If you don’t wear your clear aligners for the recommended 22 hours a day, it can lead to a range of issues that could affect the progress of your orthodontic treatment. Here’s what can happen:
1. Slower Progress
Clear aligners like Angel Aligners and Invisalign work by applying constant, gentle pressure to shift your teeth into the correct position. If you don’t wear them for the full 22 hours a day, your teeth won’t move as efficiently, and the treatment will take longer. You may not be ready to switch to your next aligner tray on schedule, which delays your overall treatment timeline.
2. Teeth May Shift Back
If you regularly leave your aligners out for extended periods, your teeth can begin to shift back to their original positions. This is especially problematic if you forget to wear them overnight. Every hour the aligners are out of your mouth, your teeth lose some of the progress you’ve made, which could result in the need to repeat certain stages of treatment.
3. Aligners May No Longer Fit
If you frequently skip wearing your aligners, your teeth may shift enough that the current set of aligners won’t fit properly. When this happens, you may need to go back a few steps and wear previous aligners until your teeth realign. In more severe cases, your orthodontist may need to create new aligners, adding extra time and cost to your treatment.
4. Increased Discomfort
Wearing your aligners inconsistently can lead to increased discomfort. Each time you put your aligners back in after leaving them out for too long, they might feel tighter or more uncomfortable because your teeth have shifted. Regular, consistent wear helps your teeth adjust gradually, minimizing discomfort.
5. Extended Treatment Time
The most common consequence of not wearing your clear aligners as instructed is extended treatment time. If your teeth aren’t moving according to plan, your treatment could take several months longer than originally expected. This can be frustrating and may also incur additional costs.
6. Risk of Needing Retreatment
Inconsistent aligner wear increases the risk that your teeth won’t reach the desired final position. If this happens, you may require a second round of treatment, either with new aligners or additional orthodontic options like braces, to correct any remaining issues.
How to Stay on Track
- Set reminders: Set alarms or phone reminders to make sure you’re wearing your aligners as prescribed.
- Always carry your case: When you remove your aligners to eat, drink, or clean them, keep your aligner case handy to avoid losing them or forgetting to put them back in.
- Stay disciplined: The more consistently you wear your aligners, the faster and more smoothly your treatment will progress.
Broadbeach Orthodontics Is Here to Help
If you’ve missed significant aligner wear time or are having trouble keeping up with the 22-hour requirement, don’t hesitate to contact us at Broadbeach Orthodontics. We can offer guidance to help you stay on track and ensure you get the best results from your treatment. We put you and your family first, every step of the way!
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