Invisalign is generally a very effective treatment; it is a reliable and efficient way to move teeth! But what if you have noticed that your teeth are not making the progress that you originally expected? If you find yourself concerned, do not be too worried. There are times when teeth do not move as planned. Why can that happen, and what can you do to get things moving again? This blog post provides some helpful information.
Stubborn Teeth Can Delay Progress
Each person’s mouth is unique, and some teeth are naturally more resistant to movement than others. For example, the lateral incisors, which sit next to your two front teeth, tend to be slower to respond to orthodontic pressure. Even with careful planning and advanced technology, these stubborn teeth sometimes refuse to shift as quickly as others.
If your dentist discovers that certain teeth are not progressing on schedule, additional intervention may become necessary. For example, you may have to wear special attachments, which will help your aligners apply more targeted force to certain teeth. These small, tooth-colored bumps are designed to encourage even the most reluctant teeth to move.
Insufficient Space for Tooth Movement
Crowded teeth can pose a significant challenge during Invisalign treatment. If your teeth are packed too tightly together, there may not be enough room for them to move into their correct positions. This lack of space can make the aligners less effective and may slow down your progress.
Dentists often address this issue by recommending a procedure called interproximal reduction (IPR). During IPR, a tiny amount of enamel is removed from the sides of selected teeth, thereby creating more space for movement. The process is gentle and does not compromise the health of your teeth.
Proper Wear Time Is Essential
The effectiveness of Invisalign depends heavily on how consistently you wear your aligners. In order to achieve optimal results, you must wear your aligners for 20 – 22 hours per day. If you do not meet this requirement, your teeth may not move as predicted, and you may experience delays in your treatment.
Keep track of how long you wear your aligners each day, removing them only for eating, drinking beverages other than plain water, and cleaning your teeth. If you sometimes forget to replace your aligners after meals or brushing, you might benefit from using a mobile app like TrayMinder to help you stay on target with your Invisalign wear time.
Invisalign can be an excellent way to straighten teeth, but in some cases, there are unexpected delays in treatment! Talk with your care provider to find out what you can do to keep your smiling moving the right direction.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Erin Page is an Invisalign expert. In fact, she has been a Preferred Provider for this treatment every year since 2013! If you have questions about clear aligners or need assistance to deal with unexpected Invisalign challenges, she and our highly skilled team would be pleased to assist you. Contact Capital Smiles in Schenectady at 518-374-0317.