How to Tell if Invisalign is Working

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses clear aligners to apply gentle pressure to the teeth. Learn how to tell if your Invisalign is working correctly.

How to Tell if Invisalign is Working

Invisalign is a discreet and comfortable orthodontic treatment that uses clear aligners to apply gentle pressure to the teeth. To ensure that the aligners are working, they must fit tightly around the teeth and not be loose or rock in any area. If the Invisalign tray starts to feel loose after the second or third week of treatment, it means that the aligners have moved your teeth and are working. To check that the aligners fit properly, there should be gaps in the aligners inside the teeth and they should fit tightly to the edge of the teeth.

Symptoms of poor follow-up include loose teeth, a space in the tray between the teeth, and a lack of adequate teeth in the tray. Fortunately, many of our patients tell us that after just one or two weeks of full time use, they're actually more comfortable with the aligners on than with them removed. Full-time use means wearing the aligners for at least 22 hours a day. You only need to remove them for a total of 2 hours a day to eat, drink and brush your teeth. You'll know that your tooth movements progress well when each new set of aligners fits your teeth comfortably. Conversely, a lack of full time wear can cause each aligner to fit worse and worse.

This will create an eventual need to take new impressions or scans and remake the aligners. This will prolong treatment time, so it's important to be diligent when using your aligners. When the patient removes the worn aligner, take a look and see if the indicator has faded to any degree. Many people who previously had braces choose Invisalign as the discreet solution to improve their smile when they discover that their teeth have shifted backwards. In addition to wearing your Invisalign trays for 22 hours a day, you should also chew on chewable tablets every morning and night while wearing them.

This will help apply the right amount of pressure so that they sit comfortably on your teeth. It may take a couple of days for your tongue to get used to having Invisalign aligners in your mouth, and you may have a slight lisp. Most doctors recommend that anyone who has completed orthodontic treatment, either with braces or with Invisalign, use a retainer to prevent teeth from gradually moving to their starting position. Invisalign works by putting gentle pressure on your teeth, so you can also expect to experience slight pain or discomfort if they are tracked correctly. Unlike other brands, Invisalign clear aligners are made of patented SmartTrack material, which is more comfortable and provides a better fit. When the compliance indicator was first introduced in aligners, it was used specifically for the Invisalign Teen product, both as a means of reassuring parents that compliance could be monitored and as a motivation for teens to wear the aligners. In conclusion, it's important to wear your Invisalign trays for at least 22 hours a day and chew on chewable tablets every morning and night while wearing them.

This will ensure that you get the best results from your Invisalign treatment and prevent any further delays in treatment time.

Bernadette Livas
Bernadette Livas

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