If you’re correcting your bite with the help of clear aligners, you’ve probably already noticed how flexible and efficient your treatment is. The great news about this treatment is that it’s very self-guided, meaning much of its success is up to the patient. But while this can be a huge plus when things are going well, what happens when your teeth aren’t moving on schedule?
Here are some common reasons why you may be struggling to progress with clear aligners, and what you can do to get back on track.
Improve Your Time Management
One of the top reasons patients struggle with staying on schedule with their clear aligners is that they’re not meeting the 22-hour time requirement each day. If you’ve been taking yours out for more than two hours a day, this could slow down your progress. Thus, be sure to meet the 22-hour-a-day time commitment for best results.
If you’re having trouble dividing your time properly, the app store for your phone or tablet has a few different apps you can download to help you time your breaks better. They may require a purchase, but they can be well worth the investment if they help keep your treatment on track!
Do Your Chewing Exercises
If your dentist has prescribed regular chewing exercises to help loosen your teeth so they’ll move faster, be sure to do them. They might seem silly or pointless but believe it or not they can make a huge difference in the time it takes to complete your treatment.
Tooth Collisions
Another problem some users encounter is known as tooth collision. This occurs when your teeth bump into each other. If you are experiencing this, your dentist may perform an interproximal reduction (IPR) to reduce your teeth, so they no longer collide.
Individual Results May Vary
It is still sometimes possible to be doing everything as directed and still not experience the progress you’d like. If this is you, don’t give up hope! While your treatment may not be completed on the original schedule your dentist provided, your teeth will move eventually. If you’re concerned, talk to your dentist and see if there’s anything you can do to speed things up, such as bite exercises (if you’re not doing them already).
Remember, the schedule for completement in your treatment plan is an estimate, and not set in stone, but factors including how you care for your teeth and your individual biology can also affect your timeline. If you are falling short of schedule, speak to your dentist about what you can do to get your treatment back on track.
About Dr. Julian
Dr. Clark Julian’s love for dentistry began as a child when his peers teased him for his smile. Instead of letting it get to him, Dr. Julian used it as motivation to become a dentist, helping patients of all ages improve their smile and their self-esteem, too!
If you’d like to reveal a more beautiful, healthy smile with the help of clear aligners, let Dr. Julian discuss your clear aligner options with you today. This treatment is faster and more discreet than traditional braces and can be started on patients as young as 13.
To schedule an appointment, please visit our website or call us today at 480-482-7178.