Life gets busy in Aurora, especially in the early fall. New school schedules and activities to work out, along with the usual full work routine, can be distracting enough to affect your or your teen’s Invisalign® wear times.
How Does Missed Wear Time Affect Invisalign Treatment?
Each Invisalign tray is designed to move your teeth a small, specific amount before you switch to the next one. When wear time drops, your teeth may not complete the planned movement for that tray. This is a tracking issue, and it means the next tray in your sequence may not fit the way it should.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends wearing aligners at least 22 hours a day for this reason. Even a few days of reduced wear can slow down progress.
How Can I Tell If I’m Not Ready for My Next Tray?
A few things to look for:
- The tray doesn't snap into place smoothly
- You notice gaps between the aligner and certain teeth
- The new tray feels unusually tight or uncomfortable compared to previous ones.
These signs don't always mean something is wrong, but they are worth your attention. If your current tray still doesn’t fit well after a day or two of full wear, it’s a good idea to check in with Dr. Baller rather than pushing ahead on your own.
What Should I Do After Missing Invisalign Wear Time?
Most importantly, avoid skipping ahead to the next tray on your own. In many cases, the best step is to simply continue wearing your current aligner full-time and give your teeth a chance to catch up.
When to Call Baller Dental and Ortho
If the new tray still isn't seating properly after a few days, call our office. We may recommend spending a little longer on your current tray. In some cases, we will need to make a small adjustment to your treatment plan. Every situation is a little different, and that's exactly why it’s best to make your care team part of the decision.
Fallen behind on your Invisalign wear? Don't guess about whether to move to your next tray. Give Dr. Baller a call at Baller Dental & Ortho at Southlands so we can help you get back on track.