Invisalign in Inwood Village is one of the most popular, convenient, and easy ways to achieve a straighter smile. However, if you’re undergoing an Invisalign treatment and have begun to notice that there are gaps between your teeth and aligners, the system isn’t properly “tracking” the movement of your teeth. If you don’t address this issue, you could end up increasing the length and cost of your treatment! Read on as your Inwood Village dentist shares four tips to help get your Invisalign treatment back on track.
Tip #1: Use Invisalign Chewies
If your Invisalign aligners aren’t fully or properly seated, it’s likely your teeth won’t move like they’re expected to. To correct this, try using Invisalign chewies. These flexible, soft rolls of material look very similar to an earplug or small marshmallow. Every time you put your aligners back in your mouth after eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth, pop in a chewie. The gentle force exerted while chewing on this little roll will force the aligners down over your teeth and into the proper position. Once your aligners are seated properly, they’ll be able to more effectively move your teeth.
Tip #2: Wear Your Aligners for 20-22 Hours a Day
The most common reason why patients get off track with their Invisalign treatment is due simply to the fact that they don’t wear their aligners often enough. Once you’ve used chewies to ensure that your aligners are seated properly over your teeth, you need to wear them for at least 20-22 hours every day. The constant pressure is what’s training your teeth to stay in their new positions. Without it, your teeth may begin to shift out of place again, which will keep your aligners from tracking.
Tip #3: Talk to Your Dentist About “Backtracking”
If your teeth aren’t moving according to schedule, your next set of aligners may feel so tight that they don’t fit properly. In some cases, your dentist may recommend that you go back to wearing your previous set of aligners for a little whille. However, it’s crucial to remember that backtracking is only a good idea if it’s recommended by your dentist. Wearing an old set of aligners without consulting your dentist can easily complicate or delay your Invisalign treatment.
Tip #4: Make an Appointment for a Treatment Revision
In the case that wearing your aligners consistently, using chewies, and backtracking don’t get your aligners to fit properly again, your dentist may need to work with you to revise your treatment. One or more of your teeth could potentially be moving faster or slower than anticipated when your original treatment plan was created. If this is the case, your dentist will carefully inspect your mouth and orthodontic process in order to make the proper revisions to your plan. With the help of your new aligners, you should be back on track in just a few weeks.
If you’re not on track for your Invisalign treatment, don’t panic! Just use these four simple tips and you’ll be well on your way towards enjoying a beautifully straightened smile.
About the Author
Dr. Davina Prida earned her degree at Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, where she graduated with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). She is a member of the Dallas County Dental Society, Texas Dental Association, American Dental Association, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Prida is also a member of the Texas Army National Guard. One of her main focuses is creating beautiful Smiles. She ia a Top Dallas Dentist Providing High Quality Dental Care, General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implants, and Reconstructive Dentistry. Dr Davina Prida is fulfilling her vision of bringing the very best in cosmetic dentistry, reconstructive dentistry and general dentistry to Dallas at Inwood Village Dental. Dr. Prida’s approach of dental excellence and her use of advanced techniques, create the most natural, beautiful smiles possible. Dr. Prida is Dallas’ top cosmetic dentist, creating amazing smile makeovers with veneers, dental implants, dental crowns and bridges and Invisalign®. If you have questions about your dental treatment or dental care options, don’t hesitate to contact her at Inwood Village Dental or at (214) 352-2777.