If you’re getting Invisalign treatment in Wauwatosa and you notice that your Invisalign trays aren’t “tracking” your teeth properly, leading to gaps between the aligner and the tooth, don’t panic. There are a few simple things you can do to ensure that your Invisalign treatment proceeds properly. Follow this guide from McCue Dental Health to make sure you get the help you need.

1- Start By Using Invisalign “Chewies” To Seat Your Aligners Properly

You can get Invisalign “chewies” from your dentist or online. They’re shaped similarly to a cotton roll, and are made out of a soft, yet durable material. By chewing one of these chewies for a few minutes per day after you put in your aligners, you can make sure they’re seating onto your teeth properly.

After you switch to a new set of aligners, they’re very tight on your teeth, so you might have trouble getting them all the way on. Gently chewing an Invisalign chewie helps force the plastic material over your teeth, keeping your aligners on track.

2- Make Sure You’re Wearing Your Aligners For At Least 20-22 Hours Each Day

You should be wearing your aligners at all times, unless you are eating or drinking (except for water), or you’re brushing and flossing. Most dentists recommend 20 hours per day as the bare minimum for wearing your aligners. Ideally, you should wear them for 22+ hours each day.

If you are not wearing your aligners for long enough each day, it’s likely that your treatment will fall behind, which can cause delays and issues with your Invisalign trays tracking your teeth properly.

3- Consider Asking Your Dentist About “Backtracking” To An Earlier Set Of Aligners

If your aligners still don’t fit properly, you may want to contact your dentist to ask about “backtracking” to your previous set of aligners. It’s possible that your teeth just need a little bit more time to get adjusted to their new position. 

Don’t do this without asking your dentist, though. They will likely need to make some adjustments to your treatment if you backtrack, so it’s important to work with them to ensure you get the best results from Invisalign.

4- Get An Invisalign Treatment Revision To Correct Your Smile

This is your last resort. If none of the above options are working and your Invisalign trays still aren’t tracking, you may need to work with your dentist to revise your treatment. 

The models used to create your Invisalign trays aren’t perfect, so if one or more of your teeth moves more slowly than anticipated, it’s possible that some of your trays may need to be remade, and your treatment will need to be adjusted accordingly. 

This isn’t a huge deal, though. Invisalign treatment revisions are not uncommon, and are an expected part of the treatment process. Get in touch with your dentist, like Dr. Shaun McCue, tell them about the situation, and schedule an appointment to learn more about the appropriate next steps.

Interested In Invisalign In Wauwatosa? Dr. Shaun McCue Is Here To Help!

At McCue Dental Health, we specialize in Invisalign treatment for eligible patients of all ages. As an Invisalign expert, Dr. Shaun McCue will guide you throughout the entire Invisalign process, and ensure you get the smile you deserve. To learn more and get started, just contact us online or give us a call at (414) 456-1091.