smile and enjoy the journey to it! If you are interested in scheduling an Invisalign consultation with us or you have a question about life with clear aligners, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment via our website or by phone at (281) 339-9838.will discuss…