Invisalign is an incredible orthodontic solution that has allowed countless patients to address mild to moderate misalignments without having to deal with the conspicuous metal parts and many dietary restrictions that come with traditional braces. However, neglecting to properly adhere to your dentist’s treatment instructions can lead to costly treatment delays and potentially painful oral infections. Here’s why your teeth may not be moving as planned and how to keep your Invisalign treatment on track.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign uses clear aligners that are virtually invisible when worn to gradually shift the teeth into a healthier and more beautiful alignment. Each set of these devices is designed to fit snugly over the teeth and exert the constant force necessary to safely push them into better positions, and the patient will be able to eat, drink, and practice oral hygiene normally since the devices are easy to remove. However, neglecting to wear one’s Invisalign clear aligners for enough time each day can lead to a frustrating lack of progress.
Why Are My Teeth Not Moving During Invisalign Treatment?
The most common reason for an Invisalign treatment not making sufficient progress is the patient failing to wear their aligners for at least twenty hours each day. As soon as your orthodontic appliances are removed, your teeth will begin to shift back toward their original positions, and allowing this to happen too frequently will lead to frustrating treatment delays and possibly require the manufacture of more aligners, which may involve a fee.
How Can I Keep My Invisalign Treatment on Track?
Invisalign is known for being an easier and more comfortable orthodontic treatment than traditional braces, and many patients find that its simple oral hygiene requirements make it less difficult to prevent destructive oral infections. To keep your Invisalign treatment on track, stick to the following guidelines:
- Wear your aligners at all times when not eating or practicing oral hygiene.
- Remove your aligners when drinking anything but water.
- Only clean your aligners using cool or lukewarm water.
- Thoroughly brush and floss your teeth and rinse your aligners before putting your appliances back in.
- Place your aligners in a safe, clean case for protection when not wearing them.
Invisalign is an excellent way to address a host of alignment issues and prevent the oral and overall health problems they cause. Complying with your dentist’s treatment instructions will allow you to enjoy a briefer and more comfortable realignment process.
About the Author
Dr. Salari earned her dental degree at the Université Libre de Bruxelles in Belgium and completed a three-year residency at the Nova Southeastern University. She is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association and the American College of Prosthodontics. Her office in Annadale provides general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as Invisalign services. If you are concerned about your Invisalign treatment’s progress, contact her office online or dial (703) 763-0800.