Invisalign - Is It Appropriate to Return to Tray 1 in the Middle of a Treatment Plan?

Sometimes a tray doesn't fit or gets lost, so we suggest going back one tray to be sure teeth are where they should be.  However, this is often the point that a "mid course correction" is done, which is done by taking new impressions and sending to Invisalign for a new set of trays.  The NEW set will start with a number 1, but it won't be the same as the number one you used at first; the teeth have moved.

There likely is a simple misunderstanding.

Standard protocol when a tray does not fit properly is to go back to one tray not to the beginning (tray 1).  You should check with your dentist to clarify the situation but I would recommend you go back to tray 10.  Hope this helps

 

 

Look for daylight to determine which aligner fits best. Daylight is space between the edges of the teeth and the inside of the plastic tray. Teeth not moving as planned can be due to the aligners not being worn full time, or to lack of space for movement. Your doctor will know if space for movement is adequate. You know if your compliance with aligner wear is up to the required level - we tell our patients 22 hours per day, or 300 hours per aligner before going to the next one. Aligners need to be worn full time to give the bone around the roots time to heal in the new position, whether you feel pressure or not.

The standard protocol when a tray doesn't fit properly, is to go back 1 tray, NOT back to Tray #1. In your case, it would mean going back to tray #10. Please call your dentist to clarify.
 

You are absolutely right, this makes no sense.  Common practice is to go back to the last aligner that fit, in your case aligner 10.  Then other aligners may need to be re-ordered in order to continue with treatment.  This is not uncommon.   Go back and talk to your doctor!