August 10, 2023
Navigating the journey towards a flawless smile with Invisalign aligners can be an exciting process.
However, it's not uncommon to encounter a few bumps along the way, one of which might be your aligners not tracking as expected. 'Tracking' refers to how well your aligners are fitting onto your teeth, guiding them towards their intended positions. When they fail to track correctly, it can lead to complications in your treatment.
But don't fret - encountering such issues doesn't mean your journey towards a perfect smile is derailed.
This article is designed to help you understand why your Invisalign aligners might not be tracking correctly and what you can do to get your treatment back on the right track.
It's important to remember that while some adjustments can be made at home, contacting your orthodontist is the best course of action when facing significant issues with your treatment.
Signs Your Invisalign Isn't Tracking Properly
Being able to detect non-tracking issues early can prevent them from escalating, ensuring your treatment proceeds as planned. One sign that your Invisalign aligners may not be tracking properly is if they start fitting loosely over your teeth. Invisalign aligners are meticulously designed to fit snugly over your teeth. If you notice any looseness, it might suggest a tracking issue.
Moreover, any visible gaps between the edges of your aligners and your teeth could also be a cause for concern. Particularly if you've been wearing the same set of aligners for a few days, these gaps might indicate that your teeth are not moving into their intended positions.
Discomfort or pain can also be indicative of tracking problems. Although it's normal to experience some pressure and minor discomfort when you switch to a new set of aligners, any intense or prolonged pain may suggest that your teeth are not moving as planned. This discrepancy could cause your teeth to misalign with the aligners.
Another sign to look out for is difficulty when switching to new aligners. If you struggle to fit your new set of aligners or they feel excessively tight compared to the previous set, it might indicate that your teeth did not move as expected with the last set.
Lastly, if you or your orthodontist notice that there's no noticeable change in your teeth alignment over time, it could be due to non-tracking. A lack of progress is a clear sign that your treatment isn't going as planned and should be addressed immediately.
If you notice any of these signs, it's crucial to consult with your orthodontist promptly. Identifying and addressing the problem early on can help prevent major impact on your treatment timeline or results.
Common Causes for Invisalign Not Tracking
When it comes to poor Invisalign tracking, various factors could be the culprits. Understanding these causes can help in early identification and correction, keeping your treatment plan on track. Here are some common reasons for Invisalign not tracking as expected:
Not Wearing Them Enough
Invisalign aligners are designed to be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day. If you're not meeting this guideline, your teeth may not be receiving the consistent pressure they need to move into their planned positions, leading to tracking issues.
Skipping aligner sets or not following the sequence: Each set of Invisalign aligners is designed to move specific teeth at specific times. If you skip sets or don't wear them in the proper sequence, your teeth may not be in the right positions for the subsequent sets, causing non-tracking.
Improper Care Of Aligners
Damaged or warped aligners may not fit correctly over your teeth. This can occur if the aligners are not cleaned properly, exposed to heat, or if they are regularly removed and inserted incorrectly.
Changes In Oral Health Or Anatomy
Any changes in your oral health, such as gum disease or tooth decay, or changes in your oral anatomy due to extractions or restorations, can impact how your aligners fit.
Not Using Attachments As Advised
Attachments, or 'buttons,' are sometimes placed on your teeth by your orthodontist to help the aligners grip and move your teeth more effectively. If these are not used as advised, it may affect how well your aligners track.
What To Do When Your Invisalign Isn't Tracking
If you suspect your Invisalign aligners are not tracking as they should, here are a few steps to take:
Don't Panic
Remember that not every minor misfit means your treatment is off-track. Sometimes, it might take a day or two for new aligners to fit snugly. However, if the fitting issue persists, then it may be a concern.
Check Your Wear Time
Are you wearing your aligners for the recommended 20 to 22 hours per day? If not, make sure to increase your wear time to ensure your teeth have enough consistent pressure to move as intended.
Review Your Aligner Sequence
Have you been wearing your aligners in the correct order? Skipping sets or wearing them out of sequence can cause your teeth to be in the wrong position for the next set, leading to non-tracking.
Inspect Your Aligners
Are your aligners damaged or warped in any way? If they are, they may not be able to apply the correct pressure on your teeth. Contact your orthodontist if you notice any damage to your aligners.
Use Invisalign Chewies
Invisalign Chewies can be an effective preventative measure against Invisalign not tracking correctly. They help to ensure that aligners fit snugly on your teeth by eliminating air gaps. Regular use of Chewies, especially when you change to a new set of aligners, can help maintain consistent pressure on your teeth, promoting successful and accurate alignment throughout your treatment.
Consult Your Orthodontist
While you can troubleshoot some issues at home, it's important to always consult your orthodontist if you're unsure or if your aligners continue to not track correctly. The success of Invisalign treatment relies on a combination of well-designed aligners, patient compliance, and regular check-ups with your orthodontist.
Preventive Measures for Proper Invisalign Tracking
Keeping your Invisalign treatment on track is a cooperative effort between you and your orthodontist. Here are some preventive measures that can ensure proper Invisalign tracking:
Stick to the Wear Time
Always wear your aligners for the recommended 20 to 22 hours per day. Consistent wear applies consistent pressure, which is necessary for your teeth to move to their planned positions.
Maintain Oral and Aligner Hygiene
Keeping your teeth and aligners clean can prevent damage and ensure a good fit. Avoid eating or drinking (except water) while wearing your aligners and clean them properly as advised by your orthodontist.
Use Attachments and Other Tools as Advised
If your orthodontist has recommended attachments, rubber bands, or other tools to help with your treatment, use them as advised. These tools can help the aligners fit better and move your teeth more effectively.
Regular Check-Ups
Regular check-ups with your orthodontist are important to monitor your progress and catch any potential tracking issues early.
Conclusion
Invisalign treatment is a complex process that requires a combination of expert orthodontic guidance and patient commitment for successful results.
If you find your Invisalign aligners not tracking as expected, don't worry. With early detection, professional assistance, and proactive measures, these issues can be addressed promptly to keep your treatment on course.
At Wilde Ortho, we specialize in Invisalign treatments and have helped countless patients achieve their dream smiles. We're equipped to guide you through every stage of your treatment, ensuring your aligners fit perfectly and your teeth move according to plan.
Should you encounter any issues like non-tracking, or perhaps you want an orthodontic assessment, contact us today. Our team is ready to provide solutions tailored to your unique needs.