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Why Shouldn't Invisalign Sets Be Replaced Quicker?

I have a question about my Invisalign express sets. You're suppose to be putting a new set every two weeks, but I've kinda been putting them on a little faster.

The only thing I can really think of why they don't want you to be changing them so quickly is because your teeth are moving quicker, therefore it can be more painful.

My teeth are looking great! But is there a certain reason why I shouldn't be changing them so quickly? I know it's Invisalign express so it won't take long, but I'm one of those guys that likes to see quick results. Thanks.

Doctor Answers 5

Speeding up Invisalign

August 31st, 2009
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It's great that you are excited about and happy with your Invisalign results so far. It is important to leave the trays in for the minimum of 2 weeks, however. You can see the teeth above the gums moving (the crowns of the teeth), but the roots of the teeth (under the gums) need time to catch up. If you move them too quickly, you run the risk of causing root resorption.

Gerilyn Alfe, DMD


Chicago Dentist
5.0 out of 5 stars 1 review

Certain amount of movement prescribed per tray and will require a certain amount of time.

September 2nd, 2009
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There is a certain amount of movement prescribed per tray based upon biological tooth movement. Generally, the aligners require 2 weeks for this movement. There is some individual variation, but this is generally by only a few days.

While you may feel that aligners are moving the teeth properly through to the next tray, problems may be imperceptible until several aligners into treatment. This is because the movement for each tray is only a fraction of a mm.

If you have any additional concerns, please speak to your Invisalign orthodontist or dentist.

Jason K. Tam, DDS

Jason K. Tam, DDS
Toronto Orthodontist

Dangers of speeding up your Invisalign case

August 28th, 2009
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If you speed up your case (change your trays more frequently) you will run the risk of your roots resorbing -- possibly leading to loss of teeth in most severe cases. The timing of the trays is to move your teeth without damage; too fast and your roots may become damaged. Be careful!

Web reference: http://www.atlantadentalspa.com/pages/services/Atlanta_invisalign.htm

Susan Goode Estep, DMD

Susan Goode Estep, DMD
Atlanta Dentist
5.0 out of 5 stars 3 reviews

Long term stability is the goal

August 25th, 2009
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While we have seen people elect to replace the aligners every week instead of the suggested 2 weeks, what appears to happen is the result is not as stable. The ultimate goal is achieved, but over time the teeth tend to migrate. Anecdotally, it seems the bone never had a chance to settle.

The other risk is that if teeth move too quickly, the body can be triggered to resorb (or eat away, like Pac-Man) the roots of the teeth. As a rule, this is bad.

Web reference: http://www.bestseattledentist.com/html/invisalign-seattle.html

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD
Seattle Dentist
4.3 out of 5 stars 6 reviews

Don't speed Invisalign up!

September 3rd, 2009
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If you speed up your own treatment, then you could permanently damage your roots. You're not a dentist or orthodontist so please don't act like one. Do what the doctor prescribes and you'll do fine. Two weeks is the shortest amount of time that you should wear the aligners...period!

Michael J. Thomas, DDS

Michael J. Thomas, DDS
Los Angeles Dentist
3.0 out of 5 stars 2 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.