What Happens If You Don't Wear Your Invisalign Enough?

Invisalign treatment requires wearing your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day for optimal results. But what happens if you don't meet this requirement? Understanding the consequences of poor compliance can help motivate you to stay on track with your treatment.

Find out about our Invisalign braces in Hertfordshire, call us today on 01920 821579 or email us at info@elegancedental.co.uk

Why Is Wearing Time So Important? 

Invisalign aligners work by applying gentle, continuous pressure to gradually move your teeth into their desired positions. This process requires consistent wear to maintain the pressure needed for tooth movement.

When you don't wear your aligners for the recommended time, the pressure is interrupted, and your teeth may begin to shift back towards their original positions. This backward movement, called relapse, can significantly impact your treatment progress and final results.

The 20 to 22-hour daily requirement allows for 2 to 4 hours of aligner-free time for eating, drinking, and cleaning your teeth. This schedule ensures your teeth receive nearly constant pressure whilst still allowing for normal daily activities.

What Happens If You Skip Days of Wearing Invisalign?

Skipping entire days of wearing your aligners can have serious consequences for your treatment. Even missing one day can allow your teeth to begin shifting back, making it uncomfortable or impossible to fit your current aligners properly when you try to put them back in.

If you've missed several days, your aligners may no longer fit correctly, and you might need to go back to a previous set of aligners to re-establish the proper fit. This setback can add weeks or months to your treatment time.

In severe cases of non-compliance, you might need new impressions and a completely revised treatment plan, which can be costly and time-consuming.

How Does Poor Compliance Affect Treatment Time?

Not wearing your aligners for the recommended time will almost certainly extend your treatment duration. Each set of aligners is designed to be worn for 1 to 2 weeks, depending on your specific treatment plan.

If you're not wearing your aligners enough, your teeth won't move as planned, and you may need to wear each set for longer than originally scheduled. Some patients find their treatment time doubles when they don't comply with wearing requirements.

Additionally, poor compliance often leads to the need for refinement treatments, where additional aligners are created to achieve the desired results. This can add several months to your treatment time and increase costs.

Can You Make Up for Lost Time?

Unfortunately, you cannot make up for lost wearing time by wearing your aligners for longer periods later. Tooth movement is a biological process that cannot be rushed, and attempting to compensate by wearing aligners for extended periods can actually cause harm.

Over-wearing aligners or trying to speed up the process can lead to root damage, excessive discomfort, and other complications. The safest approach is to follow your prescribed wearing schedule consistently.

If you've missed significant wearing time, it's important to contact your orthodontist for guidance rather than trying to catch up on your own.

What Are the Signs You're Not Wearing Your Aligners Enough?

Several warning signs indicate you may not be wearing your aligners for sufficient time. If your aligners feel increasingly tight each time you put them in, this suggests your teeth are moving back between wears.

Difficulty removing your aligners or pain when inserting them can also indicate inconsistent wear. Your aligners should fit comfortably and be relatively easy to remove if you're wearing them consistently.

If your teeth don't look like they're progressing as shown in your treatment plan, this could be a sign of poor compliance affecting your results.

What If the Pain Persists For More Than A Week?

If the soreness persists for more than a week or becomes severe, it is essential to get in touch with your orthodontist immediately. The aligners might not fit correctly or there could be an issue with the way your teeth are moving. Your orthodontist may need to adjust the aligners or provide some advice on how to manage the discomfort.

While some level of discomfort is expected, severe pain is not typical and should not be ignored. It is always better to check with a professional if you have concerns about your Invisalign treatment to ensure that it is progressing as planned and to prevent any potential complications.

How to Improve Your Invisalign Compliance

Set reminders on your phone to put your aligners back in after meals. Many patients find that using alarms helps them remember to replace their aligners promptly after eating or drinking.

Keep your aligners in their case when not in your mouth, and always carry the case with you. This prevents loss and makes it easier to put them back in after meals when you're away from home.

Plan your meals and snacks to maximise your wearing time. Consider eating larger, more satisfying meals rather than frequent snacking to reduce the time your aligners are out.

What do i do if I’ve Fallen Behind on Wearing my Invisalign Braces?

If you realise you haven't been wearing your aligners enough, don't panic. Contact your orthodontist immediately to discuss your situation and get professional guidance.

Your orthodontist may recommend going back to a previous set of aligners to re-establish proper fit, or they may adjust your treatment timeline to account for the missed wearing time.

Be honest about your compliance issues – your orthodontist needs accurate information to provide the best guidance for getting your treatment back on track.

Getting Back on Track

If you've struggled with compliance, it's never too late to recommit to your treatment. Work with your orthodontist to develop strategies that help you wear your aligners consistently.

Consider the investment you've made in your smile and the importance of achieving the best possible results. With renewed commitment and proper guidance, you can still achieve the beautiful, straight smile you've been working towards.

Contact our team if you're struggling with compliance – we're here to support you throughout your Invisalign journey and help you achieve the best possible results.