If you’re starting orthodontic treatment in Calgary, you’ve probably heard your orthodontist talk about “compliance.” But what does that really mean? Simply put:
Compliance in orthodontics means doing the things your orthodontist asks of you. It’s cooperation combined with motivation.
If you want your treatment to be as fast as possible with the best end result, you must follow all instructions given to you.
At Impact Orthodontics, Dr. Jen, Dr. Dena, and Dr. Wendy consider compliance the single most important factor in successful orthodontic treatment.
Whether you’re wearing braces or Invisalign aligners, following your care plan makes all the difference in how quickly you get your perfect smile.
What Does Orthodontic Compliance Look Like?
Every patient has different needs based on their treatment type. Here’s what compliance typically looks like for patients at our Calgary orthodontic office:
| Compliance Requirement | What It Means |
| Wearing aligners 22 hours a day | Clear aligner patients must keep aligners in nearly all day and night, only removing them to eat and brush |
| Taking Virtual Monitoring scans weekly | Submit scans every single week as instructed so your orthodontist can track your progress |
| Brushing teeth twice a day | Keep your teeth clean to prevent cavities and staining during treatment |
| Flossing teeth once a day | Prevent gum disease and cavities by cleaning between your teeth daily |
| Wearing elastics as instructed | Elastics (rubber bands) correct your bite so your top and bottom teeth come together properly |
| Using Chewies as directed | Chewies help your aligners fit snuggly so teeth receive the right forces for proper movement |
Note: Depending on your appliance type, your specific instructions may vary. The key is following ALL instructions your orthodontic team gives you.
Why Compliance Matters for Your Orthodontic Results
Compliance is probably the most important key to success for any orthodontic treatment.
Research shows that patients who follow their care instructions finish treatment faster and get better results than those who don’t.
At Impact Orthodontics in Calgary, all patients sign a compliance contract before starting treatment.
This might sound serious, but it’s actually one of the most helpful documents in the practice.
The compliance contract clearly outlines everything you need to do for successful treatment. Think of it as your roadmap to a beautiful smile.
The team at Impact Orthodontics will teach you exactly how to do everything that’s required.
They’ll show you how to wear your elastics, how to take your Virtual Monitoring scans, and how to care for your appliances. But here’s the thing: you must actually do it.
Your orthodontist can create the perfect treatment plan, but they can’t make your teeth move without your help.
Every hour you skip wearing your aligners, every day you forget your elastics, and every time you skip brushing can slow down your progress.
What Happens When You Don’t Follow Instructions
Not following your orthodontist’s instructions has real consequences. Here’s what can happen:
| Non-Compliance Issue | Consequence |
| Not wearing aligners 22 hours a day | Teeth will not move as planned; treatment takes longer |
| Treating aligners as “bedtime only” | You will not achieve your desired smile; this approach simply doesn’t work |
| Not brushing your teeth | Cavities, gum disease, and white spots on teeth (which can be permanent) |
| Not wearing elastics | Your bite will not be corrected; teeth won’t come together properly |
| Not using Chewies | Teeth won’t receive proper forces; deep bite and other issues won’t improve |
| Missing appointments | Treatment falls behind schedule; problems may go unnoticed longer |
Bottom line: Without compliance, you will never achieve the perfect end result you’re hoping for. Studies show that patients who don’t follow instructions often end up with treatment that takes longer and costs more.
Tips to Make Compliance Easier at Home
Good news: staying compliant doesn’t have to be hard! Before starting orthodontic treatment (for yourself or your children), have a conversation about compliance and what will be needed.
Research shows that patients who understand their role in treatment tend to comply better.
Here are some systems that work well for Calgary families:
- Phone reminders: Set daily alerts on your phone for aligner wear, weekly scans, or elastic wear. Most smartphones let you set recurring reminders at specific times.
- Sticky notes in the bathroom: Put visual cues near your mirror for brushing and flossing routines. Seeing the reminder every morning and night helps build habits.
- Weekly scan schedule: Pick the same day and time each week for your Dental Monitoring scans. Sunday mornings or Friday evenings work well for many families.
- Keep supplies handy: Store your elastics, chewies, and travel toothbrush in places you’ll see them. Keep extras in your backpack, car, or locker.
- Track your progress: Take photos of your smile each month. Seeing how far you’ve come keeps you motivated to keep going!
The orthodontic team at Impact Orthodontics explains these strategies to Calgary patients regularly. According to the Canadian Dental Association, good oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment is essential for preventing long-term dental problems.
Your Path to a Beautiful Smile Starts with Compliance
Compliance is the most important key to success for orthodontic treatment—with any orthodontist, in any city, anywhere in the world.
For Calgary patients at Impact Orthodontics, following your personalized instructions will help you finish treatment faster and get the best possible results.
Dr. Jen, Dr. Dena, Dr. Wendy, and the team are here to support you every step of the way.
They understand that life gets busy, especially for families in all of Calgary’s Southeast and Southwest communities. That’s why they use tools like Virtual Monitoring to make care more convenient for patients across the city—from Downtown to the deep south.
Ready to start your orthodontic treatment with a team that sets you up for success? Book an appointment online today or call us at 403-256-7797. We’re located near Southcentre Mall and Chinook Mall and serve families from all across Calgary and surrounding areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does compliance mean in orthodontics?
Compliance means following all instructions from your orthodontist. It’s cooperation combined with motivation to achieve successful treatment. This includes wearing your appliances as directed, keeping appointments, and maintaining good oral hygiene.
How many hours a day should I wear my Invisalign aligners?
Invisalign aligners should be worn 22 hours a day for best results. You should only remove them to eat, drink anything other than water, brush, and floss.
What happens if I don’t wear my aligners enough?
Your teeth will not move as planned, and you won’t achieve your desired results. Treatment may take significantly longer, and you may need additional aligners, which can add to your costs.
Why do I need to wear elastics during orthodontic treatment?
Elastics (rubber bands) correct your bite by helping your top and bottom teeth come together in the right position. Without them, your teeth may straighten but your bite won’t be fixed.
What are Chewies used for in orthodontics?
Chewies are small cylindrical cushions you bite down on to help your aligners fit properly. They make sure your aligners are fully seated on your teeth so they can apply the right forces for proper tooth movement.
