May 7, 2024
Are you experiencing discomfort or noticing that your Invisalign aligners don’t seem to fit perfectly? You’re not alone. Invisalign is a widely chosen orthodontic treatment known for its aesthetics and convenience compared to traditional braces.
However, like any dental treatment, it’s not without its challenges, with one common issue being aligners that are not tracking correctly. "Tracking" is a term used to describe how well the aligners fit over your teeth, and it’s crucial for the success of your treatment.
In this article, we'll get into why your Invisalign might not be aligning with your teeth as expected and provide you with practical solutions to get your smile journey back on track.
What Does "Not Tracking" Mean in Invisalign Treatment?
When we talk about Invisalign not tracking, we're referring to a situation where the aligners are not fitting snugly against your teeth as they should. This misalignment can be noticed when there are noticeable gaps between the teeth and the edges of the aligner or if the aligner feels loose.
Proper tracking is essential because each aligner is designed to move your teeth in small increments. If the aligner doesn’t fit correctly, it means your teeth are not moving according to the planned course, which can lead to extended treatment times or less effective results.
Not tracking might manifest as an aligner that seems to pop off easily or doesn’t click into place around your teeth. In some cases, patients might feel increased discomfort or pressure in areas where the aligner is not making adequate contact with the teeth.
Understanding the signs of non-tracking early can help in taking timely corrective actions, ensuring your treatment progresses smoothly towards achieving that perfect smile.
Common Reasons Why Your Invisalign Isn't Tracking
Invisalign not tracking can be frustrating, but understanding the common causes can help you address the issue effectively.
Here are some of the reasons why your aligners might not be performing as expected:
- Improper Fit: Initially, aligners are designed based on precise dental impressions. If these impressions are inaccurate or if there’s a slight error in the manufacturing process, the aligners might not fit perfectly. This is one of the primary reasons for non-tracking, as the aligners depend on a precise fit to move teeth effectively.
- Non-compliance with Wear Schedule: Invisalign treatment requires a commitment to wearing the aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours per day. Skipping days or not wearing the aligners for the recommended hours can prevent the aligners from fitting properly and disrupt the movement of your teeth.
- Complicated Tooth Movements: Some teeth or bite issues are more complex to correct and may not respond as expected to the aligners. In such cases, additional interventions like attachments or adjustments in the aligners might be necessary to ensure proper tracking.
- Damaged Aligners: Aligners can become damaged due to rough handling, eating with them on, or cleaning them improperly. Even minor damage can affect how well the aligner fits, leading to tracking issues.
What to Do If Your Invisalign Is Not Tracking
If you find that your Invisalign is not tracking correctly, addressing the issue promptly is crucial for maintaining the effectiveness of your orthodontic treatment.
Here are comprehensive steps to follow:
Consult Your Orthodontist
If you notice your aligners are not fitting well, it’s vital to contact your orthodontist immediately. They are equipped to assess the fit and function of your aligners and can quickly determine whether adjustments or a completely new treatment approach is needed.
This step ensures that any deviations from the treatment plan are corrected before they become more significant issues.
Get a New Set of Aligners if Necessary
Your orthodontist might find that your current aligners have become warped or that your teeth have shifted in an unexpected manner.
In such cases, a new set of aligners may be necessary to realign your treatment plan with your current dental structure. This ensures the continued effectiveness of your treatment, keeping your progress on track towards your desired outcome.
Use Invisalign Chewies
Chewies are a helpful tool in ensuring your aligners fit snugly and are seated properly. These small, soft cushioning devices are bitten down on to help push the aligners onto your teeth, improving the fit and aiding in correct tracking.
By using them several times a day, especially after putting your aligners back in, you can help eliminate air gaps between your teeth and the aligners, which improves the effectiveness of each aligner phase.
This action can be particularly beneficial after meals and before bed, ensuring maximum contact and pressure distribution.
Stick to Proper Wearing Schedule
Adhering strictly to the prescribed wearing schedule of 22 hours a day can prevent the need for prolonged treatment or additional adjustments. This discipline involves not only the number of hours each day but also the sequence and duration for which each set of aligners is worn.
It is essential for the aligners to exert the right amount of pressure during the right stages of your treatment. If compliance is an issue, consider setting reminders or alarms as a prompt to wear and remove aligners at the correct times.
Consider 'Backtracking'
Sometimes, returning to a previous set of aligners can help re-align your treatment progression. This method, known as 'backtracking,' can be useful if the current aligners seem less effective.
Your orthodontist can guide you on how long to wear the previous set before attempting to advance again, ensuring that each step maximizes its intended effect.
Monitor Changes and Progress
Regular monitoring of your treatment not only helps in catching issues early but also in documenting your progress. Share any concerns with your orthodontist during your check-ups, and don’t hesitate to report any discomfort or unexpected changes immediately.
This proactive communication helps adjust your treatment plan dynamically, adapting to your needs and ensuring optimal results.
Conclusion
Ensuring your aligners are tracking correctly is crucial for the effectiveness of your treatment. It's vital to follow your orthodontist's instructions closely and to communicate any issues promptly so it can be quickly addressed.
If you are in need of invisalign treatment, look no further than Sandy Smiles Orthodontics. We pride ourselves on delivering the best Invisalign treatment in Fort Walton Beach and DeFuniak Springs, FL.
Led by Dr. Morgan Zwickel, our board-certified orthodontist, we are committed to providing high-quality, personalized care that meets your specific dental needs.
Our practice is equipped with the latest in orthodontic technology to ensure effective and efficient treatment outcomes. So, if you're just beginning your smile journey or looking to resolve specific orthodontic concerns, Sandy Smiles Orthodontics is your trusted partner.
We invite you to experience the excellence that has earned us the reputation as the top orthodontic clinic in the region. Come in for a consultation and see how we can help you achieve the smile you've always wanted.