Why Some Patients Do Not See Big Improvements After 5 Months of Aligners Treatment?
Feel free to ask ASK Dr BAK AI about your dental questions. Click on the button “ASK Dr BAK AI”
Not Seeing Results After 5 Months of Clear Aligners? Here’s What Might Be Going On
Clear aligners like Invisalign are designed to produce steady, visible improvements when worn properly. So what happens if you’re five months into treatment and feel like you’re not seeing any progress? If that sounds like you, there’s a high chance the issue isn’t the aligners—it’s how they’re being worn. Let’s explore why results might seem slow, how to tell if you’re on track, and what to do if you’re not.
Aligners Are Precise—But Only When Worn as Prescribed
Clear aligners work by applying constant pressure to your teeth, which triggers bone remodeling and allows your teeth to shift into alignment. But for this pressure to be effective, you must:
✅ Wear your aligners 20–22 hours a day
✅ Change trays on schedule—typically every 1 to 2 weeks
✅ Avoid delays between trays due to missed wear time
If you’re still on aligner #2 or #3 after five months, that’s a clear sign that treatment has stalled. In most standard cases—even complex ones—you should be well into tray #10 or beyond by the five-month mark.
How to Check Your Progress
One simple way to check whether your aligners are working is to compare your current tray with the first one you wore:
📏 Do This:
Hold both aligners side by side
Look at the shape, position, and fit
Even small shifts should be visible—especially in the front teeth
While the change may not be dramatic, it should be noticeable. No change after 5 months? That’s a red flag.
Common Reasons for Lack of Progress
1. Not Wearing Aligners Enough
Missing wear time—even just a few hours a day—adds up. Inconsistent pressure = inconsistent results.
2. Skipping or Repeating Trays Incorrectly
Switching trays too early or staying in one too long can interrupt the movement plan.
3. Loss or Damage to Trays
Lost or ill-fitting trays can stall movement, especially if replacements weren’t worn promptly.
4. Not Communicating with Your Dentist
Regular check-ins help your provider monitor progress and catch issues before they become setbacks.
What to Do If You’re Behind Schedule
If you’re five months in and not seeing results:
Take inventory of how many trays you’ve actually worn
Compare your current aligner with your original tray
Be honest about your wear time
Contact your dentist immediately for a progress review
Your dentist may decide to:
Restart or revise your treatment plan
Order refinement trays
Re-scan your teeth to adjust future aligners
Recommend better wear strategies
The sooner you regroup, the sooner you can get back on track.
Dr. Bak’s Approach: Progress Built on Partnership
Dr. Bak Nguyen has over 25 years of experience in orthodontics and knows how to spot slow progress early—and how to correct course quickly. Whether you’re a few trays behind or need a full reassessment, he’ll guide you with clarity, compassion, and expert precision.
Book a free virtual consultation to learn more about your case, its treatment time and cost with Dr Bak Nguyen (the real one).
What are aligners made of - Invisalign plastic material - Clear correct - Straumann - BPA-free aligners - Medical-grade plastic in clear aligners - Clear aligners comfort - Invisalign durability - Biocompatible orthodontic plastic - Orthodontist Montreal - Clear braces material -Aligner composition