You started Invisalign with a clear plan of how your smile should change over time. No doubt, you were excited to watch your progress! But what if you have discovered that your teeth are not moving according to your original treatment projections? This is what is known as a “tracking” problem. What might be causing the issue, and what can you do to get your teeth going in the right direction again? This blog post provides helpful information.
Common Reasons Invisalign Does Not Track
There are a number of possible causes of Invisalign tracking problems:
- Your trays are not fully seated: Small gaps between the aligner and the edges of your teeth can reduce the amount of pressure that Invisalign is applying, which can slow down movements.
- You are not wearing your aligners enough: Clear aligners usually require about 20 to 22 hours of wear each day. If you regularly miss that mark, your tooth movements will suffer.
- Your teeth need more room: Crowding can block movement if one tooth bumps into another instead of shifting into place.
- Your biology responds differently: Bone density, tooth shape, and other individual factors can affect how quickly teeth move.
- An aligner tray or one of your orthodontic accessories has a problem: A warped aligner or a missing attachment can reduce pressure on your teeth and throw off your progress.
What You Can Do
The best way to get your treatment back on track depends on why your teeth are not moving as planned. Here are some possible ways to get your smile back on the road to better alignment:
- Use chewies if your provider recommends them: These are small foam accessories that are made for you to bite while wearing your aligners. They can help seat aligners more completely.
- Review your wear time: Make sure you meet the daily requirement every day. If you find that you often fall short, use an app on your phone to set reminders.
- Inspect the aligners: Heat or damage can distort the plastic and affect the fit of Invisalign trays.
- Call your provider: Your dentist can help you identify why your teeth are not tracking and provide helpful guidance. You might need a replacement tray for one that is damaged, or you may need interproximal reduction (a minor procedure that involves removing a bit of enamel from the sides of the teeth) to help your teeth shift more easily. Or, you might need to get new impressions taken along with a new set of trays that have been adapted to your unique case.
Invisalign is an effective treatment, but issues arise sometimes! If your teeth are not moving as planned, talk to your dentist to learn how you can get back on the path toward a straighter, healthier smile.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Russell O’Connell is a highly skilled general dentist and certified Invisalign provider for the Califon community. He and our team are passionate about providing a positive care experience for each patient. To learn more about us or to discover how we can help you enjoy successful Invisalign treatment, contact our office at 908-975-1269.