Ask the Dentist: What Happens When You Take a Break from Wearing Your Clear Aligners?

 

Clear aligners (such as Invisalign) offer a comfortable and modern approach to straightening teeth, without traditional braces. Typically worn 20 to 22 hours a day, these custom-made trays gradually align your teeth. They need to be changed according to the interval stipulated by your orthodontist, usually 7-14 days, as your teeth move closer to their desired positions. What happens if you take a break from wearing them?

Taking a break from wearing aligners, even briefly, can significantly affect your treatment progress. Clear aligners work by applying consistent pressure to gently move your teeth. When you stop wearing them, even for a day or two, your teeth may begin to shift back to their original positions. Also known as a dental relapse, this regression can undo some of the progress you've made. You might have to wear your current aligners longer before moving on to the next one.

Longer breaks can lead to even more noticeable setbacks. If you stop wearing your aligners for a week or more, your teeth could shift enough that your current aligners no longer fit. In such circumstances, you may need to revert to a previous set of aligners or even have a new series made, significantly extending your treatment time and possibly increasing the overall treatment fee.

It's also worth noting that taking breaks can cause discomfort when you start wearing your aligners again. Your teeth may have shifted slightly, making the aligners feel tighter and more uncomfortable than before.

In summary, consistency is critical to the success of your aligner treatment. To achieve the best results, it's crucial to wear your aligners as advised by your orthodontist, minimising breaks to ensure steady progress and a smoother journey toward your perfect smile!

Dr Soh Shean Han is an Orthodontist with Specialist Dental Group®. She received her specialty training in Orthodontics from University of Washington-Health Sciences School of Dentistry, USA. She is an Adjunct Senior Lecturer with National University of Singapore and a Visiting Associate Consultant at National University Centre for Oral Health, Singapore. Dr Soh provides orthodontic treatment across all ages, including young kids and adults. She has a special interest in clear aligner treatment and the management of jaw deformities. vwww.specialistdentalgroup.com | (65) 6733 7883