Invisalign is no doubt one of the fastest, easiest, and most popular ways to achieve a straighter smile. With over five million satisfied patients, these clear, removable aligners offer many freedoms you simply can’t get with traditional metal braces. However, with great freedom comes great responsibility, and slacking off on your dentist’s instructions can get you off track. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do! Read on for the four best tips to get back on track with your Invisalign treatment.
Tip #1: Try Using Invisalign Chewies
Invisalign aligners are supposed to fit snugly over your teeth in order to move them. However, if you notice a bit of space between them and your gums or teeth, then they may not be seated properly. As such, the pressure won’t be distributed correctly, and your teeth won’t move like they’re expected to. To help get your aligners in place, try chewing on Invisalign chewies. As you chew on these small, soft rolls of material, the aligners will be pushed further into place for maximum efficiency.
Tip #2: Wear Your Aligners for 20-22 Hours a Day
The most common cause of getting off track with Invisalign treatment is simply not wearing your aligners often enough. It’s essential that you wear your aligners for 20-22 hours a day to keep your teeth moving towards their ideal positions. If your Invisalign treatment is a little off track, it may feel slightly uncomfortable to wear your aligners for this long, but the more often you do so, the faster the soreness will go away naturally. You can help keep yourself comfortable in the meantime by taking over-the-counter pain relievers as instructed and eating or drinking cold things.
Tip #3: Talk to Your Dentist About Backtracking
Invisalign aligners move your teeth in small increments to prevent damaging the roots. If it is very uncomfortable to wear your aligners, or your aligners don’t fit anymore, you need to call your dentist right away. They may recommend backtracking and instruct you to start wearing your previous set of aligners for a while. Once your teeth have adjusted, you’ll once again try wearing the set that didn’t fit previously.
Tip #4: Talk to Your Dentist About Treatment Revision
Backtracking should be able to get you back on the road to a straighter smile like you originally planned. However, if your aligners still won’t fit properly, your dentist may need to redesign your treatment. They’ll carefully look at your teeth and jaws to evaluate how they’re moving and adjusting compared to when you first started your Invisalign treatment. From there, they can revise your treatment plan to get you back on track.
If you’re ever concerned about your Invisalign treatment, don’t wait to talk with your dentist. The sooner you can get yourself back on track, the sooner you’ll achieve the beautiful, healthy smile you deserve!
About the Practice
Families in Worcester and the surrounding communities can count on Simply Orthodontics for the gentle, personalized dental care they need. We’re proud to offer a wide variety of orthodontic treatments, including Invisalign, to help you overcome misalignment issues. Plus, our friendly and experienced team will be with you every step of the way to ensure your treatment goes as smoothly as possible. If you’re worried that your Invisalign treatment is off track, don’t hesitate to contact us online or at (508) 757-3173.