At the beginning of your CandidPro treatment, your dentist used advanced software to map out your treatment plan. It predicted your tooth movements, resulting in a series of clear aligners designed just for you. But what if your teeth are not moving as originally planned? There are a few reasons why that might happen. Continue reading below to learn about common causes of (and solutions to) this issue.
You Are Not Wearing Your Aligners Enough
Clear aligners only work when they are on your teeth, so you should wear them as much as possible, typically for 22 hours a day. If you remove your aligners too frequently or for extended periods, they will fail to exert the necessary pressure on your teeth to guide them into their new positions.
To address this issue, you should aim to wear your aligners for the full recommended duration each day. Make a conscious effort to put them back on immediately after meals and cleaning. Set reminders or alarms on your phone to track your wear time if needed. By keeping the aligners on consistently, you will allow them to function effectively and achieve the desired results.
Your Teeth Are More Stubborn than Planned
Sometimes, teeth can be more resistant to movement than originally predicted in your treatment plan. This resistance occurs due to variations in bone density, tooth anatomy, or biological factors unique to your mouth. When teeth are stubborn, they may require additional adjustments or techniques to achieve movement.
In such cases, you should contact your dentist or orthodontist for a reassessment of your treatment. They may recommend refinements to your aligners or add attachments to your teeth to enhance the aligners’ grip. These modifications can help overcome resistance and ensure that your teeth follow the prescribed alignment path.
Your Teeth Are Colliding
Another reason for stalled tooth movement is that your teeth might be colliding or overlapping in unintended ways. When teeth collide, the aligners are unable to guide them into their proper positions because the interference prevents smooth movement. This situation may occur if there are alignment challenges or inaccuracies in your initial treatment mapping.
You should speak with your dentist if you suspect this issue. They can analyze the fit of your aligners and make adjustments to address the collisions. In some cases, they might file or reshape the edges of your teeth to reduce interference. This process, called interproximal reduction, creates space and allows the aligners to work more effectively.
You Are Not Keeping Up with Chewing Exercises
Chewing exercises are an important part of maximizing the effectiveness of clear aligners. By biting down on soft devices called chewies, you help your aligners fit more snugly against your teeth. If you do not regularly use chewies, your aligners may fail to provide the necessary pressure to move your teeth correctly.
To resolve this, you should incorporate chewing exercises into your daily routine. Use chewies several times a day, especially after inserting your aligners. Hold the chewy between your teeth and bite down gently, repeating the motion for several minutes. These exercises help aligners fit snugly your teeth, optimizing their ability to shift them as planned.
CandidPro aligners can effectively move teeth, but hiccups in the treatment can occur. If you are experiencing challenges or have questions, talk to your dentist so they can assist you.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Jordan Hardin is the highly skilled dentist at Westpark Village Dental Care. He and our team are pleased to provide CandidPro clear aligners as one of our many services. If you have questions about CandidPro or how to make a success out of it, we would be happy to speak with you. Contact our Plano office at 972-964-8989.