Invisalign was introduced in 1999 and has addressed countless mild and moderate dental misalignments since then. This remarkable orthodontic method can be an easier and more comfortable alternative to braces, but the treatment still requires a significant amount of discipline on the patient’s part to be effective. Here’s a brief guide to why your Invisalign treatment may not be progressing as anticipated and how this issue can be addressed.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign uses a customized sequence of virtually invisible clear aligners to gradually shift a patient’s teeth into healthier positions, and it usually takes between six and eighteen months. The patient will need to wear their aligners for at least twenty hours each day, so it’s best to only remove them for oral hygiene sessions or when eating or drinking anything but liquid water. The patient will also need to switch to the next set of aligners in their sequence every two weeks or so to keep their treatment on track.
Why Are My Teeth Not Moving Quickly Enough?
The most common reason for Invisalign treatment to not be progressing as planned is the patient not wearing their clear aligners sufficiently eat day. If these devices are not bracing the teeth for at least twenty hours daily, the smile will begin to shift back to its former alignment, which can lead to significant treatment setbacks. In some cases, the dentist will have to have new aligners manufactured, which will probably entail an additional fee.
Sometimes, a dental tray may not be able to shift the teeth properly due to the device being damaged. If this happens, the dentist will either recommend switching to the next aligner in the sequence or switching to the previous one while a new appliance is being manufactured.
How Can I Keep My Invisalign Treatment on Track?
The best way to ensure that your Invisalign treatment progresses as intended is to adhere to your dentist’s instructions throughout the process. This means practicing excellent oral hygiene, brushing and flossing before putting your aligners back in, cleaning your appliances daily, and wearing them sufficiently every day. This will make sure your teeth are realigned appropriately while preventing tooth decay and dental stains that can lead to painful infections and treatment delays.
Sticking to your dentist’s instructions will prevent a host of unnecessary complications and keep your Invisalign treatment as brief and comfortable as possible. When the process is over, you’ll be ready to show your gorgeous new smile to the world.
About the Practice
Dentistry for Life offers the finest oral health services in Lancaster. Led by Drs. Jason Herres and Vincent Votilla, the staff ensures that each patient enjoys compassionate care in a friendly and warm office environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry as well as Invisalign services. To learn more about the Invisalign process, contact the office online or dial (717) 569-3911.