The decision to pursue an orthodontic clear aligner treatment requires that you be committed to the process. This includes following the necessary wear time, cleaning your trays daily, and removing them before eating or drinking. If you notice that your teeth aren’t moving as they should, you may be wondering whether you’re doing something wrong or if your plan needs to be adjusted. Read on to learn 3 reasons why you may be experiencing a setback with your clear aligners.
You Are Not Wearing Them 20-22 Hours a Day
The designated 20–22-hour wear time for clear aligners is essential. Dentists and orthodontic professionals indicate that this is the required timeframe for these trays to be worn if teeth are to move as planned.
While you must remove them to eat and drink, you are expected to reinsert them after rinsing them off or thoroughly cleaning them. This kind of flexibility makes this treatment attractive, but it can also be a concern if you do not wear them as you should.
If you don’t want to experience a delay in your treatment, make sure your aligners are in your mouth 20-22 hours a day.
Some Teeth Are More Difficult to Move Than Others
Although your dentist or orthodontist uses a unique system to create a treatment plan for your clear aligners, they cannot predict if any teeth will prove more difficult than others. This is only determined once you begin wearing your trays.
If you notice certain ones are not shifting, it may be that your dentist needs to apply attachments to encourage their movement. Once they are in place, rubber bands can exert additional force, helping them track with the rest of your smile.
You’re Not Caring for Your Trays
Clear aligners are removable, so you must clean them daily to avoid bacterial buildup. If you are not properly caring for your trays, you may be less inclined to wear them.
Brushing your trays with a soft-bristle toothbrush, clear hand soap, and lukewarm water reduces the harmful particles that can transfer to your teeth and cause cavities or tooth decay. However, you must be willing to maintain a normal cleaning routine in the morning and at night.
Throughout the day, you must rinse your trays after removing them to eat or drink and before reinserting them.
The level of attention you give your aligners will also help minimize foul odors and potential stains that can make your trays more noticeable to others.
Make sure your smile stays on the right track by following your dentist’s clear aligner instructions. If you notice a problem, make sure to inform them right away so that you can continue to work toward a straighter set of pearly whites.
About Grand Dental – Lockport
Grand Dental – Lockport offers Clear Aligners for those who prefer to avoid metal braces for a straighter smile. Our dentists and in-house orthodontist can prepare a plan to help you achieve your goals, all without having to wear bulky, bothersome metal brackets and wires. If you want to try Clear Aligners or learn more about how they work, visit our website or call (815) 240-8068 to schedule an appointment.