Wearing Invisalign aligners consistently is key to achieving that perfect smile. But life happens—maybe you forgot to put them back in after eating or skipped a few days while on vacation. If you've missed wearing your aligners, don’t panic! Here’s what happens when you forget to wear Invisalign and how you can fix it.
What Happens If You Forget to Wear Your Invisalign
Invisalign treatment relies on continuous wear, with a recommended schedule of 20 to 22 hours per day. When this routine is interrupted, it can lead to setbacks. The longer you go without wearing your aligners, the greater the impact on your teeth and overall treatment timeline.
1. Teeth May Start to Shift Back
When you do not wear your Invisalign aligners as instructed, your teeth can begin to move back toward their original positions. The extent of this movement depends on how long you have gone without wearing them. Missing a few hours or even a single day may not have a noticeable effect, but going several days or weeks without your aligners can lead to significant shifting. This reversal of progress can extend your overall treatment time and may require additional adjustments from your dentist.
2. Your Aligners May Feel Tight or Not Fit Properly
If you forget to wear your Invisalign for a short period, you may notice that your aligners feel tighter than usual when you put them back in. This tightness is a sign that your teeth have shifted slightly in your absence. If you have gone several days or longer without wearing them, you might find it difficult to fit your aligners onto your teeth at all. Forcing aligners that do not fit properly can cause discomfort and may damage the trays.
3. Prolonged Treatment Time
Since each aligner is designed to be worn for about one to two weeks before moving on to the next set, any missed wear time can extend your total treatment duration. If you frequently forget to wear your aligners or go several days without them, you may need to stay on the same aligner longer than planned. In some cases, your dentist may need to order new aligners to account for the changes in tooth movement, further delaying your progress.
4. Potential Discomfort When Resuming Wear
If your teeth have shifted due to missing Invisalign wear time, you may experience discomfort when reinserting your aligners. This discomfort occurs because the aligners are attempting to move your teeth back into the correct position. While minor tightness is normal, significant pain or difficulty wearing the aligners could indicate that your teeth have moved too much. In such cases, it is best to consult with your dentist to determine the next steps.
How to Get Back on Track After Missing Invisalign
Did you miss a day or two? No problem. But if you’ve gone a week or more without wearing your aligners, follow these steps:
1. Try Your Current Aligners First
If your most recent aligners still fit, start wearing them again as soon as possible. They might feel snug at first, but your teeth will adjust.
2. Wear Them Full-Time
Make sure you're wearing your aligners at least 22 hours a day. Remove them only for eating, drinking (except water), and brushing.
3. Use Chewies for a Better Fit
Chewies are small rubber-like tools that help your aligners fit more snugly over your teeth. If your aligners feel tight, bite on chewies for a few minutes to help them settle.
4. Don't Skip to the Next Set
If your current aligners don’t fit, don’t jump to the next set without consulting your dentist. Doing so can lead to improper tooth movement.
5. Call Your Dentist if They Don’t Fit
If your aligners no longer fit properly, schedule an appointment with a Selkirk dentist. They can assess your teeth and determine whether you need a new scan or adjustments to your treatment.
How to Avoid Missing Invisalign Wear Time
To prevent future setbacks, try these tips:
Set Reminders: Use alarms on your phone to remind you to wear your aligners after eating.
Keep a Case Handy: Always carry your Invisalign case with you to avoid misplacing your aligners.
Establish a Routine: Make wearing Invisalign a habit, just like brushing your teeth.
Check-in with Your Dentist Regularly: Routine visits to your dentist ensure your treatment stays on track.
Need Help with Invisalign in Selkirk?
If you have forgotten to wear your Invisalign and are unsure of the next steps, do not hesitate to reach out for professional guidance. At Selkirk Crossing Dental, we are committed to helping patients achieve their perfect smile with expert Invisalign treatment.
Contact our clinic today to schedule an appointment with a dentist in Selkirk and ensure your Invisalign journey stays on track.