Orland Park, IL – Clear Aligners are a popular choice for orthodontic treatment due to their discreet appearance and comfort. Unlike traditional braces, they are removable, allowing patients to maintain their usual diet and oral care routine. However, this flexibility can be a double-edged sword. What should you do if you’ve skipped wearing your aligners as prescribed?

“Clear Aligners work through a series of customized trays designed to gradually shift your teeth into their ideal positions,” explains Dr. Ayas Makki. “Each set of aligners is meticulously calibrated to achieve specific movements in your teeth before moving on to the next stage of treatment.”

At Orland Park Orthodontics, we provide detailed instructions on how to use your aligners effectively. Typically, aligners should be worn for about 22 hours a day and changed every 10-14 days. What happens if you don’t adhere to this schedule?

Simply put, your aligners won’t be as effective. The longer you go without wearing them, the more your treatment plan is disrupted, potentially extending the overall duration of your treatment. Additionally, any progress made could be reversed as your teeth begin to shift back to their original positions.

Why is this an issue? Clear Aligners apply continuous pressure to your teeth, which helps to relax the surrounding ligaments and facilitate movement through the bone. This process requires consistent pressure. Failing to wear your aligners as directed can undo the progress and result in misalignment.

If your teeth start reverting to their previous positions, your aligners might no longer fit correctly. Each aligner set is designed to move your teeth in a specific way, so if the intended movement is lost, the aligners will not work as effectively. In such cases, it’s crucial to contact your orthodontist in Orland Park, IL. Dr. Makki might advise you to go back to a previous aligner set to realign your treatment.

Not following the prescribed schedule can extend your treatment time. Each period of non-compliance adds time to your overall treatment. Adhering closely to your orthodontist’s instructions ensures a more efficient process.

Aligners should only be removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. Establishing this habit early will help maintain the pace of your treatment.

“Clear Aligners demand a high level of patient commitment to achieve the best results,” says Dr. Makki. “They can deliver outstanding results, but only if you follow the treatment plan diligently. If you’re concerned about maintaining compliance, Clear Aligners might not be the ideal choice for you.”

If you have questions about Clear Aligners or need guidance on your treatment, contact Orland Park Orthodontics today.