What Happens If You Accidentally Skipped Invisalign Trays?

Many people today are choosing clear aligners to straighten their teeth. The removable aligners are ideal for those who want a discreet orthodontic solution for their dental issues. Invisalign treatment involves the use of customized plastic aligners. 

The orthodontist creates a series of trays that apply gradual pressure to the teeth, shifting them to the desired position. An individual must wear each tray in the correct order to ensure effectiveness. So, what happens if you accidentally skipped Invisalign trays?

Benefits of Invisalign Aligners 

Invisalign aligners work like traditional braces in that they help straighten teeth, but they do so without the metal. There are several benefits of using clear aligners.

• They are made from clear plastic, making them nearly invisible

• They are removable, meaning you can eat what you want

• Unlike traditional metal braces, you remove the aligners before brushing and flossing. It makes it easier to keep the teeth clean

• Invisalign aligners work effectively to align the teeth, and you can track the results

• Treatment is fast, usually taking around 12 to 16 months

Using Invisalign Correctly 

A 3-D image of the patient’s mouth and jaw allows the orthodontist to create a customized treatment plan. The plan involves creating a series of aligners that move the teeth into the proper position. To be effective, patients must wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily. 

Your orthodontist will instruct you when to switch to a new set of aligners. Following instructions, including wearing the correct aligners or not skipping a tray, is crucial. 

Progressive Treatment Plan

Invisalign trays work in a sequence, where each new tray is tighter than the previous one, ensuring continued pressure on the teeth. You should not go out of order because skipping a tray can affect the treatment results. 

In some cases, the orthodontist may recommend that you move to the next sequence after checking the treatment progress. It usually happens towards the end of the treatment. However, this is not something you should decide to do on your own. Always check with the orthodontist to avoid treatment delays.  

Skipping Invisalign Trays

Using Invisalign is convenient, but it also means it is easier to lose or accidentally skip a tray. Many Invisalign users forget to wear their aligners or accidentally skip one tray and move to the next one. You need to wear the aligners correctly for them to be effective. 

Failure to do this can cause the teeth to drift out of position. It can set the treatment back and cause delays. Skipping a tray alters the treatment plan, and it is necessary to visit your dental practitioner when this happens. 

Creating Good Habits

The best way to avoid accidentally skipping Invisalign trays is by creating good habits. Planning will help ensure that you do not mix up your trays. Using different colored cases can help you keep track of the trays. It also helps to number the cases and indicate the dates for use. Reading the dates before using a new tray will help avoid mistakes.

Failing to follow the correct sequence can alter the treatment, but quick action can help reduce delays significantly. Skipping trays will mean that you move before your teeth are ready for that stage. The teeth will not be in the correct position for the tray, which can cause extreme discomfort.

For more on what happens if you accidentally skipped Invisalign trays, call Align Dental at (617) 340-5300 to reach our Boston, Massachusetts office.