Straightening your teeth with the help of CandidPro clear aligners is one of the fastest ways to get the orthodontic treatment you need without the hassle of traditional braces. But what happens if your teeth aren’t “tracking” according to schedule? If you find that your smile is not progressing at the estimated rate, here are a few reasons why you could be falling behind, and what you can do to get back on track!
Minimum Wear
One of the most important ways to ensure that your treatment goes according to schedule is to wear your aligners at least 22 hours each day. Yes, you can still remove them for meals and non-water beverages, as well as to clean them and your teeth, but be sure that this free time does not exceed two hours a day. If you are having a hard time meeting this requirement, try soaking your aligners while you eat so you can make the most efficient use of your time, or try cutting back on snacks and beverages during the day.
Chewing Exercises
Your dentist may recommend chewing exercises during your treatment. These are designed to help move your teeth into their desired position by pushing them when they are seated. Each time you swallow or clench your teeth, they come together to tighten your trays, but unfortunately this only applies to your molars. The rest of your teeth sometimes need a little help. Thus, chewing exercises were designed to help give those stubborn front teeth an extra push. But if you’re not doing them as prescribed, you could be slowing your progress. Therefore, it is extremely important that you follow your dentist’s instructions. This will hopefully give your teeth the stimulation they need to move according to plan.
Estimated Timeline Differences
When you begin treatment with CandidPro, your estimated timeline for completion is just that: an estimate. There are several factors that could influence how long your teeth take to move into their desired position, but your individual anatomy is the ultimate deciding factor. You could be doing everything right, wearing your aligners according to schedule, doing your chewing exercises, and properly caring for your teeth and gums, and your body may still take a little bit longer to cooperate with treatment. If that’s the case, don’t be discouraged. Sometimes it does take a bit longer than you’d like, but your persistence will pay off in the end.
Remember, to complete your CandidPro treatment as closely as possible to your estimated schedule, it’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions carefully and don’t cut corners. While it is largely dependent on your individual anatomy, your treatment should still quite accurately mirror the timeline proposed at your CandidPro consultation.
About Our Practice
At Little Rock Family Dental Care, we know you lead a busy life, that’s why we have three convenient locations to make getting the dental care you need as fast and easy as possible. Whether it’s time for your semi-annual exam and cleaning, you need emergency treatment, or you’d like to straighten your teeth faster with CandidPro clear aligners, we’re here to help.
To schedule a consultation for CandidPro, please visit our website or call us today at the location closest to you!