Top 5 Reasons Why Your Invisalign Treatment isn’t Working and How to Avoid Issues
Embarking on an Invisalign treatment is an exciting step toward achieving a confident and radiant smile. However, some individuals may find their Invisalign journey isn't progressing as expected. This is a surprisingly common occurrence and whilst Invisalign is highly effective there is usually an obvious reason why this is the case.
Let’s take a look at the top 5 most common reasons for Invisalign treatment not working to plan and some top tips on how to get your progress back on track.
How Does Invisalign Work and What is Required of the Wearer?
Invisalign works under the same premise as traditional braces in that they exert gentle and continuous force on the teeth to shift them into place. The timing of the force is different in Invisalign in that each set of aligners, which is made specifically for your teeth and changed every 1 to 2 weeks, is pre-programmed to achieve specific tooth movements. At each change in Invisalign aligners, only certain teeth are allowed to move, allowing incremental changes until your teeth reach their ideal alignment.
To achieve maximum potential in the shortest time possible, the recommended wear time for Invisalign is 20-22 hours. It’s not possible to eat or brush your teeth with Invisalign aligners in, so it is not possible to wear them for every minute of the day, but it is recommended that the amount of time the aligners are not in your mouth is limited to no more than 2 hours per day.
5 Reasons Why Invisalign May Not be Working for You and What You Can Do About it
One of the primary reasons for slow progress in your Invisalign treatment could be inconsistent wear. For optimal results, it's crucial to wear your aligners for the recommended 20-22 hours per day. Skipping hours or days can hinder the effectiveness of the treatment, prolonging the time it takes to achieve the results you want.
Top Tip: Set reminders, use apps, or establish a routine to ensure you wear your aligners consistently. Create a schedule that aligns with your daily activities, making it easier to integrate Invisalign into your lifestyle.
Maintaining proper hygiene for your aligners is essential, as neglecting to clean your aligners regularly can lead to discolouration, and odour, and even compromise your oral health. Failing to follow care instructions may result in ineffective treatment and potential setbacks.
Top Tip: Clean your aligners daily using the recommended cleaning solutions or mild soap. Avoid hot water, as it can distort the aligners. Additionally, practise good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing before reinserting your aligners.
Regular check-ups with your orthodontist are extremely important to the success of your Invisalign treatment. If you miss these appointments, your progress may be compromised, as your orthodontist won't have the opportunity to monitor and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
Top Tip: Schedule and attend all recommended appointments and communicate openly with your orthodontist about any concerns or issues you may be experiencing during your Invisalign journey.
Certain lifestyle habits can impact the effectiveness of your Invisalign treatment. Chewing gum, smoking, or consuming staining foods and drinks while wearing your aligners can lead to discolouration and hinder the treatment process.
Top Tip: Limit or eliminate habits that can compromise your aligners. If you must indulge, remove your aligners, and thoroughly clean them before putting them back in your mouth.
Completing your Invisalign treatment is a significant achievement, but it doesn't end there. Neglecting to wear your retainers as prescribed by your orthodontist can lead to the reversal of the progress you've made.
Top Tip: Embrace the importance of retainer wear and follow your orthodontist's recommendations regarding retainer use to maintain your beautifully aligned smile.
A Summary from Northenden House Orthodontics: Specialist Invisalign Orthodontists in Manchester
Northenden House Orthodontics has been providing high-quality private orthodontic care to patients in Manchester and the surrounding areas for over 40 years. We are a specialist orthodontist in Manchester with Invisalign as our most popular hidden brace system. Our team of expertly trained orthodontists is fully qualified to issue not just the full treatment plan of Invisalign but to ensure that our patients follow through with the aftercare, ensuring that you get the most out of your treatment and that it continues to work for you throughout the course.
For you to make the most of your Invisalign treatment, we can help you with hints and tips on ensuring you wear your braces for the recommended time per day, as well as making sure you have all the correct tools and equipment to be able to properly look after your braces. We can also ensure that you can make each appointment made for you, give guidance around lifestyle habits that won’t hinder your treatment, and recommend the proper care and wearing time of your retainer after treatment.
Seeking Invisalign in Manchester?
Our expert team of orthodontists in Manchester is fully equipped with the knowledge and experience in Invisalign treatment and care. So, if you would like to contact us for a consultation around your eligibility for Invisalign, then you can do so with one of your specialist orthodontists today.
- Mohammad Malik
