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Dental hygiene tips for healthy teeth & gums

What are the blue dots on my Invisalign?

The blue dot on Invisalign is called a compliance indicator. Invisalign Teen Compliance Indicators are a series of blue dots on the backs of the aligners. The dots can’t be seen when the aligner is worn. The blue dots will slowly fade away over the two weeks when the aligners are worn. If you fail to wear the aligners as you should not, the blue dots will still be visible to your orthodontist. 

The compliance indicators can also tell the orthodontist if the treatment is effective. For example, if a patient has been diligent about wearing the aligners as prescribed, yet the hoped-for tooth movement is not taking place, the orthodontist can adjust the treatment plan accordingly.

Why is a blue dot or compliance indicator important in Invisalign?

If the orthodontist consistently sees the blue dots when the patient comes back for checkups, they’ll be able to tell that the patient is probably not following directions for aligner wear. This will allow the orthodontist to remind the patient and their parents about why wearing the aligners as recommended is important. The orthodontist may even discuss other treatment options such as traditional metal braces if the patient can’t or won’t comply with Invisalign treatment instructions.Since Invisalign aligners are removable patients can take them out to eat, drink, and care for their teeth. This might make it tempting to remove them more often than prescribed and that’s where Invisalign Teen Compliance Indicators come in. In addition, the blue dots or compliance Indicators help remedy this problem, making it easier for the dentist to tell if their patients are following directions.

Lastly, if you face any problem with your Invisalign treatment it is essential to consult your dentist for proper treatment and guidance.