If you’re correcting your smile with clear Invisalign trays and you’ve noticed that you have gaps between your teeth and aligners, this means your aligners aren’t “tracking” your teeth properly. If you don’t take the right steps, your treatment could be delayed due to improper tooth tracking.
So what can you do about this? Do you need to see your dentist for help? In this blog from Olentangy Modern Dental, we’ll take a look at a few steps you can take to resolve the issue.
1: Start By Using Invisalign “Chewies” To Make Sure Your Aligners Are Fully Seated
If you’ve just switched to a new set of aligners and have noticed that your aligners aren’t tracking, the issue may just be that your aligners are very tight, and don’t want to fully “seat” onto your teeth.
The best way to address this is with Invisalign “chewies,” which you can get from your dentist or online. These are durable pieces of chewable material shaped like a cotton roll. You’re supposed to chew them for a few minutes whenever you put your aligners back on. Chewing on a chewie helps put pressure on your aligners, and gently shifts them into the proper position, which helps eliminate tooth tracking issues.
2: Make Sure You’re Wearing Your Aligners As Instructed By Your Dentist
You should always wear your aligners as instructed by your dentist. Don’t “skip” forward to a new set of aligners early, or wear an old set of aligners for longer than you’re supposed to. In addition, make sure you wear them for 20-22+ hours per day for the best results. If you haven’t been diligent about wearing your aligners as instructed, your treatment may fall behind, causing Invisalign tracking issues.
3: Ask Your Dentist If You Can “Backtrack” To A Previous Set Of Aligners
If your new set of aligners is too tight and won’t fit properly, it’s possible that your previous set of aligners did not fully shift your teeth. You may need to wear the previous set for a little bit longer to prepare for the next set of aligners.
Consult with your dentist before you do this. Backtracking is only a good idea if your dentist recommends it. Wearing an old set of aligners without consulting with your dentist will complicate and delay your treatment.
4: Get A Treatment Revision From Your Dentist
If backtracking doesn’t work and your aligners still don’t fit properly, your dentist may need to work with you to revise your treatment. It’s possible that one or more of your teeth are shifting more quickly or slowly than was initially anticipated in your treatment plan.
This happens, and it’s not a huge deal. Your dentist will work with you to assess your current orthodontic progress, revise your treatment, and build the aligners you need to get a straighter smile. Your treatment will be back on track within a few weeks.
Interested In Invisalign Treatment In Lewis Center? See Dr. Amy Gavin Today!
Invisalign is a great way to straighten your teeth without traditional braces, and it’s appropriate for patients of all ages. If you want straighter teeth in Delaware, Olentangy or Powell, Dr. Amy Gavin is here to help. Contact Olentangy Modern Dental online for an appointment, or give us a call at (740) 200-5100 to get started.