When you first started Invisalign, your dental team took scans of your teeth and may have shown you a preview of how your smile was supposed to move as you progressed through your aligner series. But what if you have been using Invisalign for a while now, and your results do not match your original expectations? This is known as a tracking problem, and it is more common than you might think. Learn why this may happen and what you may be able to do to correct the issue.
Why Invisalign May Fall Off Track
There are several possible reasons for tracking issues with Invisalign. The most common explanations include:
- Your aligners are not properly seated: Even a tiny space between the edge of your tray and the base of your teeth can limit the force that guides each tooth.
- Your trays spend too much time out of your mouth: Most patients need to wear clear aligners for 20 – 22 hours each day. If you often leave them out longer than advised, your teeth may not move as planned.
- Your smile needs extra space: Crowded teeth can block one another, which may prevent a tooth from shifting into its planned place.
- Your body moves teeth at its own pace: Tooth shape, bone density, and other personal factors can affect how fast your smile responds to treatment.
- A tray or attachment has an issue: A bent aligner, loose attachment, or missing attachment can reduce pressure on your teeth and prevent planned movements.
How You Can Help Your Smile Catch Up
Tracking issues with Invisalign have a number of potential solutions:
- Use chewies if your dentist advises it: These small foam pieces help press your trays more firmly onto your teeth when you bite on them. They are inexpensive and readily available from online retailers.
- Check your daily wear time: Aim to meet the hour goal your provider gave you every day. If you often forget to wear your aligners, a tracking app on your phone might help.
- Look over your trays: Search for signs of damage, such as warping or cracks.
- Contact your provider: Your dentist can find the reason your teeth are not tracking as expected and recommend your next step. You may need a new tray, a repaired attachment, interproximal reduction to create a bit of space between teeth, or updated impressions for a revised aligner series.
Invisalign usually produces predictable tooth movements, but not always! If you sense that your treatment is not going as planned, work with your provider to determine the cause of the problem and get guidance on how you can get things back on track.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Erin Page is a certified Invisalign provider who is proud to serve the Capital District. If you have questions about this treatment and how you can make it successful, she and our team would be pleased to consult with you. To learn more or to request an appointment, contact Capital Smiles in Schenectady at 518-500-3102.