Changing aligners and spaces on the edges

[vanquish]

Hey everyone. I'm on tray 7/17 for both upper and lower and I'm not really seeing the results I thought I would. But nevertheless, it is better than nothing.

3 questions:

1. Is it okay to change aligners (put it the next set) even if i didnt wear the current ones for 2 weeks? It is really easy to take off and put on the current aligners and I dont feel like they are shifting the teeth anymore.

2. For every tray that I have put on, well not all but most, there is a small empty space on the edge ofthe aligners. It looks like it is too big for my teeth or something, cant really exlpain it. Is that normal? I read somewhere that when that "emptyness" fills up, it means it is time to put in the new set of aligners... true or false?

3. How long did it take you guys to actually see good results? Mine have obviously shifted and my bite feels completely different (I count bite all the way down cuz some teeth get in the way) but they still look crooked even if im almost half way done.

Thanks in advance!

[Big_A]

Hey everyone. I'm on tray 7/17 for both upper and lower and I'm not really seeing the results I thought I would. But nevertheless, it is better than nothing.

3 questions:

1. Is it okay to change aligners (put it the next set) even if i didnt wear the current ones for 2 weeks? It is really easy to take off and put on the current aligners and I dont feel like they are shifting the teeth anymore.

2. For every tray that I have put on, well not all but most, there is a small empty space on the edge ofthe aligners. It looks like it is too big for my teeth or something, cant really exlpain it. Is that normal? I read somewhere that when that "emptyness" fills up, it means it is time to put in the new set of aligners... true or false?

3. How long did it take you guys to actually see good results? Mine have obviously shifted and my bite feels completely different (I count bite all the way down cuz some teeth get in the way) but they still look crooked even if im almost half way done.

Thanks in advance!

1) Your doctor should tell you when it's OK to start on the new trays. Someone else with more medical training than I have can explain it better, but from what I understand your teeth need time to set in their new position before moving further. The movement of the teeth is all finished within a few days on each aligner - the rest of the two weeks is for your teeth and roots to heal, and this time is very important for long term results and health. I'm sure your doctor can explain it precisely.

2) I have that small space on mine, too. Never heard anything about the space "filling up"

3) I think it's different for everyone, and for some the results look worse before they look better!

[vanquish]

thanks for the reply.

My doctor gives me 3 sets of aligners every time i go to an appointment, so right now i have an extra set im waiting to put on on the 8th of december. Im gonna wait till then haha

About the results looking worse before they look good, I think thats the case for me. My teeth, well my mouth in general, has shifted more to the right when i smile, and i think thats because the teeth on my right side have been straightened and pushed back whereas the left side doesnt look any different than what i started with. Hopefully the results will be different at the end!

[Sunny]

Hi Vanquish

It's important to never change an aligner before you're been advised to. The reason for this is to do with the way teeth move. Big A has explained it well!

That 'empty' space is an interesting question and the invisalign company we deal with has given a variety of explanations about why it's there for many patients. Our invisalign orthodontists believes the best reason is, it collects saliva and keeps it away from the teeth ... which is great if there's acid in it. How true this is ... I've no idea. I'm confident to write that it shouldn't fill up with your teeth ... as the aligners should stay in the same place for the period you wear them.

Results will depend on how obvious they are. If you compare your aligners, you will see the changes. Another good way to check what's happening is to take photos of your front and side views, plus upper and lower arch ... usually once a month is sufficient for a good comparison. The 'worse before better' look is definitely a possibility.

Talk to your ortho about your questions, as you're paying this person to look after your treatment.

Good luck!

[kailafromcanada]

I was wondering if anyone has been or had pain?? My teeth dont hurt they did a bit at the start. Im on my 2nd tray switching to 3rd on wed. It just seems like i should be having some pain?

[vanquish]

I'm in the same boat as you. My teeth have only felt sore during the first couple trays. And now evyertime I put in the new trays, i'm hoping to feel soreness (as it means they are working) but I dont feel anything at all, feels easy to take off if anything at all lol

should I be worried?

[Sunny]

If teeth are being moved correctly ... that's minimal movement at a slow continuous pace ... which invisalign is not always so good at ... then there will rarely be pain. Of course what one person considers sore or pain, can be very different to another. For example I've not had pain in the 3+ years I've had braces, although I recently had some soreness after the archwires had bends put in them. Some of my patients find this hard to believe, as they consider themselves to be experiencing pain after they first have their braces put on. I believe this sore/pain is different for different people.

If you feel soreness you should be concerned Vanquish, not the other way round. Soreness may indicate a problem with your gums, the roots of your teeth, or maybe a hygiene issue, so please don't hope for something you don't want.

[Zoso]

My advice would also be to stick to your ortho's instructions. If you really feel that your teeth are progressing faster, by all means discuss with your doc at your next appointment, and explore if he'd be willing to put you on a shorter cycle. But do not start making decisions about this on your own, or you risk your treatment going "off the rails" and if it did under such circumstances then you might find yourself having to foot the bill for "rebooting" treatment.