You’ve been wearing clear aligners for months and watching your teeth slowly move toward their desired location. Then, weeks go by without any movement. What’s wrong? Why are your teeth suddenly stalling? This is a problem many people face while undergoing clear aligner treatment. Fortunately, there are several reasons why this can happen, each of which your dentist can help you overcome. Discover what might be the problem and how you can keep your smile moving in the right direction.
What is Causing Your Teeth to Stall While Wearing Clear Aligners?
Clear aligner treatment is highly effective, but not every smile is the same. Patients may experience difficulty because certain teeth are more stubborn than others and fail to move at the proper pace.
There are several reasons why your teeth may not be shifting as they should, including:
- Failure to wear your clear aligners for the full 20-22 hours a day
- Certain teeth are more stubborn and don’t want to move as they should
- Your teeth are colliding, making it difficult for them to move correctly
- You are failing to clean your trays regularly, so they have a foul odor and taste bad, so you don’t want to wear them
- You’ve developed tooth decay, gum disease, or need to have a tooth removed, causing your aligners to no longer be as effective
How Can Your Dentist Put Your Smile Back on Track?
To avoid further delays in treatment, your dentist will need to identify the underlying reason your teeth are not moving. In addition to a visual examination and X-rays, they may ask you about your daily habits, whether you are wearing your trays enough, and how well you are taking care of them at home.
In certain cases, additional attachments, such as rubber bands, and buttons may be necessary to encourage one or more teeth to move. Restorative treatment may also be necessary if your dentist needs to address dental decay or gum disease.
If the problem is that you are not wearing your aligners enough or not cleaning them properly, there are apps you can download to help you track your wear time. You can also set reminders on your phone to clean your aligners in the morning and at night, and to soak them at least once a day to help keep them free of harmful bacteria.
It may not always be your fault if your teeth fail to move with clear aligners. Just be sure to reach out to your dentist for help so they can identify the reason and put your smile back on track.
About Grand Dental – Lake Zurich
Wearing clear aligners to straighten your teeth can give you the confidence you need to enjoy life with a healthier, more aesthetically pleasing smile. However, if you notice a problem while receiving treatment, call our team at Grand Dental – Lake Zurich. Our in-house orthodontist is available to keep your teeth moving, regardless of why they suddenly stop. If you are having a problem with your clear aligners, visit our website or call (847) 438-8136 to schedule an appointment.